freshwater newb

[migreen84]

Hey all
I'm 23 and I live in grand rapids Michigan. I have no diving experience but
after seeing underwater photos of the great lakes, particularly the traverse bay area, and exploring this online community I've been excited to try freediving.
A coworker recommended the book "Manual of Freediving: Underwater on a Single Breath " to get a grasp on the basics.
For equipment I intend to purchase cressi 2000 hf fins, cressi minima mask, and an inexpensive oniel wetsuit when I am ready to get wet.
I'm a cautious person and I won't be pushing depths or anything for a while but I would love it if someone could recommend a freediving course in the midwest if such a thing exists.
Anyway thanks all, great community (deeperblue)
Josh

 

[freedivinmike]

Hey Josh, I have those fins and like them. Make sure you get some neoprene socks to wear with the fins. I would suggest 5mm as most water you will dive in does get cold. With that being said, you also need to make sure you buy the next size up in your fins so the socks will fit. Make sure you get socks and not boots. I would also suggest some fin keepers to hold the fins in place.

Mike

 

[migreen84]

Mike
Thanks for all the advice.
have you ever experienced problems with the cressi 2000 hf fins becoming too stiff at colder temps?
Just curious I think I saw something about that on cressi's website but maybe they meant like polar temperatures.
Anyway thanks

 

[Whopperhead]

Josh - If you dive Lake Mich. you might as well be Polar Temps. I live on the otherside of the Big Lake in WI and there are days that LAKE is COLD!!! The Cressi's are a good decent fin. The Wetsuit on the other hand......I understand not wanting to spend alot, because you're just starting out. But Trust me, your going to want something Warmer- to make your diving experience more enjoyable.

The Pics you are talking about- are they Fondueset's? Traverse City looks Awesome. I hope to get over there and dive one of these days.

Don't forget a pair of 3mil Gloves (or 5mil)

 

[ILDiver]

When it comes to equipment, buy quality. You don't want to buy twice, it makes it that much more $$. And you have a better chance of re-selling if you don't like the sport.

That's my theory anyway.

 

[freedivinmike]

Josh, You may want to check out the Cressi 3000 as I have heard they don't get as stiff as the 2000. I agree with Whopper on the wetsuit! A good alternative and not as expensive as a custom Elios would be a custom made suit from diveskin.net They are probably about $70 more than an O'Neil but would be a great starter suit for you. And yes, do get gloves also. The quarries get quite cold too as you go through the theromoclines.

Mike

 

[Fondueset]

Check out The Freediving Store - Jim can set you up with everything - tell him I sent you. Get a good 5 mil - open cell inside - nylon out - wetsuit - you won't regret it. We dive year 'round in ours. Since you are just a few hours south let me know if you get up to Traverse City. We just hosted a course with Pete (Laminar here on DB) for beginners. It was excellent and very well received. As interest builds we'll have him back for another one. PM me and I'll give you my phone number.

 

[migreen84]

Seems to be alot of experience speaking here, I will probably take everyones advice and hold out for a better wetsuit. Good to know a 5mm is best for year round. I appreciate the advice b/c I am buying a house and need to make the money I spend on gear count.
Thanks all Hopefully I'll get a chance to meet some of you once I get started.

Scott Yes, the pics I was talking about were from michiganfreediving.com. Blew my mind when I first saw the shots of fish and stuff.

 

[Fondueset]

Them're mine check out this thread too - we had a blast.
http://forums.deeperblue.net/freediving-stories/78843-old-florida-spearo-tries-frozen-north.html

 

[fleshy]

Hey, welcome to the forum. Freshwater offers just as much fun as saltwater, but is a little less bouyant. rofl Lake michigan is awesome, especially as your freediving abilities grow, and you can dive deeper/longer to explore wrecks and the such. Enjoy your new hobby, and welcome to DB!

 

[migreen84]

Thanks all for the welcomes.

Fondueset cool thread (...frozen north) and I saw its your birthday today on the list at the bottom of the page so cheers, many happy returns, ect.