Study Scuba before arrival !

Both Hedonism Resorts have excellent dive facilities, divemasters and instructors. They both offer Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced Open Water and most of the PADI Specialty Courses. Many guests arrive thinking about studying scuba but use up the first few days of their stay before getting serious. I highly recommend reading the PADI manuals and answering the knowledge review questions before arrival. Visit the Water Sports office early upon arrival and meet the instructors so that they can help plan an easy morning schedule. The best souvenir from Hedo would be your certification card so that you can return and dive again.

I think you can even do all the book work on-line. Then just do the dive portion at the resort.

I would suggest the classroom work and pool dives be done at home and transfer the work to Hedo for the open water dives. I can't imagine wasting Hedo time in a classroom.

M took the resort course on our first trip. This worked out great because she really wasn't interested in scuba but this got her some basic experience and a 40 foot dive for something like $70. In the end she was just as satisfied snorkeling as she was diving and we left it at that.:rolleyes:

I'd recommend to anyone who thinks they might be interested in scuba to do the resort course and go on a couple shallow dives. If it really turns your crank, get your c-card after you get home and then convince all your new dive buddies to go to Hedo with you!:creepy:

Even if you only plan to do the resort course you should own and read the manual. Why dive clueless? Also the resort course can count toward your first Open Water course dive if you want to persue the certification. Doing the pool skills and ocean dives with Hedo's instructors doesnt impact the vacation very much since your done by noon and its only a couple of days anyway. The online academics mentioned costs $150 while the PADI OW manual, blue log book and dive table only costs $39. It's also good to own the manual for future reference.

There is almost 0 class room time. I did most of the reading naked at the nude pool. My wife did the same the following year. I would suggest doing the reading at home, but I wouldn't spend the money on a class at home. It will add to your cost and is very inefficient. At hedo my class was 1. My wife was in a class of 2. At home we would have been in groups or 15 or more. All skills take forever that way because more than 90% of your time is waisted while everyone else is doing their skills tests. Hedo is the way to go.

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Originally Posted by caughtyoulookin

I would suggest the classroom work and pool dives be done at home and transfer the work to Hedo for the open water dives. I can't imagine wasting Hedo time in a classroom.

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Any idea how much Hedo would charge just to complete the open water dives for certification?

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Originally Posted by whatevva

Any idea how much Hedo would charge just to complete the open water dives for certification?

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If you bring a signed referral form ( with academics and confined water sessions 1-5 done ) then the remaining 4 open water dives with a resort instructor and PADI application would cost $250.

The full PADI Open Water course at Hedo is only $350.

FWIW, I did my checkout dives in the Bahamas along with a few guys who had just done the quick course the day before at a resort. There was a noticeable different in the comfort level of those guys versus my group who had been in the pool at home a half-dozen times to learn how. If you're not sure if you're into scuba, the Intro to Scuba resort dives are a great way to find out. If you *know* you're interested in getting certified, I'd definitely do the book work and practice dives at home. As far as class size goes, my dive class at home was just the three people going on my trip - it really depends on the dive shop.

One other thing to keep in mind is that diving is pretty easy to do if you've got half a brain but it can still be dangerous. If you have a problem, even at 35 feet down, not freaking out is important and a little practice at home can make that difference. On my first checkout dive, I had a faulty regulator but it didn't act up until I was at depth. I'd practiced at home so I had no trouble switching to my backup and getting the divemaster to look at the reg. Would I have been ok without the practice at home? Probably. But I certainly felt safer when I had a problem.

Just my two bits. :) Have fun in the sun!

Rob.

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Originally Posted by hedo_diver

If you bring a signed referral form ( with academics and confined water sessions 1-5 done ) then the remaining 4 open water dives with a resort instructor and PADI application would cost $250.

The full PADI Open Water course at Hedo is only $350.

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Thanx HD, even the instructor that I spoke with suggested we do it this way, simply because of the water temp up here, and the extra equipment required. So what is the time frame requirement for those 4 open water dives? Is that what can be done in 2 mornings?

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Originally Posted by whatevva

Thanx HD, even the instructor that I spoke with suggested we do it this way, simply because of the water temp up here, and the extra equipment required. So what is the time frame requirement for those 4 open water dives? Is that what can be done in 2 mornings?

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PADI requires 4 open water dives. During each you demonstrate skills, alerady learned in the pool, with a degree of comfort back to the instructor. Only 3 dives can take place in one day so two mornings are usually needed to complete the four dives. Only a few skills are done on each dive so most of each dive is site seeing. At Hedo your done by noon.

Definately recommend doing some Advanced Open Water dives at Hedo since the required AOW deep dive is very pleasant with great visibilty and 84 degree water.

Ok now I have a question. Certified Padi open water like 5 yrs, I havn't been on many dives since. I would like to get a tank & play around at some shallow depths. Is there a recommended dive for me? The last time I went on a resort dive. It was just swim here and here and I couldn't really just relax and sit, play with my boyancy, let the fishers come to me.

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Originally Posted by Luv4hedo

Ok now I have a question. Certified Padi open water like 5 yrs, I havn't been on many dives since. I would like to get a tank & play around at some shallow depths. Is there a recommended dive for me? The last time I went on a resort dive. It was just swim here and here and I couldn't really just relax and sit, play with my boyancy, let the fishers come to me.

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5 years is a long time...

Being a certified diver you can take a refresher class with any instructor or divemaster. Of course an instructor would be best. A good refresher would review a little academics (read your manual before going) and take you in the pool to refresh most of the 20 scuba and safety skills. Afterward he would probably like to dive open water with you and may give some peak bouyancy pointers. Cost for refreshers are usually similar to discover scuba. ($70) You get a lot for the money. Peace of mind and honed skills. Ask an instructor at either Hedo watersports desk. Its fun and they'll repect you for taking your diving seriously.

You could follow up the refresher with the Advance Open Water.

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Originally Posted by hedo_diver

PADI requires 4 open water dives. During each you demonstrate skills, alerady learned in the pool, with a degree of comfort back to the instructor. Only 3 dives can take place in one day so two mornings are usually needed to complete the four dives. Only a few skills are done on each dive so most of each dive is site seeing. At Hedo your done by noon.

Definately recommend doing some Advanced Open Water dives at Hedo since the required AOW deep dive is very pleasant with great visibilty and 84 degree water.

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Are there only certain days that these open dives can take place? I read somewhere that it can only be done 4 days of a week. If that's the case, I can adjust my trip so as not to lose any dive time.

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Originally Posted by whatevva

Are there only certain days that these open dives can take place? I read somewhere that it can only be done 4 days of a week. If that's the case, I can adjust my trip so as not to lose any dive time.

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Instructors do get a day off. So it is possible you could miss 1 day of diving based on instructor scheduling. On a 7 day trip you'll have plenty of time to do the open waters and extra dives after certification. While checking in at the front desk also book the class. Visit the watersports desk also on your first day tell them your schedule. No problem !

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Originally Posted by hedo_diver

5 years is a long time...

Being a certified diver you can take a refresher class with any instructor or divemaster. Of course an instructor would be best. A good refresher would review a little academics (read your manual before going) and take you in the pool to refresh most of the 20 scuba and safety skills. Afterward he would probably like to dive open water with you and may give some peak bouyancy pointers. Cost for refreshers are usually similar to discover scuba. ($70) You get a lot for the money. Peace of mind and honed skills. Ask an instructor at either Hedo watersports desk. Its fun and they'll repect you for taking your diving seriously.

You could follow up the refresher with the Advance Open Water.

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I accually took the class 2x I finished all the pool time SSI and all then didn't take my check-out dive. So I took the class again with Padi and got my cert.

I did pull out my equiptment last weekend and played in the pool w/ my hubby who is a certified as well but he has advanced and several specialties. It is just not the same as salt water diving. Last time we went diving in the dominican I got so sea sick I was hanging off the side of the boat before the dive. Then all I kept thinking was getting sick in my regulator:eek:. Not a good time so I think that is where my fear stems from not from not being prepared to handle and emergency.

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Originally Posted by Luv4hedo

Last time we went diving in the dominican I got so sea sick I was hanging off the side of the boat before the dive. Then all I kept thinking was getting sick in my regulator:eek:. Not a good time so I think that is where my fear stems from not from not being prepared to handle and emergency.

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Recommend ginger for sea sickness.

A friend of mine was introduced to sailors secret (ginger) and it worked for her and she was able to finish her Open Water cert and went on to adv and rescue.
They sell ginger in capsules and caplets at most pharmacies and natural food stores.

Take one the night before, one at breakfast and one just before the boat trip.
Its amazing.

Assembling your equipment a few times at home is very good. If you review your manual and get a pool refresher, some anxiety will disappear.

I think the rest of your fears will subside with experience. Go Diving!


You can also buy this book. Has a couple of pages on seasickness and vomiting

Scuba Diving Safety
by Dan Orr and Eric Douglas

http://www.amazon.com/Scuba-Diving-S.../dp/0736052518

Dan Orr now heads up the Divers Alert Network. (DAN)

Almost tested that you can puke thru your regulator last year. Tried poached eggs for breakfast before the dive for the first time, in red sauce. Bad move and I knew better, lol. Held it in during the safety stop until we broke the surface, then I was chumming, lol.
Light breakfast before diving.
Paul....

Hedo 2 seems to have calm waters. Probably have seen more hangovers than seasickness. If your diving in the morning it's best to get some rest the night before.

My hubby is taking the PADI course here at home. He will have his manual test and last enclosed dive the week before we leave for Hedo. My question is how much will it cost to do his open water dives and be certified at Hedo? Also, can I go out on the dive boat just to "bubble watch" ?

Thanks

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Originally Posted by asweetsecret

My hubby is taking the PADI course here at home. He will have his manual test and last enclosed dive the week before we leave for Hedo. My question is how much will it cost to do his open water dives and be certified at Hedo? Also, can I go out on the dive boat just to "bubble watch" ?

Thanks

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The Open Water dives are $250. Need to make sure the PADI referral form ( copy of the training folder) is signed by his instructors for all confined water dives, knowledge reviews, quizes and final exam.

If the dive boat is light on divers they may let you on. They usually prefer only divers. Make friends at the watersports desk , ask a day ahead of time and take a no as a no. The divemasters are in charge of safety and the resort will hold their feet to the fire if there are any problems. There's been an extra seriousness about all the rules this year. Be considerate.

Better your not on the boat the days he's getting his checkout dives. Afterwards may be better.

The "Discover Scuba" course is kinda like test driving a car, right? What exactly does this entail or encompass? How long is it? We both snorkel, but any scuba would be limited to once a year(when we are lucky!) on vacation so not sure we want to go that extra step...

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Originally Posted by Me Gusta

The "Discover Scuba" course is kinda like test driving a car, right? What exactly does this entail or encompass? How long is it? We both snorkel, but any scuba would be limited to once a year(when we are lucky!) on vacation so not sure we want to go that extra step...

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Discover Scuba is like test driving a car without learning to drive.

Discover scuba costs $70 at most resorts.
It entails watching a short video and learning 4 scuba skills in a pool.
Once the skills are learned in the pool they let you scuba around the pool under supervision. If the resort has time and space on a shallow dive boat AND the divemaster is comfortable with your skill they may allow you to dive under direct supervision. If that goes ok they may if space permits, allow another dive. It's at the discretion of the resort and divemaster.

The next time you travel to a resort to dive you'll have to start again and there is never a guarantee that the instructor or divemaster has to allow you on the boat.

Discover scuba divers under divemaster supervision cannot dive below 35 feet. If an instructor is present then it's up to the instructor to have you go deeper.

The manual only costs $39. Take the time to read it. Learn to dive if you plan on diving.

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Originally Posted by Me Gusta

The "Discover Scuba" course is kinda like test driving a car, right? What exactly does this entail or encompass? How long is it? We both snorkel, but any scuba would be limited to once a year(when we are lucky!) on vacation so not sure we want to go that extra step...

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We had a great experience with the Discover Scuba course at Hedo2. I got my C card when I was 14 but my wife has never tried it because she is extremely susceptible to motion sickness, a little claustrophobic, and gets cold easy. Nothing that she can’t prepare for but certainly would inhibit the enjoyment of diving. So the Discover scuba course (they called it the Resort Course) was an excellent option for her to experience scuba.

The resort course allows you to experience scuba but doesn’t require you to have anything but the most basic of competencies. (Likkle bubbles mon).

Since it just M who was signed up I got to piggyback along for her training. They had M watch a video that I’m guessing wasn’t much over 30 minutes. Then they reviewed the information with her. After that we pulled the gear out and went over the basic setup and operation of the tanks, reg and bcd. We skipped the pool and went out off the prude beach and did basic underwater exercises such as clearing your mask, breath control, basic hand signals, and buddy breathing. It seems that we were done by lunch time.

The next day we were scheduled to go out late morning for an open water dive. There was three other divers (one was doing some sort of follow a heading test) plus Rodrick and us made six. The plan was to get everyone down to the bottom and we’d follow the person doing the headings. On the bottom (my depth meter was showing just over 40’) M was having some difficulty controlling her breath to stay neutral so Rodrick stripped off a weight and stuck it in her bcd. After that I held her hand and we played follow the leader. She got to see all the pretty fishes, coral and so forth. We came full circle to our original position and back up we went. A successful first dive for M!

We didn’t go out again after that. M got to experience scuba but the reality was she just as happy snorkeling. Rodrick and crew kept a good handle on everything and were very accommodating to M. If she were to want to dive again the resort cert was good for 30 days but I would have had her do an ow course right away. You could apply the $70 fee toward the ow course as well.

Scuba diving requires both commitment and capital. The resort course is a great way for the uninitiated to get a feeling if this is really something they could see themselves doing. If you’re the “When I grow up I want to be a scuba diver!” type then I’d skip the resort course and go for an ow course right off the bat.

:cheers2:

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Originally Posted by hedo_diver

Recommend ginger for sea sickness.

A friend of mine was introduced to sailors secret (ginger) and it worked for her and she was able to finish her Open Water cert and went on to adv and rescue.
They sell ginger in capsules and caplets at most pharmacies and natural food stores.

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Triptone saved my openwater cert (a lot of sloshing back & forth at La Jolla shores, san diego)

The cool thing about it is that it takes affect almost instantly- so if you forget to take ginger before, it is amazing.

Hey- Hedo_diver - when's your next trip?? I'm going down to H3 in 8/8 with my dive stuff

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Originally Posted by CodePoet

Hey- Hedo_diver - when's your next trip?? I'm going down to H3 in 8/8 with my dive stuff

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Hedo3 8/16 - 8/23

There is an PADI Open Water DVD (about $25 on amazon) that you can watch before arrival. It covers most of the open water dive training and is also fun to watch.

you could also borrow the PADI open water diver manual from the library (like i did) for a bit of pre-learning.

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Originally Posted by hedo_diver

Hedo3 8/16 - 8/23

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d'Oh... I'm 8/8-8/15.. ah well.. I'll leave a painted scuba stone for ya :)