200M test

mickman

Hi everyone

Have signed up for scuba open water course and only now see that i have to swim 200M.

I am able to swim, not that great but i should be able to make it 200M.

My question is that if im doing the test in a 20 M pool, is it ok to swim a length and tip the end and then commence the next lap - i have never done that lap finish like diving down , turning upside down and heading back again like the pro swimmers do.

Meanaspie

Hi Mick,

Yeah the general rule is that you aren't allowed hold onto the sides or stand on the bottom, this is for both your 200m swim and also there is a requirement to thread water for a certain period of time (I think it's 5mins for OW, but I'm not 100% sure).

It may seem daunting but no need to worry about it as there's no actual time limit on completing the swim, once you complete it without stopping and holding on somewhere/standing you'll be fine!

Good luck, and welcome to the world of diving - you won't be disappointed!

mickman

Meanaspie wrote: »

Hi Mick,

Yeah the general rule is that you aren't allowed hold onto the sides or stand on the bottom, this is for both your 200m swim and also there is a requirement to thread water for a certain period of time (I think it's 5mins for OW, but I'm not 100% sure).

It may seem daunting but no need to worry about it as there's no actual time limit on completing the swim, once you complete it without stopping and holding on somewhere/standing you'll be fine!

Good luck, and welcome to the world of diving - you won't be disappointed!

Yeah im very excited. thanks for the info.

WIll do a few laps over hte next two weeks just to make sure but i should be fine. Is diving addictive stuff ?

Meanaspie

Depends it's not for everyone, I've seen people that get so freaked out that they can't even put their head under water with the reg in while is 4 feet of water. But for me yeah super addictive, can't do enough - to the point I've seriously considered jacking in a decent job to become a dive bum/instructor!

mickman

Meanaspie wrote: »

Depends it's not for everyone, I've seen people that get so freaked out that they can't even put their head under water with the reg in while is 4 feet of water. But for me yeah super addictive, can't do enough - to the point I've seriously considered jacking in a decent job to become a dive bum/instructor!

well i suppose if you cant put your head under water then maybe a diving course isnt that sutiable :-)

Pawwed Rig

Take your time with the swim. You can also swim on your back which I always found easier and it allows you to get your breath back.

Enjoy the course. Who are you doing it with?

mickman

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Take your time with the swim. You can also swim on your back which I always found easier and it allows you to get your breath back.

Enjoy the course. Who are you doing it with?

oceanaddicts, down in kinsale, cork

Pawwed Rig

Cork is a good area to do it in. Ask them about viewing the submarine in the harbour when you're qualified. Also ask them about Baskin Sharks

mickman

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Cork is a good area to do it in. Ask them about viewing the submarine in the harbour when you're qualified. Also ask them about Baskin Sharks

will indeed :-)

thanks

mickman

Hey guys

Will I be allowed wear goggles for the swim test ?

Saruman

mickman wrote: »

Hey guys

Will I be allowed wear goggles for the swim test ?

It's likely too late now... but I did open water last year and it's 200m normal swimming or 300m with fins/snorkel/mask.
I find regular swimming very boring and repetitive so I went for a lovely 300m snorkel and enjoyed it very much so I barely wanted to get out and suit up when I was finished