good post gar .
correct and right that alot of people go from zero to hero in as little time as it takes to read all the books / as quick as the shop can spend your money for you .
steps you are asking all the right questions . there are alot of experienced guys here and they can give great advice . where did they get there knowledge . they done the course and then built on that knowledge . do the course as it is a different type of divin .
for instance the surface is not an option in case of emergancy , and you only do your best for your buddy then he is his own . if theres a problem and your buddy must surface he surfaces alone and you finish your deco . loads of different thing like this .
the extended range course is inexpensive in comparision to other courses . shop around as it may be cheaper futher a field . this course delves deeper into decompression and its benifits as well as kit configuer , emergancy procedures and a nitrox overview .
it is meant as an entry level course whereas to be built upon by experience as are most course's in the divin comunity . link up with some1 in your area after the courses and dive with them and let their knowledge rub off . never know there may be a new dive buddy in here.
