Following years as a diver and instructor, being constantly on both sides (as a diver-student taking training courses and as an instructor – teaching sport & technical diving courses), I’ve made a short list of 5 tips strongly suggest you to adhere:
- 1 – make sure you exceed the minimum requirements for the course you are enrolling in. This is in fact, just a number. Varying from agency to agency, from level to level. Make sure YOU are comfortable with that level you are now, and you are ready to move on to the next level. Ask a good diver-friend for an honest opinion and advice to improve, if necessary, before you enroll in the next challenge.
- 2 – give time between your course in order to assimilate, understand, practice, and master the skills & knowledge just learned. A strong pyramid is built with a strong foundation! Crocheting the classes without a break is not always a good idea. You may tick the boxes of requirements, but certain levels, especially the technical diving ones, need time.
- 3 – be very comfortable in the diving configuration you are intending to perform. Sidemount, backmount, dry suit, DPV, CCR, etc – know your gear as per your present level before moving forward to the next one. And get ready to perform not always in perfect conditions, weather, or especially if some gear is rented (cylinders, harness, etc).
- 4 – be in a good (as a minimum) physical & mental status. If you need to lose some weight, do it in advance. Do it anyway! If you need some cardio – start moving. If you need some extra strength – start working out. Be honest with yourself and take action. Do it under proper supervision, with a fitness trainer or dietician. Quit smoking, will be your best health decision ever.
- 5 – know your instructor in advance. For the technical & overhead diving courses is almost a must. You have social media as a powerful tool. See what he/she is doing, and how is performing. But… don’t let yourself entrapped into the well-made-up marketing. Empty your brain and get ready to fill it up with knowledge. And most important – you need to resonate with your instructor as much as possible.
Dive safe!
Costa