100 feet below

[Guba]

You didn't mention where you would be diving or under what conditions. Those will weigh in, too. For example, if you are going to be diving in Cozumel or perhaps the Caymans, vis will probably be good and all you might have to worry about is a bit of current. There should be plenty of light and orientation will be fairly simple. Of course, you will have to watch your gauges, monitor your gas, and all the other things mentioned above.
But if you are diving a lake or other less-than-ideal situation, things could be different. For example, if you are in a lake it is highly likely that light will fall off rapidly as you go deeper, necessitating a light. In addition, it will most likely be pretty cold down there. Both of these factors will increase your stress and task load, which might increase anxiety and thus your air consumption. It might also exacerbate the effects of narcosis.
All of this isn't to scare you or make you even more anxious. It is only to provide some other factor with which you might have to deal as you go deeper. If you feel anxious about tackling this much, perhaps ianr33 had the best thought...take it in steps or phases, get comfortable as you go deeper, and work up to the max depth you're aiming for.
But the best advice was from many posters....relax and have fun. Be prepared, stay loose, and enjoy the dive.

 

[markr]

1)Get your weighting right before you try a deep dive. Make sure you have enough weight to maintain neutral bouyancy when your tank is close to empty. You don't want to start ascending unintentionally because the tank has gotten lighter.
2)Make the plan for your first deep dive simple. Don't try to look at a lot of stuff or stay down long. Simple plans are easier to follow, and you can always add complexity as you gain experience.
3)Depending on where you dive find out what the temperature is going to be at depth. There may be a second or third thermocline to cross.
4)Watch your gauges and remember it will take more air to return from 100'.
5)Stay close to your buddy and make sure both you and your buddy pay attention to each other.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

I'm a new diver who has never been below 70 feet. I'm a little scared to take the leap to 100+ feet. I'm taking the advance open water class this spring. What are some of you experiences and advices? I got about 20 dives under my belt.

Why do you want to "take that leap"? Is there something at 100+ feet that you need to see, or do you want to dive that deep just to dive that deep?

Regardless, little steps can lead to great progress; trying to eat the elephant in one mouthful can lead to choking.

 

[theskull]

. . . But if you are diving a lake or other less-than-ideal situation, things could be different. . .

A lake is a less-than-ideal situation in what respect?

I resemble that remark.

theskull

 

[Web Monkey]

A lake is a less-than-ideal situation in what respect?

I resemble that remark.

theskull

20' vis, 42 degrees all year, night diving, even atg noon on a sunny day, what could be better?

Terry

 

[theskull]

20' vis, 42 degrees all year, night diving, even atg noon on a sunny day, what could be better?

Terry

My point exactly!

You get your night dives done during the day, quit in the early eve and go out for some chow and margaritas at night.

theskull

 

[do it easy]

I don't think that anyone brought it up, but if you don't feel comfortable going that deep you don't have to. It's just that simple. If you get curious, you'll find your way down there, but if you are content at the depth you are diving now, then enjoy it.

Also, regardless of depth or anything else, you can thumb the dive at any time.

 

[Wilson]

Hey, by the way, I wanted to commend you for the willingness to discuss this openly.

 

[htn123]

Relax, relax and more relax.

Here is what happend to me. A while back, me and my bro went diving/spearfishing. I followed a big one down and down. Suddenly I saw my bro was about 15' above me and just hovered. I was fine, but then I checked my SPG, 105' !!! that's when the panic set in. Told self, "relax, I still got reg in mouth, still can breath". Told self, "look at the fish, look at the fish". I moved up and looked at the SPG again, 90'. Everything was fine then.

I think it had to do with being the first time 100'+ and all. Now, I regularly do 100+ with no problem at all.

So relax. If you don't feel comfortable, go up SLOWLY and you will be fine. Oh and dive with a buddy just in case the stuff hits the fan.

 

[Melicertes]

I'm a new diver who has never been below 70 feet. I'm a little scared to take the leap to 100+ feet. I'm taking the advance open water class this spring. What are some of you experiences and advices? I got about 20 dives under my belt.

Plan the dive thoroughly with your instructor. Get the exact facts. Knowledge about what to expect and exactly how he/she will lead the dive is a wonderful way of calming the doubts to some extent.

It's been said above already but since it's that important, I'll say it again: Air! Air! Air! Check your gauges o.f.t.e.n., equalize often on the way down, make sure that your exposure protection is adequate to deal with the cooler temps at depth, be mindful of narcosis and make sure your weighting is spot on so you don't waste air overcompensating with the BCD against too much weight, ascend slowly and controlled (dump air as you ascend so you don't exceed a safe ascent rate), make sure that you do your safety stops carefully and properly. These are all just the same old skills you should be using on every dive, not just the deep dives, but since they are of that much more critical importance on deep dives pay extra care to them.

The rest of it is: enjoy the ride! To most people there is almost no difference in what it feels like to dive at 70ft and diving at 120ft. The world changes down deeper and it's a whole new treasure chest of exciting finds. I simply love deep dives, and I hope you have fun on yours also. Enjoy it!