How to not look like a nOOb

[Ken abucs]

My diving buddy and I are both n00bs. We're going to Jamaica in a couple of weeks with our families, and copious diving is definately on the agenda. I know that a lot of things can only be learned though experience. But some things can be learned through the experience of others.

From reading this forum I have my two top priorities to work on:
1. Buoyancy and trim
2. Economy of motion.

So my question to you is what are the biggest n00b mistakes you see over and over. What can we do to avoid them.

Thanks in advance,
Ken

 

[JustinW]

#1 is the biggest noob mistake
then i would have to say there are a few others too

Avoid These!
-looking like a walking dive shop cause your home shop sold you every gadget
-mask on the forehead
-not paying attention to the DM's talk
-bright yellow snorkel (even worse if its a dry snorkel)
-locomotion through the water with assistance of your hands and arms.
-trail of kicked up silt behind you because of your #1 stated reason.

I'm sure there are lots of others that i have missed, but thats a start. My opinion only.

 

[TheRedHead]

Jamaica is a place which attracts a lot of noobs who dive at places like Sandals. You might find yourself diving with Discover Scuba divers who are bigger noobs.

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[DandyDon]

It's okay to look new, helps the DM know who to help.

Wash your T-shirts with dirty clothes before you go, tho, get that new off of them.

 

[vox]

(great topic...interested in everyone's take...)

 

[H2Andy]

don't worry about what you look like

try your best, make mistakes, learn from them

have fun, relax... that's half the battle

the other half is: don't worry about image, worry about safety

 

[TSandM]

I think one of the biggest problems I had at the beginning was getting properly weighted, and getting that weight distributed correctly. If you are improperly weighted, you either can't descend or can't stay down, or you plummet and are unstable underwater because you have to use too much air in your BC. Taking the time to check your weighting is well worth while.

If your weight is improperly distributed (eg. all in your integrated weight pockets), you may not be able to get proper trim no matter what you do, or you may be forced to swim constantly to stay out of a vertical orientation. This is where the test of "doing nothing" is useful. Once you get neutral, stop moving. See what happens. If you tilt feet down, you need to move some weight up toward your shoulders. If you tilt head down, you need to move more weight down (rare!) If you distribute your weight correctly, proper trim and proper propulsion become infinitely easier.

Otherwise, don't worry about "looking new". You'll likely find (I did) that people are more helpful and supportive if you are open about being new than they would be if you tried to "look cool" and obviously weren't . . .

Have fun on your trip.

 

[seagrave]

Dont worry about it. nOObs still remember thier training. I would rather dive with a nOOb than someone who hasnt dove in a long while.

 

[Gary D.]

Trying to not look like a noob is like asking a 2-year-old to not act like a kid. Don't sweat it and just be a kid.

Gary D.

 

[Ken abucs]

Maybe "look like a n00b" was the wrong phrase.

I don't want to make stupid n00b mistakes. (any more than I have too)