Quote:
Originally Posted by WT Sharpe
I've thought of that, too. I can snorkel pretty good, so using a tank shouldn't be a major problem, I suppose. I don't know about keeping the water out of the mask, though. That seems like it would be somewhat difficult.
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LOL! It's not difficult once you learn how. That's an important part of the training. You learn how to take off and put on your mask while underwater, clear the water from it, and continue on. And all you do to 'use the tank' is breath normally. It's 'setting up' the tank that you learn about in the class.
Most resort areas offer scuba certification as
a three-day class. Anything longer is just adding in more practice. Basically, if you can breath and you can swim, all you really need to learn is how to deal with the equipment, and the safety procedures that the sport requires. There is absolutely nothing difficult or complicated about recreational (vs technical) diving. Virtually any 12 year old would sail through the class...
A three-day class would give you certification as an "Open Water Diver." There is classroom talks, some reading, and in-water practices leading to a certification dive where you just demonstrate what you learned in class. Bingo. You're a diver. If you want to learn more about the sport you can take the 'Advanced Diver' certification.... and then... and then.. and then....
Certifications for wreck diving, cave diving, underwater naturalist, Nitrox certifications, Rescue Diver certification, Divemaster cert, Master Scuba Diver cert, etc., etc.
It's a great sport for us older guys because basically it's just gently and effortlessly moving through the water. Less work than swimming on the surface! No rushing around (unless you are like me and like to take pictures hither and yon!) no speeding... just cruising with the fishies RIGHT NEXT TO YOU rather than 15 feet below you....
Stitchawl