advice for first timer.

[barry wallace]

Any advice for two first timers going diving un-supervised, we will be going to stoney cove, staying within 10-15m and hopefully having a go at navigation. Its really just to gain confidence and experience. Any tips/advice however obvious they may sound would be gratefully received.
Also I am really struggling to choose equipment, have tried various equipment ( supervised ) but the choice is endless, mainly BCD, regs and octopus.
Trained in glide 2000, MK25/R390. Liked them, I am also tempted by buddy BCD with pony bottle for the safety aspect.

Very much appreciated in advance.
Barry

[Keith Lawrence(BSAC)]

Any advice for two first timers going diving un-supervised, we will be going to stoney cove, staying within 10-15m and hopefully having a go at navigation...

Ahhh! How we all remember that first 'solo' with just you and your buddy, no instructor, it's just down to you two :-)

First bit of advice - ENJOY IT! This is where the fun starts, you're now diving for pleasure, developing your own style, techniques and preferences.

For a first dive ideally go somewhere you've been before, if you've trained at Stoney (and you know it) then the DC10 cockpit is a good choice, if you haven't been there before then just ask - it's in about 10m down the sloping roadway on the right hand side (looking from the shore) near the bus stop. You've got a nice 5 - 6m ledge to play on, then it drops down to the cockpit, just follow the roadway down a bit (it goes to about 18m) if you want to go a bit deeper.

If you're feeling REALLY adventurous then turn left at the bottom of the roadway, you'll see the little ruin (breeze blocks ect.) below you, follow the wall along, you'll then hit the chopper! At any point just ascend the wall to get back to the 6m ledge.

As for kit... hire something, it's all reasonable, then ask around at Stoney. The other divers there will be delighted to explain their kit to you if you ask nicely and explain that you're new and looking for kit. Choose something that suits YOU, don't just go for fashion or sales speel.

But above all Barry - ENJOY! Remember your training, your instructors will have taught you everything you need to have a great dive, you'll have done it all before so nothing should take you by surprise. If you're not happy with anything then just ask somebody, if you're not happy at all then simply don't do it - the dive will be there waiting for you next time.

HTH

Keith L

[Andy Wade]

:=Any advice for two first timers going diving un-supervised, we will be going to stoney cove, staying within 10-15m and hopefully having a go at navigation...

Ahhh! How we all remember that first 'solo' with just you and your buddy, no instructor, it's just down to you two :-)

First bit of advice - ENJOY IT! This is where the fun starts, you're now diving for pleasure, developing your own style, techniques and preferences.

For a first dive ideally go somewhere you've been before, if you've trained at Stoney (and you know it) then the DC10 cockpit is a good choice,
(snipped)

DC10? Nah, it's an old Vickers Viscount cockpit. I've worked on them, yes I am that old. ;-)

Fully agree with everything else Keith has said though, There should be plans of the cove available, with all the local dive features displayed, best advice is to do something nice and easy. I haven't been to Stoney for years, but a swim right under the covered jetty if it's not too busy was always worth a look as large pike used to shelter there amongst the weed, they should be even bigger now if they've eaten a few divers for breakfast.
;-)



.

[barry wallace]

:=:=Any advice for two first timers going diving un-supervised, we will be going to stoney cove, staying within 10-15m and hopefully having a go at navigation...
:=
:=Ahhh! How we all remember that first 'solo' with just you and your buddy, no instructor, it's just down to you two :-)
:=
:=First bit of advice - ENJOY IT! This is where the fun starts, you're now diving for pleasure, developing your own style, techniques and preferences.
:=
:=For a first dive ideally go somewhere you've been before,


if you've trained at Stoney (and you know it) then the DC10 cockpit is a good choice,
(snipped)

DC10? Nah, it's an old Vickers Viscount cockpit. I've worked on them, yes I am that old. ;-)

Fully agree with everything else Keith has said though, There should be plans of the cove available, with all the local dive features displayed, best advice is to do something nice and easy. I haven't been to Stoney for years, but a swim right under the covered jetty if it's not too busy was always worth a look as large pike used to shelter there amongst the weed, they should be even bigger now if they've eaten a few divers for breakfast.
;-)


Thanks to you both, I did train in stoney cove so I am familiar with it, but as to finding objects under own direction we will see eh!At least the temperature should be a bit more enjoyable, Air -2 water 6c (ish) when I learned in a wet suit!!!
cheers.