newb needs to learn

[yakfisher]

I started abalone diving with a friend last year and was suprised at how short my down times were. We dove from my sit on top fishing kayaks and it was a blast.

I don't know the first thing about diving. Someone recommended this forum to me so here I am. I just read a Terry Maas book and ordered another book. I have been lurking on here for the last week. I started doing o2/co2 holds (not in the water) and have already improved.


Be patient with me as I ask more questions than a 5 year old.
TEACH ME!!!!

 

[Salehthefish]

Hello there

Welcome on DB this is the best place to learn... Already there are old threads you may search them and you will find bunch of info...

Enjoy safe freediving

 

[Mr. X]

Be patient with me as I ask more questions than a 5 year old.

Yeah me too. Welcome!

I find it takes a while to get "warmed up"/into the swing of things. Early in the season and early in each dive my times and depths are usually pretty poor. After a while you seem to relax and get into the swing of things, it becomes more automatic/subconscious & after a while you notice you are near the end of the float line & still comfortable. I don't go real deep though, 10/12m tops & usually less. Nor do I have long bottom times (although late in the season, at the end of a dive last year a holidaymaker said I was down a long time -- hadn't really noticed or pushed it, so it probably improves through the season & dive). Perhaps by paddling to the dive site you are missing out that warm-up period (typically 20 minutes to an hour I would guess)? Also that aerobic exercise might push your heart rate up a bit such that you need a while to calm it back down.

One freediver mentioned in a post that he never expects anything special for his first couple of dives, and always treats those as warm-ups. Seeing a big fish too early in a dive can set my heart rate racing unduly too. Saw a whopper as I entered the water last year, speargun in one hand, lobster pot in the other - my heart was pounding in my ears!

 

[agbiv]

Welcome to Deeperblue from Texas. This is the place to for great information and to get together with divers in your area. Always dive with a buddy & stay safe.

 

[jimy286]

Hi and wellcome from NYC

Have you tried freediving and spearfishing equipment, FreeDiveShop

 

[slingshaft]

Hi, do you have a gun yet? A kayak sounds like the perfect floatation device. Tell us your favorite abalone dish. :friday

 

[Whopperhead]

You couldn't benefit more than from taking a freediving course. It will increase your skills and safety 100%. Best Advice I can give any new person. The instructors teaching the classes are the best people to learn from as they will teach you EVERYTHING you need to learn and then some.

Good luck- Be safe!

 

[yakfisher]

Hey good to see some Texans. I'm from half way between Bandera and Medina. The place is nothing like when I was a kid. I really miss what that place once was.

I am going to take a freedive class from Wallins in San Carlos. I haven't been to freedive shop in Sacramento yet but I will be visiting them soon. I'll be going for abalone in a couple of weeks and I think my down time will improve greatly from last year.

 

[jimy286]

I think the most important peace of kit is a good FREE DIVING wet suit. As this will keep you warm and give you lots of movement. Then a pair of long fins. Plastic as youl be bashin round the rocks

 

[yakfisher]

Yeah. I have a 7mm two piece that I bought on Craigslist. It keeps me warm but I would like something softer/stretchier.