First OW dive and I panicked...

[Meggsie]

Hi all,

I have already done my pool sessions and was fine with that except for the initial full mask removal which I finally conquered. I went on to then do a shore dive and totally freaked when entering the water. I only got to the stage of putting my fins on and then had to leave the water. I just couldn't do it... I have always been a little afraid of waves and the undertow so I don't think that helped at all. My instructer is going to have me try a boat dive tomorrow and I hope I'm okay. Are boat dives easier than shore dives? Has anyone else had issues with shore dives like this??

Thanks heaps, Megs

 

[Hollywoodivers]

Hi all,

I have already done my pool sessions and was fine with that except for the initial full mask removal which I finally conquered. I went on to then do a shore dive and totally freaked when entering the water. I only got to the stage of putting my fins on and then had to leave the water. I just couldn't do it... I have always been a little afraid of waves and the undertow so I don't think that helped at all. My instructer is going to have me try a boat dive tomorrow and I hope I'm okay. Are boat dives easier than shore dives? Has anyone else had issues with shore dives like this??

Thanks heaps, Megs

Yes Boat Diving is easier. But try snorkeling on the first dive. That should take the edge off. Hal

 

[K9trnr]

Since you mentioned waves and undertow, a boat dive may be easier for you. It's an easier entry and exit in my opinion. I also agree that you may want to try snorkeling off the boat first to get a feel for being in open water and let some anxiety dissipate.

 

[Lake Mead Tony]

It is not uncommon for a newbee to have problems with your mask. It is something that is accuired with lots of trial and error. You can even work on this in the bath tub if you do not have the use of a pool on your own time. In time this will come naturally but until it does, just work out the problems and a good instructor will help you out to the best of his ability. As far as a boat entry being easier, yes in most cases. Just remember, the boat is also bobbing up and down with the waves, and that can play tricks on you.

 

[LakeScubaDiver]

My wife had the same problem the very first time she tried diving. The important thing is to relax. You picked this sport to have fun, so try and focus on that. Take things in baby steps, and definitely try snorkeling first (as has been suggested). If you take it at your own pace and continue trying to get comfortable, you will be fine. In ten years you will look back at this and find it a bit humorous, because diving will be so easy for you then.

 

[spectrum]

Throwing you off the boat isn't going to do anything to aleviate your concerns and secure your future as a confident diver. It may get you through the dives and let him wrack up another certified diver.

I suggest spending some time making skin-dives from shore with or without an instructor. You should have been taught everything you need to know to do this independently. When you are comfortable on the water then, and only then should you don a a rig to dive under the surface of the water.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Pete

 

[rjpv]

You were fine in the pool so probably some snorkeling would help it - pick a day/place without a lot of waves and just tool around with a buddy.

But eventually a boat dive is a lot easier - with some shore dives, by the time I haul myself down to the water and get past the surf, I'm already tired! (Solution: inflate BCD a bit more, kick back and enjoy the view for a minute while you catch your breath.)

Also I know one person who was afraid of waves in general. She dealt with it at a water theme park - perhaps there is one near you - with an artificial wave pool where you could splash around in high-vis water surrounded by lifeguards. Don't know if that would help you, just food for though!

 

[rjpv]

I suggest spending some time making skin-dives from shore with or without an instructor. You should have been taught everything you need to know to do this independently. When you are comfortable on the water then, and only then should you don a a rig to dive under the surface of the water.
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Pete

I agree. Don't know where you are located but I'd wear a wetsuit regardless of water temp... that way you will be super buoyant and you can truly relax.

 

[tropicaledit]

Hey there, I just called a dive 2 days ago. I wasn't comfortable. If your not comfortable with any situation, don't hesitate to call the dive and wait for another day. What I find to help me the most is slow pace and being educated on as much as possible. That includes your environment, gear and buddies. Take it easy, back up and start over if you need to, nobody will do anything except respect your decision.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Are you a water-lover by nature? Do much swimming?

I tend to think the answer is more time in and around the water in general. Maybe more scuba time in the pool. Maybe you just had too many new things going on all at once.