Intro and Dive Bio

Celeus · Post by **Celeus** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:55 pm

Just an introduction-

Presently I dive open-circuit, but I'm strongly considering going the rebreather route, so I've been doing some research. I dive around here mostly (Alki, Banditos trips to the South Sound), with trips to British Columbia every few months and the occasional warm-water trip (Hawaii, La Paz, MX so far, and Roatan Honduras in a few months).

My first certification was around 20 years ago (Jr. PADI diver), but I stopped diving after around 20 dives until around 10 months ago. I'm diving at a rate of around 100/year at this point (67 dives since re-certifying). I have the typical average-diver certs through Stress/Rescue, and plan on taking the TDI Deco and SSI Divecon in 2007.

Non-diving, my background is technical, I have most of an engineering/Computer Science degree (I is a college dropout you see). I pay for my diving by doing network engineering/architecture. Gas laws and diving physiology are interesting to me, as I am an unabashed geek.

Thanks,

--Celeus

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:00 pm

Welcome to NWDC Celeus!

Good thing you have a good job to pay for this immersive habit (pardon the pun).

So, why the sudden re-infatuation with diving? Seems like quite a bit of time went by and now you've realized that you love the sport (again).

Hope to see you around.

thelawgoddess · Post by **thelawgoddess** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:03 pm

hi and welcome to the club!

straitscuba · Post by **straitscuba** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:52 pm

Welcome!

divernick · Post by **divernick** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:39 pm

Welcome to the party!

Burntchef · Post by **Burntchef** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 12:13 am

welcome aboard matey! aarrrrrr

BASSMAN · Post by **BASSMAN** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:21 am

welcome Celeus!

Rebreather? Cool!

Sounder · Post by **Sounder** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 7:39 am

Just couldn't kick the habit eh? It's cool - you're among other addicts here too. Welcome!

Sergeant Pepper · Post by **Sergeant Pepper** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:33 am

I think if you asked my wife, she may describe me as a geek as well. Welcome aboard, er below or something. Calvin, your avatar is making me ill.

GillyWeed · Post by **GillyWeed** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:36 am

Welcome! Hope to see you in the water soon!

Dmitchell · Post by **Dmitchell** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:26 am

Celeus wrote:Just an introduction-

Presently I dive open-circuit, but I'm strongly considering going the rebreather route, ......

taking the TDI Deco and SSI Divecon in 2007.

Thanks,

--Celeus

Welcome

If you are serious about the rebreather, Drop a note to Mel Clark - "Scubagrunt" on this board and discuss it with her. I'd also recommend talking to her and make up your mind about the Rebreather before you do any "tech" courses.

Or, you can come to Alaska and do the tech courses with me in preparation for Mel's rebreather course!

Dave

Celeus · Post by **Celeus** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 2:43 pm

Wow, thanks for the welcome!

I stopped diving mostly because I was living in Houston Texas, I found quaries and lakes boring and diving is not a good hobby for a poor college student.

Then there was the matter of working way too much and having a string of several _very_ close calls swimming/sailing (I was pretty much a fish growing up). It took quite a while before I was comfortable back in the water. At least I have some good stories, and its made me more pedantic about gear checks before I dive.

Some close friends here in Seattle got into diving, so a few more of us started. It's been an excellent way to get me out of the office and to take vacations, something I was always very bad at before.

Dave, it's interesting that you mention Mel Clark. I was planning on at least trying to chat with her before I made any decision. I've been leaning towards a KISS Sport, but I have some concerns about WOB, switching diluents under water and the depth rating. If I go with the KISS or Inspiration I think the Deco class will be folded in with the rebreather class, if not, the Deco class is more so I'll be comfortable if I end up in a situation and so I can hone my hovering skills, etc.

Thanks again for the warm welcome folks!

Joshua Smith · Post by **Joshua Smith** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:11 pm

Yeah, Mel is pretty much the person to talk with about rebreathers, and especially the KISS. Why are you interested in the sport model, as opposed to the classic, btw?

Dmitchell · Post by **Dmitchell** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 4:00 pm

I'll hopefully be coming down in March or April to do a CCR course with Mel. I was down in November and did a Adv nitrox/Deco instructor course and had a blast!

I'm personally going with the Classic Kiss. When you look at the options, it's not all that more expensive than the Sport and is a much better unit.

The other one you should strongly consider is the COPIS Meg, Mel is one of the first instructors on that unit and was diving it when I was in Seattle it's a very nice unit.

I would do some serious research on the subject before getting too serious about an Inspiration/Evo. Just remember if it breaks, it has to go back to the UK vs. you being able to fix it yourself.

For the record, this is $.02 from a guy who's never dove a RB so take it lightly.

Dave

jeff98208 · Post by **jeff98208** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:33 am

welome celeus. you've hit the club that keeps us wet! lets go play with the fishes sometime. later!

good day!
jeff

Northwest Dive Club

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