Lake diving in May
Hey all, I am looking for some other dive buddies for next weekend, I’m flexible with the exact time and location. I’m a beginner.
After our first freedive session, we explored the lake’s shores. We were surprised to find so many different fishes and species hidden in the reeds, forming schools of different sizes. I was captivated by the lively scenes. My friend suddenly called me: “Follow me! I’m going to show you a wels catfish!” If you say to someone that you dive with a catfish, most people will grimace in disgust. If you search for catfish in newspaper archives, some articles even mention dogs being attacked in lakes by these giant fish. The wels catfish (Silurus glanis) for sure has a bad reputation, but it is a fascinating fish nevertheless as I quickly learned.
Before taking the PADI ReActivate program, there are several things you can do to ensure you are properly prepared. Here’s a scuba refresher checklist to work through before you begin:
Join PADI Club! If you haven’t joined PADI Club yet, now is the time to do it. PADI Club membership gives you FREE access to the online portion of the PADI ReActivate program! As a member of PADI Club, you’ll also receive access to some incredible benefits, including 20% off most PADI eLearning courses, access to DAN’s Prepared Diver Course, exclusive PADI Club eCards, 25% off a new certification card and a free subscription to Scuba Diving Magazine. Plus, 5% of your membership fee goes to PADI AWARE, so you can help to protect what you love from home.
Sign up online for PADI ReActivate eLearning. You can use this link and get started right away. PADI eLearning allows you to study in the comfort of your own home and at a pace that suits you. You’ll find that the online component is highly interactive and includes videos and scenarios to provide you with reminders and to check your understanding.
Contact your local dive center and book your in-water session. This means that you’ve given yourself a date by which to complete your eLearning component, too!
Dig out any scuba gear that you own and intend to use. If you haven’t been diving in a while, it’s likely your gear has been stored away. Check all items carefully for any signs of deterioration. You may want to have some items checked over and serviced by a professional. When checking your gear, make sure you check the battery level in your dive computer, too. The batteries don’t last forever!
Locate your logbook and certification cards. Your dive center will want to see your cards, and you can make a note in your logbook of your PADI ReActivate in-water session.
Complete your PADI ReActivate eLearning, take a quick review, and save or print your PADI ReActivate eLearning Certificate. It’s a good idea to email this to your chosen dive center, so they have it in advance of your in-water session.
Assess your physical fitness. Ask yourself if you are physically fit for diving. Are you in reasonable shape? If you are not feeling 100%, it might be time to hit the gym to build up strength, or if you have more serious concerns, visit your doctor for a medical checkup. If you decide to visit your doctor, take a copy of the PADI Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire and Physician’s Evaluation Form with you and complete the questions in advance.