It's currently 44°F outside.
And I just walked outside for some lunch with just a sweatshirt.
No hat.
No gloves.
It's been an incredibly mild winter so far. If I were the superstitious type, I'd say I shouldn't type that out. That it will only ensure cold, cold winter days ahead. Luckily (hehehe) I don't go for all that.
It's been nice.
And I'm not complaining at all.
In January 2010, we went on a trip to the USVI - St Thomas.
In January 2011, we went on a trip to Costa Rica.
There will be no trip in January 2012.
There will be no grabbing of our wetsuits and jumping in the ocean.
At least the bright sunny days and relatively warm weather doesn't make me want to desparately look forward to a non-forthcoming vacation at the beach.
Besides, by this time next year, we'll be living in a sunny location where I won't be freezing my a** off every winter.
Our future destination is still to be determined but it will certainly be somewhere sunnier and warmer and near the ocean. Jeff would live in his wetsuit, if I let him.
Okay. Maybe not.
But we are still focusing on summertime when we can don our gear and get back into the lakes. AND THEN move to wherever the wind blows us next.
Our adventure is just beginning.
In the meantime, we'll likely be jumping in a big aquarium to check out some sharks. Stay tuned for more on that later.
This post was sponsored by the folks at BodyGlove.
Showing posts with label Scuba Diving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scuba Diving. Show all posts
1.06.2012
7.03.2011
Phew! It's O-V-E-R!
Well, I'm shocked. Awed. Amazed.
Proud.
I did it. I completed my SCUBA training and am now a certified PADI Open Water Diver.
We did two dives on Saturday and two dives today. All four dives were in Square Lake near Stillwater. Visibility was only so-so. Maybe 6-8 feet. Apparently it's normally much better. Oh well.
Dive 1 was simply an orientation dive. There a little diamond-shaped course that we were supposed to follow. I had some buoyancy issues (getting to the bottom and staying down). And then my fins came off a couple times. I was totally able to keep calm and put them back on and adjust them without a hitch. I did get to see some fish, though. That was pretty neat. And all the plant life that's so annoying when swimming? It's kinda pretty when diving.
Dive 2 was mostly done out at a platform. We did a couple exercises to get out there. Tired diver tows. Snorkel/regulator exchanges. Once we got to the platform and descended, panic started to set in. I felt claustrophobic. I knew I was getting air, but I didn't feel like I was. It's an adjustment switching from nose breathing to mouth breathing with something in my mouth. I just wanted to get that thing out of my mouth. I did manage to remain calm, though. When the instructor came by, I signaled that I needed to go up. One of the other instructors ascended with me and talked me down out of my panic. I descended again and completed all the exercises. Fin pivot. Regulator recovery and clearing. Flooding and clearing my mask. Alternate air exchange and ascent.
I was so proud of myself for working through my anxiety and having a successful first two dives. I was really excited to go back today. I familiarized myself with the remaining exercises and discussed with Jeff the best way to accomplish them.
Dive 3 was back out at the platform. Before getting in the water, though, we reviewed the basics of using a compass. This time our descent had to be without holding onto the line, but using it as a visual reference. The panic/claustrophobia did begin to set in a little once at the platform, but I successfully worked through it. We had to do another flood/clear of my mask. This time was not as successful as the day before. I ended up taking in water and had to cough my way through it before I could clear my mask. In the end, I was successful though. We did another fin pivot exercise while on the platform and then a controlled emergency ascent. I had to repeat this exercise, because I forgot to do some basic preparation before heading to the surface. My second attempt was flawless. We returned to shore with a surface swim using compass navigation.
Dive 4 was the final dive for the certification. This time our descent was supposed to be without a visual reference. I wasn't quite able to descend perfectly straight down. Good thing everything is done in the buddy system, so Jeff stayed near me, and we made it to the platform A-OK. We were supposed to do a complete mask removal and replacement. I was unable to psych myself into doing this exercise. Fail. We did a hovering exercise and practiced a safety stop (hovering at about 15 ft for 3 min) before getting to the surface. I really was apprehensive that I would be successful at these exercises, but I did surprising well. We surface swam back to shore and then did a little more navigation work. Many of the others in the class swam out to find a sunken boat; I had to work with the instructor on mask removal and replacement.
I'm still not 100% comfortable being underwater, and there are a few skills that I definitely need to improve on, but I'm certified and can now practice whenever we feel like renting tanks of air.
We already have most of the gear (yeah, that's now confident Jeff was that I would pass. Best. Husband. Ever). Including full face masks with communication units. I got the one in emerald (lower right) and Jeff got the white. These will be great because I won't actually have a regulator in my mouth and will be able to breathe more naturally through both my nose and mouth. The extra bonus is that Jeff and I will be able to actually talk with each other. I'm kind of excited to get in the water with this baby.
My next dive will probably be at SeaLife Minnesota (an aquarium at the Mall of America). Jeff scheduled us to go on July 17th, but I want a little more time to work on buoyancy and simply get more comfortable being submerged in water first. He'll do this first dive with a different buddy while I observe from the top of the tank. Luckily, we have access to a deep, 14' pool across the street on campus for me to practice in, so I can feel more comfortable and prepare for Scuba with the Sharks.
Proud.
I did it. I completed my SCUBA training and am now a certified PADI Open Water Diver.
We did two dives on Saturday and two dives today. All four dives were in Square Lake near Stillwater. Visibility was only so-so. Maybe 6-8 feet. Apparently it's normally much better. Oh well.
Dive 1 was simply an orientation dive. There a little diamond-shaped course that we were supposed to follow. I had some buoyancy issues (getting to the bottom and staying down). And then my fins came off a couple times. I was totally able to keep calm and put them back on and adjust them without a hitch. I did get to see some fish, though. That was pretty neat. And all the plant life that's so annoying when swimming? It's kinda pretty when diving.
Dive 2 was mostly done out at a platform. We did a couple exercises to get out there. Tired diver tows. Snorkel/regulator exchanges. Once we got to the platform and descended, panic started to set in. I felt claustrophobic. I knew I was getting air, but I didn't feel like I was. It's an adjustment switching from nose breathing to mouth breathing with something in my mouth. I just wanted to get that thing out of my mouth. I did manage to remain calm, though. When the instructor came by, I signaled that I needed to go up. One of the other instructors ascended with me and talked me down out of my panic. I descended again and completed all the exercises. Fin pivot. Regulator recovery and clearing. Flooding and clearing my mask. Alternate air exchange and ascent.
I was so proud of myself for working through my anxiety and having a successful first two dives. I was really excited to go back today. I familiarized myself with the remaining exercises and discussed with Jeff the best way to accomplish them.
Dive 3 was back out at the platform. Before getting in the water, though, we reviewed the basics of using a compass. This time our descent had to be without holding onto the line, but using it as a visual reference. The panic/claustrophobia did begin to set in a little once at the platform, but I successfully worked through it. We had to do another flood/clear of my mask. This time was not as successful as the day before. I ended up taking in water and had to cough my way through it before I could clear my mask. In the end, I was successful though. We did another fin pivot exercise while on the platform and then a controlled emergency ascent. I had to repeat this exercise, because I forgot to do some basic preparation before heading to the surface. My second attempt was flawless. We returned to shore with a surface swim using compass navigation.
Dive 4 was the final dive for the certification. This time our descent was supposed to be without a visual reference. I wasn't quite able to descend perfectly straight down. Good thing everything is done in the buddy system, so Jeff stayed near me, and we made it to the platform A-OK. We were supposed to do a complete mask removal and replacement. I was unable to psych myself into doing this exercise. Fail. We did a hovering exercise and practiced a safety stop (hovering at about 15 ft for 3 min) before getting to the surface. I really was apprehensive that I would be successful at these exercises, but I did surprising well. We surface swam back to shore and then did a little more navigation work. Many of the others in the class swam out to find a sunken boat; I had to work with the instructor on mask removal and replacement.
 |
| Check out my super cute SCUBA hair as I work on disassembling my scuba unit. |
I'm still not 100% comfortable being underwater, and there are a few skills that I definitely need to improve on, but I'm certified and can now practice whenever we feel like renting tanks of air.
We already have most of the gear (yeah, that's now confident Jeff was that I would pass. Best. Husband. Ever). Including full face masks with communication units. I got the one in emerald (lower right) and Jeff got the white. These will be great because I won't actually have a regulator in my mouth and will be able to breathe more naturally through both my nose and mouth. The extra bonus is that Jeff and I will be able to actually talk with each other. I'm kind of excited to get in the water with this baby.
 |
| source |
I'm excited!
6.09.2011
Thankful Thursday #9
Day 9
Ok, so the first 8 TT weren't numbered, but I thought it might be fun to start numbering them, so here we are to #9 (pathetic considering I started this over a year ago) and my first numbered post.
Today I am grateful for:
I figure a 45-mile bike ride will be a good time way to get used to riding with a mirror. So, we'll see how that goes.
Ok, so the first 8 TT weren't numbered, but I thought it might be fun to start numbering them, so here we are to #9 (pathetic considering I started this over a year ago) and my first numbered post.
Today I am grateful for:
Band-Aids - They help heal, and more importantly, they keep me from getting blood all over the carpet at work (see yesterday's post).
 |
| {source} |
Pop-Tarts - Ok, so these are actually Wal-mart's brand, but they are so tasty and quick and easy and just perfect for when you're in a hurry and don't have time for an actual breakfast.
My husband - He has got to be one of THE most supportive, encouraging husbands out there. I am so grateful every.single.day. BUT I was especially grateful at how understanding he was during/after our first scuba lesson. He helped calm me down and even helped me not to give up but to get back in the pool the next day. He is nothing short of amazing. Last night, he helped me get ready for my Pedal & Paddle this weekend by finally installing the computer he gave me for my birthday last Aug on my bike
and attaching a mirror to my helmet.
What are you thankful for today?
6.04.2011
Being Super Excited About Something
Day 4
Doesn't mean you'll enjoy it.
Last night we started our scuba training.
Last night was review of what we learned during our self-study prior to the class.
I was super excited about all the possibilities that scuba could bring.
The feeling of weightlessness.
The fantastic sights to see - the fish, the coral.
This morning we were in the pool.
And.
It.
Was.
Trau-
matic.
I'm not very comfortable under the water, and I've never been able to do anything under water without physically plugging my nose. The first exercise we had to do under the water was breathe through the regulator without wearing a mask. For a full minute.
This was extremely difficult for me.
I did not like it.
It put me into total panic mode.
I was able to finish most of the other requirements during today's pool session, but I did have to skip one entirely. No mask-buddy drag.
It was all just a bit too much.
I've been on an emotional roller coaster ever since. I can't even count how many times I've fought back tears. ok actually cried.
Way too much stress!
Jeff and I have spent hours discussing this. What could have been different. How my reaction was normal/justified.
Now, I'm totally torn. Do I continue working toward my certification or do I quit? Most of what we're learning are emergency procedures that most likely I'll never need to do. Most likely, once in open water it will be a much easier, more enjoyable experience.
I've pushed myself immensely in the past year at riding a bike, so I'm *nearly* convinced I can push myself at this, too.
It will just take time.
Doesn't mean you'll enjoy it.
Last night we started our scuba training.
Last night was review of what we learned during our self-study prior to the class.
I was super excited about all the possibilities that scuba could bring.
The feeling of weightlessness.
The fantastic sights to see - the fish, the coral.
This morning we were in the pool.
And.
It.
Was.
Trau-
matic.
This was extremely difficult for me.
I did not like it.
It put me into total panic mode.
I was able to finish most of the other requirements during today's pool session, but I did have to skip one entirely. No mask-buddy drag.
It was all just a bit too much.
I've been on an emotional roller coaster ever since. I can't even count how many times I've fought back tears. ok actually cried.
Way too much stress!
Jeff and I have spent hours discussing this. What could have been different. How my reaction was normal/justified.
Now, I'm totally torn. Do I continue working toward my certification or do I quit? Most of what we're learning are emergency procedures that most likely I'll never need to do. Most likely, once in open water it will be a much easier, more enjoyable experience.
I've pushed myself immensely in the past year at riding a bike, so I'm *nearly* convinced I can push myself at this, too.
It will just take time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
