My first open water scuba diving experience

Damn Dude Gnarly story! Glad you guys are okay. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us.

-Eliot

Inspiring story!
I have a friend who just got his private pilots license. I am going to see if he can rent a plane for me to fly.
After all I was in a private plane once and let's face it, I'm surrounded by air all day long.
I read a book on it once too so all should be good.
Can't wait for this epic adventure.
See any similarities in this plan???
I am glad everything turned out OK for you guys and I am glad you told your story but only from the standpoint of showing others what not to do.
There is a certification process for a reason.

Sounds like one of my adventures! Glad to know I am not the only one out there that is lacking in the department! Glad everyone is ok, and stuff can be replaced, I know, I do it a lot.

Phew!  You got away with one.  I've been certified for 15 years and have never had an experience like yours.

Ignorance in scuba diving is not bliss.  Yes, the gear is heavy, but if properly maintained and used correctly, you will be safe.  It's much more enjoyable to stay down and observe the behavior of the fish, rather than just do a quick down and up as in free diving.

I've seen one death in scuba diving because of inexperience with the equipment.

You both got lucky.  Glad you are here with us now.

A little late here but if you are ever going into an environment where air may be scarce, bring a 5 min. spare air tank.   You can strap it to your leg.  If nothing else it'll buy you time to think.  The only other comment is that my certification course was a joke.  They are not all that way I'm sure but they sometimes operate in a profit environment with prescribed legal minimums.  When it is your life, or worse, someone else's, please learn what you need to know yourself.  It's better to be lucky than good, but good doesn't hurt