Catherine …. My friend Tanya Streeter supplied the world this quote:
"My respect for the ocean borders on fear. I’m comfortable underwater, but never too comfortable. Often times I’m miles and miles offshore, with nothing but a rope and a few friends. You really gain a deep respect for what’s out there."
Source: An Interview With Freediver Champion Tanya Streeter, by Sherry Flumerfelt
Tanya Streeter - Austin, Texas - World Record Freediver & TV Presenter
If I stopped what I was doing right now and caught the 11:34 flight to Miami, I could be in FL by 6:37 am EDT. I guess it might be better to simply give you some words of reassurance instead.
There are many dives I have gone on I wasn't completely comfortable with. I always felt some degree of concern and apprehension, kept me safer. If you feel some kind of pressure however - dive buddies who will not understand if you don't want to do something, no one else to operate the boat if it's too much for you to handle, diving way beyond your experience level - your anxiety is bound to go "through the roof.”
You, sound like an experienced diver. Part of that experience level, is a developed skill in knowing when you aren't ready for a dive. Take tomorrows dive one step at a time. Make sure your gear is working perfectly - the boat is operating flawlessly - you feel good physically and then ultimately, each step of the dive is comfortable for you. If any of those elements is wrong, the dive will not work for you. ALWAYS, be willing to call the dive if you're not up to it.
Wish I could join you… best of luck tomorrow. Just remember, you have nothing to prove to anyone. Women generally, are much wiser about that fact, then men.
diver_gent
