Having Scuba Diving Lessons

[cmlewis21]

A while a go I went to Australia. During my time in Australia I went to the Great Barrier Reef and believe me it is Great. The thing is I was given the opportuninty to go on a scuba dive. I had gone snorkelling in the past, and under water I could not breath very easily, due to the fact that I was under water, that is why I wimped out of a scuba dive. The thing is I felt very unhappy at loosing the opportunity of scuba diving on the great barrier reef when I went.

Because of this I plan to go again to the great barrier reef again sometime and scuba dive. The thing is I am very nervous of breathing under water which slightly puts me off scuba diving training but on the other sense I really want to scuba dive places especially the great barrier reef. Can any help me with any suggestions ?

 

[TechBlue]

I wouldn't be overly worried, many people are uncomfortable at first when trying to breath underwater-it's not natural (I wish I could figure out a way to get a set of gills) What you may want to try is a discover scuba course at a local dive store, explain your fears and take it slow, start off in the shallow end and slowly work your way underwater, again take it slow and try and breath slowly it helps to have somebody with you to maintain eye contact this in turn should also help ease your frame of mind just take your time and don't feel rushed to do anything your not comfortable with, diving isn't for everybody but you absolutley should give it a shot, the fact you are considering it is a good start now take the next step, most stores charge an extremely minimal fee, some will actually let you try for free. The main thing to remember is, take it slow, breath slowly and evenly, relax and enjoy yourself, it's a totally different world down there and well worth the wait.

Chris

 

[jiveturkey]

I agree with deepbluetech. TAke it slowly and do it at home first. If you do it on vacation, you might feel anxious because you have limited time. Give your self lots of time and go at your own pace. Move on as you feel more confident.

 

[DandyDon]

Good answers. I came on mainly to offer support!!

It's natural for any air breathing animal to breathold when their face hits the water, and some scientists think they have located the nerves that control this around the eyes in humans. If so, the mask helps with this, and you've already got breathing while snorkeling with your face is submerged, right?

Ease into diving, give yourself premission to breath and enjoy. don

 

[Crayon]

By snorkelling you have already done the hard part...allowing yourself to breath underwater. Using scuba beneath the surface is just an extension of what you have already done.
Discover Scuba Diving is an excellent way to ease yourself into it in a relaxed way before you go to Australia.
Maintaining eye contact, thats a great way to overcome initial reluctance. Another tip...body contact. Dont be affraid to hold hands, link arms, etc with your instructor. That will go a long way to getting your confidence right up there.
Take it slow, relax, and above all...enjoy it. Before you know it you'll be blowing bubbles like a natural!!

 

[fins]

CM,

I had a very similar experience in Curacao this past fall. I tried a PADI Discover Scuba Dive and just could not relax while trying to breath underwater.

After returning home I went to a local dive shop and did what they called a "Try Scuba" session in one of the local high school pools.

At first I was a little nervous but after a few minutes, relaxed and had a great time in the pool. So much so that I am starting my OW classes this weekend.

Good Luck,

 

[TechBlue]

About the only other suggestion that hasn't been offered is, if you gave us your location I'm sure somebody could give you the name of a good LDS and instructor. Make sure you keep us in the loop and let us know how much fun you are having.

 

[ScoobyPat]

Don't get nervous about breathing under water. I will never forget my first breath. It felt so much fresher then above the surface, almost like when you take a breath with a slight breeze in your face. I had the same fear myself, but I actually found myself breathing under water much more relaxed than on the surface. Weird, huh?

There is much more to scuba diving than just breathing compressed air, but it is all a lot of fun, believe me!

 

[Kitten]

I am kinda new to this too. It was wierd for me because I am Claustorphobic, so I was really nervous but that first breath was unlike anything I've ever experienced, so cold and fresh. It was really amazing. Then again I am really comfortable in the water. Always have been. People tell me I used to be a Mermaid in my past life. (heh). To me diving is Uphoric(sp?) I say give it an honest try and tell yourself that you can breathe your not going to drown. That worked for me. Also having a good and understanding instructor helps more than you know. Mine was awesome.

 

[norcaldiver]

We all know that feeling to some extent. I still, on every dive, breath in reaalll slow that first inhale. It's just one of those things. After the 1st couple of breaths, I'm good to go...till the next time.