Thinking of scuba diving for the first time

[MR.GMT]

I'm thinking about going scuba diving for the first time in my GMT with my wife. Never been scuba diving or snorkeling before, because of what's in the ocean creeps me out a little. So my wife is calling me a chicken because she has more balls then me. Any input on scuba diving experiences and is it ok to just go with my watch or have it checked out first. Pics scuba diving with a watch or the scenery is welcome as well, would love to see

[mjclark32]

Get it pressure tested at your local AD, usually free, as long as it passes you should be good to go.
Where are you planning on going to scuba?

[Hazelnut]

My advice to you if you have not scuba or snorkeled before is not to bring your GMT. You may be overwhelmed with all the gear you will be wearing and focusing on bouyancy. Chances of accidental damage to the watch might be higher. If that doesn't bother you by all means wear it and dive in style!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=312723

[Carolina Girl]

I have both snorkeled and SCUBA'd (down to around 115') many times with my dj with no problem.

I normally wear a skin (light spandex bodysuit) or a 1 mil wetsuit because I chill easily, and I tuck the end of the sleeve over my watch to protect it from scratches should I bump it up against something, but I feel it is safer on my wrist than sitting in the resort room awaiting my return!

Go and have a great time. Both snorkeling and diving are among the most amazing things I have ever done. Don't be surprised if you get hooked!

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Carolina Girl

I have both snorkeled and SCUBA'd (down to around 115') many times with my dj with no problem.

115' is almost double the depth of most recreational divers. Spandex or a 1mil suit wouldn't help much at that depth if you chill easily. Hopefully you've had some technical training as well?

[Hazelnut]

Originally Posted by kilyung

115' is almost double the depth of most recreational divers. Spandex or a 1mil suit wouldn't help much at that depth if you chill easily. Hopefully you've had some technical training as well?

X2. I went down to 70' in a 1mm at a tropical dive in the summer and still was chilled! Can't imagine how cold it would be at 115' with that setup! I am sure she wears more than that though for that dive down to 115'.

Well to the OP, it is a wonderful and possibly addictive activity. Some dive sites are so beautiful you just want to go back for more. Just make sure you have some divers with experience to teach you and guide you for the first few dives and you will have a great time!

[Carolina Girl]

Originally Posted by kilyung

115' is almost double the depth of most recreational divers. Spandex or a 1mil suit wouldn't help much at that depth if you chill easily. Hopefully you've had some technical training as well?

PADI sets the maximum depth for recreational divers at 130', as do most recreational diving organizations.

But, to answer your question, I do have Advanced Open Water PADI certification, and have been a certified diver since 1992.

100% of my diving and snorkeling takes place in the Caribbean, where I've found a skin or 1mil to be sufficient.

These days, I mostly stick to pretty reef dives at around 30-40' so I don't have to restrict my bottom time so much. When I was diving at greater depths, I had to wear a 3mil. It took up too much space in my suitcase and I don't like to rent wetsuits, and I didn't really care for deeper diving (mostly wrecks) anyway, so no loss.

[Degas]

Originally Posted by Carolina Girl

I have both snorkeled and SCUBA'd (down to around 115') many times with my dj with no problem.

Me too!

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by Carolina Girl

Don't be surprised if you get hooked!

Try not to get hooked, that really hurts.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by MR.GMT

I'm thinking about going scuba diving for the first time in my GMT with my wife.

I've been diving for over 20yrs. Diving is a great sport and most enjoyable when with loved ones. My young son just got certified and I'm looking forward to future dives with him. I always have my watches checked annually and have had no issues with Rolexes in the water.

[kieselguhr]

1st time? I would take classes first and worry about safety before what watch is on my wrist.

But once you get a good handle on it, absolutely wear that GMT! Be sure to take some nice underwater pics of it too and share it with us here! Enjoy

[azguy]

What is the GMT rated too..??

[Foxy1]

Go for it, I have been a dive instructor for many many years, you do realize if you do take classes it will change you for life, you will be booking every vacation around diving, it really is a great sport and you meet so many people.

As for your watch, yes I would have it tested first but I would not wear it on the first few dive as there is a chance of scratching it, but after a while you will feel comfortable enough to wear it.

Take your Open Water and then start thinking in the future of the advanced and rescue course, Advanced just give you more experience and to experience deeper depths and rescue is not only about rescuing others it is about self rescue as well, so a great one to have.

[Lucky777]

Lots if great info already posted here. Go for it, be safe, and you'll be hooked !!!


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[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by MR.GMT

I'm thinking about going scuba diving for the first time in my GMT with my wife. Never been scuba diving or snorkeling before, because of what's in the ocean creeps me out a little. So my wife is calling me a chicken because she has more balls then me. Any input on scuba diving experiences and is it ok to just go with my watch or have it checked out first. Pics scuba diving with a watch or the scenery is welcome as well, would love to see

I grew up snorkling & diving in Miami and always felt this way.

I'm much happier driving the boat...

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by MR.GMT

I'm thinking about going scuba diving for the first time in my GMT with my wife. Never been scuba diving or snorkeling before, because of what's in the ocean creeps me out a little. So my wife is calling me a chicken because she has more balls then me. Any input on scuba diving experiences and is it ok to just go with my watch or have it checked out first. Pics scuba diving with a watch or the scenery is welcome as well, would love to see

I first started diving over 25 years ago. Some of the best experiences of my life have been underwater. Most of those dives were done with the woman who would later become my wife. We're still together but haven't been diving in many years. I miss it and would love for my kids to learn to do it so I could go diving with them. Daytime dives in clear water are nothing to worry about and are a true joy. Getting creeped out only comes on the night dives.

[iazrollie]

Don't do it with a PCL bracelet. One of breitling's old marketing pitches for it drive watch was that is contained no shiny surfaces and therefore would not attract aggressive fish (eg barracudas, etc). Last thing you need is to be attacked by an aggressive fish in your maiden dive.

[Degas]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

Don't do it with a PCL bracelet. One of breitling's old marketing pitches for it drive watch was that is contained no shiny surfaces and therefore would not attract aggressive fish (eg barracudas, etc). Last thing you need is to be attacked by an aggressive fish in your maiden dive.

Urban legend

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Degas

Urban legend

Hell it is.

Best lure for a 'cuda is a shiny spoon...

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

Hell it is.

Best lure for a 'cuda is a shiny spoon...

x2 - he's right there...

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Degas

Urban legend

Besides, everyone knows urban barracudas carry a briefcase...

[Keith1]

Never had a problem diving with anything shiny. I have worn different TT Subs with serti, and diamond dials, and a multi diamond wedding ring. Been diving all over the world, and have done underwater video for many years. Was just in Palau filming large schools of barracudas, swimming through them. Same thing in the Caribbean. The only fish that gets aggressive are trigger fish, and it's not because of anything shiny. Been diving now for 41 years, and no problems with anything shiny.

As far as a 1 mil suit, I have had Ocean surface temp at 83 to 84, and at 120 feet it has been 85. Freshwater, is a different story with thermoclines.

You will have a blast either scuba diving or snorkeling!!

[Bubble Head]

I'd say give it a go, if you don't enjoy it at least you tried it! If it's gunna be in warm tropical waters with loads of visibility I think you'll love it, it's when your diving on a potential sea-mine at 200ft, pitched black and only a green status LED telling your mixed gas re-breathers in perimeters when you get a twitchy sphincter! Haha,

[bradiowausa]

I actually took a diving course that I found through sweet jack. It was fun, just not for me. There was alot of emphasis on the safety side of things, and that if you go to a place that doesn't maintain adequate safety standards, how you are putting yourself at risk.

My advice would be to really check up on who is providing your equipment and training.

[skprd13]

OP you have a greater chance of being in a traffic accident than you do getting harassed in the water. Once you are down there you will be amazed! It is another world down below. Relax and listen to your wife. It sounds like she knows, so enjoy it. I promise you will surface and say afterwards when can we go back down. Love diving, it is so peaceful and surreal. Good luck my friend.

Tom

[mdozier]

Been diving almost 35yrs. The places you'll likely go are typically frequented by divers and are accustomed to the interaction. While "creepy things" to you, they're more accustomed to you (or other divers) so if you don't get aggressive neither will they. Let common sense prevail and it will serve you well.

By far, the biggest threat to a diver is the diver himself. Not understanding the impacts of breathing pressurized gasses at depth and time can have far greater complications than anything else. The best advice is get trained properly, and learn to be comfortable underwater and you will have a blast. Patience and a level head are your greatest strengths and protection.

Wearing one watch or another should be a decision relating to your kit. I use mine as a backup bottom timer and a GMT can serve that purpose well. It will be secondary to your computer and a reliable timer is important. I've been diving with my SD for years and it has served me well. So will your GMT.

Godspeed and enjoy.
M

[beebox]

Here are some old scuba diving photos mostly taken in manado indonesia.

No rolex involved though.

[Carolina Girl]

For some reason, I have always been "attractive" to barracudas to the point where they'll follow me around. (Maybe it's my matching hot pink fins, mask, wetsuit and BC, lol.)

I am fascinated by them - the way they hang around in toothy gangs just below the surface like a bunch of juvenile delinquents on a street corner.

Maybe I just relate to them - I like shiny stuff too!

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by Carolina Girl

For some reason, I have always been "attractive" to barracudas to the point where they'll follow me around. (Maybe it's my matching hot pink fins, mask, wetsuit and BC, lol.)

I am fascinated by them - the way they hang around in toothy gangs just below the surface like a bunch of juvenile delinquents on a street corner.

Maybe I just relate to them - I like shiny stuff too!

[iazrollie]

Originally Posted by Carolina Girl

For some reason, I have always been "attractive" to barracudas to the point where they'll follow me around. (Maybe it's my matching hot pink fins, mask, wetsuit and BC, lol.)

I am fascinated by them - the way they hang around in toothy gangs just below the surface like a bunch of juvenile delinquents on a street corner.

Maybe I just relate to them - I like shiny stuff too!

So indeed they are attracted to your shiny gear! Rofl.