Instructor:  Tom

Divemaster:  Larry

The entire class enthusiastically agreed on an early start to the certification dives weekend. So....plans were meticulously made for an early afternoon Friday arrival at Balmorhea, which would allow for plenty of time for the first two cert dives and an early, leisurely dinner. Well, meticulous hadn't counted on Murphy, who had us arriving a bit later than planned. Still there were no complaints when we completed our second dive at 8:00 p.m. -- the diving conditions had been perfect:  air temp 95 degrees, water very clear, no other divers and very few swimmers.

And dinner did prove to be leisurely.

Saturday morning coffee, just outside the motel

Jamie:  an early morning smile

Bjorn and Ricky Sr: trying to decide if they really have to get wet

Zack telling Bjorn to lose the sun glasses.

Pre-dive activity

Yes, Bjorn and Ricky, you do have to get wet

While Jens does the old putting-on-the-wetsuit shuffle, Larry, our divemaster critiques Zack's form (see next photo):

"Nice giant stride, Zack, but you forgot your gear."

Last minute instructions....all right you two, into the water NOW!!!!

And Bjorn said, "That was one tough dive....zzzzzzz"

Is Tom really going to make us do a CESA??

Charlie:  practicing his giant stride entries

Happy certified divers

Ricky Sr:  Chief cook at our post-certification barbecue

Bjorn and Jens:  Is the turkey ready yet?

Rehashing the days' adventures