Harley-Diver821
Registered
Hello. I'm a new diver. I'm in my mid 50s and just received my open water certification in mid-October in a quarry. I'm already planning my first saltwater dive for mid January in Jamaica.
Although I love my time underwater I have to admit that I'm a little nervous. I panicked 3 times during my training. My very first time breathing underwater triggered a claustrophobic attack; I've never been claustrophobic before, but after 3 breaths I had to stand up. After several deep breaths I was back down with no problems.
During my first open water dive we had been down around 25 ft. for about 5 minutes when I felt cold water in my throat. That did it I had to shoot to the surface. I ignored my instructors ascent alarm, all I could think of was getting up. I didn't get out of the water, I just inflated my BCD and floated for around 3-4 minutes, then was able to complete and enjoy the rest of the day.
The next day I experienced another panic attack when I again felt cold water in my throat. This time I was able to completely deflate my BCD and kneel on the training platform until I had regained control. The next 2 dives were some of the best experiences of my life.
Now that I can look back on my open water panic attacks I think I know what happened. I never did think I was drowning. I'm a nurse and realized I was still able to both times, I also realized there was no urge to cough so my lungs weren't filling with water. I think some water had leaked into my mouth around my regulator and I ended up swallowing a small amount of water while trying to equalize my ears. I'm sure that wasn't the only time water had entered my mouth but I had probably purged it when exhaling.
Anyway, now I'm hooked. I'm constantly thinking and talking about diving, I'm sure my coworkers and family are starting to get tired of it.
Back on topic: Hi everyone. I'm new to diving and look forward to this new stage of my life, seeing new things and meeting other divers.
Thanks for letting me rant.
Although I love my time underwater I have to admit that I'm a little nervous. I panicked 3 times during my training. My very first time breathing underwater triggered a claustrophobic attack; I've never been claustrophobic before, but after 3 breaths I had to stand up. After several deep breaths I was back down with no problems.
During my first open water dive we had been down around 25 ft. for about 5 minutes when I felt cold water in my throat. That did it I had to shoot to the surface. I ignored my instructors ascent alarm, all I could think of was getting up. I didn't get out of the water, I just inflated my BCD and floated for around 3-4 minutes, then was able to complete and enjoy the rest of the day.
The next day I experienced another panic attack when I again felt cold water in my throat. This time I was able to completely deflate my BCD and kneel on the training platform until I had regained control. The next 2 dives were some of the best experiences of my life.
Now that I can look back on my open water panic attacks I think I know what happened. I never did think I was drowning. I'm a nurse and realized I was still able to both times, I also realized there was no urge to cough so my lungs weren't filling with water. I think some water had leaked into my mouth around my regulator and I ended up swallowing a small amount of water while trying to equalize my ears. I'm sure that wasn't the only time water had entered my mouth but I had probably purged it when exhaling.
Anyway, now I'm hooked. I'm constantly thinking and talking about diving, I'm sure my coworkers and family are starting to get tired of it.
Back on topic: Hi everyone. I'm new to diving and look forward to this new stage of my life, seeing new things and meeting other divers.
Thanks for letting me rant.