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Beginning of a diving career? |
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PADI OPEN WATER course |
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| In June 1997 we got
certified as PADI OPEN WATER divers in Miami, Florida. |
| Read here about our first
couple of dives in Miami, where we got certified. We received our training at "The
Dive Locker". The guys there are a lot of fun, a touch chaotic,
but never irresponsible. Still, don't buy your gear there, it's a little pricy. Check
round for cheaper stuff, for example across the road. |
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Beddaduck |
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| This was our first ocean dive
ever. Needless to say, we were a little apprehensive. We entered big blue holding on tight
to the anchorline. Some of us had troubles equalizing at first, but our problems were soon
replaced by our astonishment over the incomprehensible vastness of big blue. Once we
touched the bottom, we did some exercises like clearing masks, regulator recovery,
pivoting, etc. But most of the time was filled with enjoying the scenery, the colorful
fish and the peace and tranquility only big blue offers you. And we learned that fear is
nothing but respect is everything. |
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| date: June 5, 97 |
depth: 43 feet |
bottom time: 0:30 |
visibility: 25 feet |
| We're giving this one (1-5 Bundys): |
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(sentimental value) |
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Pipeline |
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| This was our second dive only
twenty minutes after the first. Addiction was already total. This time, our instructor led
us along a pipeline running parallel to Miami Beach. Now we had to flood and clear the
masks, alternate-air-source- ascent, tired-diver tow, emergency swimming ascent and
others. Here we saw our first nurse shark and a big green moray. On first contact with
these "frightful" creatures, the looming pictures were quickly replaced by
curiosity and a friendly atmosphere. |
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| date: June 5, 97 |
depth: 46 feet |
bottom time: 0:35 |
visibility: 20 feet |
| We're giving this one (1-5 Bundys): |
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C-I |
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| A day and a couple of more pool
sessions later we did our first wreck dive on a Russian vessel sunk as an artificial reef
a couple of years ago. We went into the bottom of the wreck and out on top, watching all
the fish cruise along the hull of this miniature Titanic. We saw a lot of angelfish and a
couple of small barracudas. |
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| date: June 6, 97 |
depth: 43 feet |
bottom time: 0:30 |
visibility: 25 feet |
| We're giving this one (1-5 Bundys): |
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Captain Allen's Reef |
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| On our last dive before getting
certified we visited one of the favorite diving sites of Captain Alex, who only recently
had passed away. In his memory, some dive buddies had placed a little Buddha statue on the
sea bottom, and rubbing its belly should bring you luck. We did a lot of rubbing... As a
great feature, we got to see our first trumpetfish on this dive. We were surrounded by a
great array of colors and many curious fish. |
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| date: June 6, 97 |
depth: 99 feet |
bottom time: 0:35 |
visibility: 50 feet |
| We're giving this one (1-5 Bundys): |
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Miami Downtown |
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| Well, we do not have to tell you anything about Miami Downton,
we believe. But have you ever cruised down to South Beach in a speedboat going 75 miles an hour, knocking
back a couple of Buds and smoking fine Cohibas? Well, we have. Watch us: |
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