Brand new diver

[ittyninja]

Hello all!
I'm brand new to diving, just got certified this past August. I have had 4 fresh water dives and will doing my first salt water dive in a few weeks in the Keys. Only a few dives since I'm a Missouri girl.

I'm an anxious diver and it takes me a few minutes to relax. So I'm taking a refresher course before this next dive for more practice. Perfect practice makes perfect right?

Looking forward to picking up tips and advice and new friends here.

 

[scubamarketing]

Thank you so much for taking a refresher! Most people I've trained wouldn't do a refresher after a year of no diving, let alone a few months. Welcome to the sport, it's a life changer.

 

[gypsyjim]

Every time I dive, the first dive is a sort of readjustment dive. Takes one dive to relax, and get back in the flow, even after all the years I have dived.
I am a firm believer in refresher dives too, if you are away from diving for any longer period of time. THIS I learned the hard way.
There is nothing wrong with being a bit extra cautious about diving when you have not dived recently.

 

[SoccerJeni]

Hi there! I'm from Missouri too!

I think you'll be a great diver...you're doing everything right!

 

[TSandM]

When I first started diving, I was very apprehensive before every dive. And the first ten minutes or so was always a struggle . . . but about ten or fifteen minutes into things, the water would relax and welcome me, and the rest of the dive would go well.

As my experience and my skills grew, the apprehension diminished, and the water got happier to see me.

Anxiety is part of being new and awkward and minimally skilled. As you become more accustomed to being underwater, and buoyancy control gets easier, and you have more bandwidth to appreciate what is all around you, it will get better.

 

[SIUegyptiandiver]

Welcome to the greatest sport/recreation activity known to humankind! Great idea to do a refresher. The more dives you do, the better. The keys is a great place for new divers with lots of great shallower dives close to shore. You can spend a long time at 15-60 feet, not get cold, see all the colors (above about 30 feet) and see tons of beautiful fish. Enjoy!

 

[ittyninja]

Thank you everyone for the responses.

Newscubamarketing thanks for helping me not feel foolish for taking a refresher so soon after my certification.

And SIUegyptiandiver thanks for that info on the keys that has me excited for the dive.

TSandM and gyspyjim...thanks for sharing that helps me realize it's not just me.

and soccerjeni thanks!