Hi - - new from GA

[lrstokke]

I'm currently taking the online Padi course and will be headed to Aruba in a week finish my certification - - hopefully that is if I don't back out. My husband has been certified for awhile and I never wanted to ... until lately. I've been reading other posts regarding their "fears" and I'm not scared of the water or trying to breathe under water, actually I think that's cool. I am somewhat claustrophobic but it's open water so I don't think that will bother me. I guess it's just the medical things that can happen with my lungs, etc. Probably just over thinking everything. I plan on doing the confined pool portion and I guess if I freak out I'll just not finish ... although I don't usually start something that I won't finish.

Any encouragement or advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Flig]

Open water courses generally do a fantastic job of educating individuals on how to avoid such incidents and as long as you're careful and responsible then it's very easy to avoid any medical issues. I just got back from Aruba a few weeks ago and dove with JADS. Fantastic operation, I can't say enough for how great they were. It had been two years plus since I dove last and they took an extra DM for just 3 of us to double check my skills before we swam farther out. I did 3 days of diving, one 2 tank shore dive and two 2 tank boat dives and every single DM I dove with were great. I can get a little claustrophobic on night dives and low vis lakes but in the Caribbean almost limitless vis I've never had an issue. I hope it's the same for you because diving is imcomparible with any other experience and it's always great. Good luck.

 

[Insta-Gator]

You'll do fine. It's normal to be a little apprehensive about new things, especially if you've been reading scary-tales and accident reports. Stay away from that stuff for now. Focus on what you're learning and your excitement over the new adventure.  You'll be fine if you stay close to your instructor/DM and pay attention to what they tell you. Don't over-think it. It's not that complicated for OW. Have fun and enjoy.

 

[drrich2]

I guess it's just the medical things that can happen with my lungs, etc.

Check your SPG real often. Women often have better air consumption than men, so depending on your size & build (smaller & leaner is better), hopefully this won't be a big problem for you but watch that gauge!

Ascend slowly and do not hold your breath. A 3 minute safety stop at 15 feet or so at the end of the dive to let nitrogen off-gas (even if not technically required) is a good thing.

I doubt you'll be deep enough long enough on a guided tourist dive or two to violate NDL limits, but be mindful it's something to be aware of.

Richard.

 

[beaverdivers]

Welcme to SCUBAboard!

Just relax & have Fun.

 

[jillybear]

I'm pretty new here too & have been certified for just a year (maybe I shouldn't be giving advice...) Things that people have told me that I think are helpful are Keep Breathing, Don't swim-up faster than your bubble stream (don't ascend too quickly), & listen to your gut instinct. For instance, if you are tired don't push yourself to make a particular dive. Know yourself well enough to keep yourself safe.

I had the experience on my first day of certification dives (3rd dive of the day) to feel as though I couldn't catch my breath fully. After we descended my instructor checked to make sure everyone was okay. I signaled that something wasn't right so we ascended & I told her I felt as though I couldn't catch my breath. She told me to go back to shore & told another instructor on shore I was coming in. I was so worried that I had "messed-up" the test dives. She said, "No. Never feel bad about calling a dive. It's been a very long, hot day & you are tired. Knowing yourself well enough to know when something doesn't feel right is important."

You will be fine. Best wishes as you complete your certification. It opens up a whole new world!

 

[lrstokke]

Thank you all!! I appreciate the advice from all levels of experience. I will continue to be well informed and am looking forward to having fun with this new adventure!