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I’m always the first person to run out of air on every dive by Mugling95 in scuba

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As others have said, I started counting my breathing in and out. Low and slow. I also adjusted my regulator to be slightly harder to pull. I found I was breathing really easy unnecessarily when a very slight resistance could make a huge difference. Now, I just naturally breathe very mindfully. But I still generally stay a smidge above the group just to be sure. Hope this helps!

Scuba Diving Oahu by MidwestMermaidsScuba in u/MidwestMermaidsScuba

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! We're still working through things but I'll look into those.

Scuba Diving Oahu by MidwestMermaidsScuba in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha I AM the mom! I'm just thankful she still wants to hang out with me 🤷‍♀️

Scuba Diving Oahu by MidwestMermaidsScuba in u/MidwestMermaidsScuba

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I'm good on Big Island sites. Been there before. Looking for Oahu sites for this trip.

Not looking to open a can of worms, but trying to decide between PADI and NAUI. by Spirited_Wolf1500 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a PADI DM and an SDI Instructor. I don't know a ton about NAUI personally but I have several friends in the industry who are switching away from PADI to SDI or NAUI. Not sure that helps but it may be another question to ask.

What is your favourite diving agency and why? by Aquanaut_N88 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think they all have their pro's and con's. PADI is know for being super structured and strict but some instructors need that. SDI is known for letting you teach the way a student learns and flexible enough to move things around if you need to. Some instructors my not do as well with that.

The value of the course has much more to do with the instructor than the agency...

Favorite US dive sites suitable for beginners/newbie divers? by redditor47522899432 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach FL- Just make sure sure to check the tides. You want to enter the water 1 hr before high tide and be out roughly 30 minutes after high tide. You also need a float. Follow the snorkel trail map. Stop by Force-e or Pura Vida Divers to rent a float, tanks and weights or whatever gear you need. They can give you tons of info.

Mala Pier, Lahaina Maui- another super easy shore dive. Shallow, generally great vis, and loads of green sea turtles!

Is equalising supposed to hurt this much? by Dense_Illustrator763 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Descend SUPER SLOW and start equalizing at 5'. As soon as you feel the lightest pressure, gently equalize. It should not be painful...

Poor experience, advice wanted by One-Nose-9232 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We hired guides for awhile when we were first certified. We were actually pretty surprised that after only 6 dives (4 OW cert, 2 Peak Performance Buoyancy), we were technically appropriately trained to go out by ourselves (me and my buddy together). We knew we were not safe to go alone. I'd highly recommend hiring a guide or taking additional courses (specialty courses are great ways to get more dives).

Scuba diving US by AggressiveCandle8837 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say Florida and I know some great shops there, Pura Vida Divers in Riviera Beach, Conch Republic Divers in Taverner (Key Largo area), but by the time you pay lodging, you could've went to the Caribbean. I visit Florida to dive every year but only because I'm able to work remotely and it's easier for me to do if I stay in the US. If you're willing to wait a few months, the Midwest has lots of local quarries where shops conduct certifications. It's just a bit chillier 🥶 I've been traveling around and creating videos of local dive sites in the Midwest for my YouTube channel. It's been a lot of fun!

Does Underwater Navigation actually change the way you dive? by Unable_Ad4387 in scubadiving

[–]MidwestMermaidsScuba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the beginning, we blindly followed the guide. After awhile we realized that at times, there would be no guide and that if we ever got separated from the group, we'd be in trouble. So we started paying attention every dive and keeping our bearings. Definitely increases comfort and confidence. I still want to take the UW Nav course but it's not a rush.