ot: Scuba...they didn't let me go

[Linda C.]

I went for swimming lessons before we got here. Practiced in the pool everyday. Tom and I drove to a bunch of dive places to make sure we got a good place. Even got up at 5 this morning to drive 2 hours to Key Largo for the lesson.

Well, there is a medical statement form you have to fill out. The instructor noticed the scar on my leg. I told him I also had 2 disc removed from my lower back. He said that with scar tissue in the back could be a problem because of the nitrogen that can be trapped in the thicker tissue...something like that. My head was kind of spinning because I was realizing I couldn't go diving today. He recently had a student that needed to go for 3 days of decompression because of it. He said I needed a medical release form from my doctor. There was no way that the place or Tom would let me go scuba diving today.

Needless to say...I'm am very bummed out

Did anyone else know about this kind of thing?

 

[michaelg]

I know it isn't much of a consellation, but there is a lot of good snorkeling. Pennecamp park was quite fun when I went a couple years back.

Good thing you found out before problems.

 

[Dave ESPI]

well, depending on how DEEP you dive, and how LONG, there really is no need to worry about that crap...... If you stay shallow like 15 to 10 feet, it is considered a "no decompression dive".

Sounds like the place really just was snowballing you. I've known of other people who had major reconstructive surgeries, auto accidents, and other such stuff, and they still dive.

Meh, try another place.

 

[partagas]

I have to somewhat agree with ESPI. As long as you stay within the first 33 feet you are fine. You are still in a depth that does not need a long decom. If I remember it's 5 mintues per hour. As far as "He said that with scar tissue in the back could be a problem because of the nitrogen that can be trapped in the thicker tissue.." you can get that in a swimming pool. ( if you were to dive in a pool, such as getting your cert).

If I was you, yes I would be ****ed. But they are looking out for their bottom line. They have to make sure that their is no insurence rick for them.

 

[plandy]

Linda, I understand your frustration. With all the preparation and mounting excitement, your setback was disappointing. However it was just a short one. Bear in mind this outfit already has had a few experiences with all sorts of disasters. Yes they are looking out for their bottom line but at the same time, once in a while, they could be just right. Better safe than sorry. But I am sure with a quick checkup you'll be back in the waters with everyone in the safety zone.

Peter,

 

[Glove]

Comming from an instructor.......

All those details should have been taken care of the very first day/night of class. We use medical forms to Id the possible conditions of our students. That instructor should have known about your situation well before the day of those dives. All you needed to do was have you doctor give the final word on your ability to dive- that takes the choice out of the instructors hands and keeps them from being liable IF something were to happen because of "a" condition. We are not doctors and its not our place to say who is and who is not healthy enough for diving.
Sorry to hear you didnt make your dives.

 

[Linda C.]

oh well, it's ok. We went to speak to the instructors ahead of time and sadly the medical part wasn't mentioned that day. It's went we went back that I got the boot right away. I thanked the guy for at least explaining what I should find out for the next time. It was about 40 feet that we would of been diving in.

Where in our area can I start to take classes? I will take you up on the offer of borrowing your book Mister Sheedy if that is ok.

Oh well, back to snokeling today.

 

[Dave ESPI]

yep

And 40 feet is way too deep for "beginners" on a first dive IMHO.

Especialy for someone who would be "leary" of the water anyhow (Linda). I'm sure that there is far better places we could go that are shallow. Hell even 9 feet of water sitting on the bottom of a pool while breathing is K I C K A S S !.... no need to do 40 feet.

 

[Ken668]

I believe there are a couple dive shops in the area that offer classes/certifications. Some of the initial dives I would assume take place in school pools or such. I know there is one on Central Ave. heading towards State St. Don't recall the name though. I think a couple of the YMCAs might bring in people for PADI certs too.

If I recall, my first true dive was ~35'. This was after an hour in my resorts pool for the temporary certification.

 

[Coral007]

Sorry to hear that Linda, better safe than sorry I always say.

So where can we get a certificate for diving in this area?

 

[Coral007]

The phone book lists two:

Capitaland Scuba Center - Clifton Park 348-1062

and the other one is:
Diving Discovery Scuba Center - 1629 Central Ave. Albany
456-8146

I think over all the prices are pretty reasonable.

 

[Dave ESPI]

There is a class starting in Sept with Diving Discovery.


Perhaps if enough CDMAS reefers are interested, we all could take a group class ?

 

[Ken668]

I might be interested in that. Any idea on pricing there?

 

[Dave ESPI]

Ken, Scuba if you want a PADI certification, "C-CARD" runs like 500.00 all said and done.

If we all just wanted to do a group " Discover diving" program I'm sure we all could get an hour or so of class room, and then 2 hours in a pool.

We woulld just have to set somethig up. THat usualy runs like 100.00 a person.

 

[Toyota Guy]

I'd be in......

 

[Linda C.]

Me and Tom

 

[Coral007]

I'd be interested.

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Dave,

what would that 'dosciver diving' allow us to do in other parts of the country/ world?

 

[Ken668]

Rainer,
It probably wouldn't mean much outside of the country (or even inside for that matter). I figure it to be more of an introduction to literally "test the waters" and see if it's something a person would be interested in doing. Hopefully though, if you were interested in going for your PADI after taking the class, they might apply the cost to the certification, or at least help with some of the cost.

Dave,
please jump in and correct me if needed.

 

[Linda C.]

ok...got more info.

Diving Discovery Scuba Center - 1629 Central Ave. Albany
Class price $385, Books $60 Rental of equipment $75, to purchase equipment between $180-$270. John said they don't do any group discount.

First class at there location. Remaining classes at Cohoes Community Center. Followed by two days of check out/open water dives in Lake George.

Class that he has running is starting on Sept. 7th, however if a group of 6-8 wants to try he MIGHT be able to do a Thursday for us. Time would be for all his classes 7pm-10:30pm

This would be for PADI

For me, I get the extra added fun of seeing a Doctor that is DAN certified. Hopefully I will pass.

oh, Rainer...the certification is accepted anywhere.

Anybody interested?