lol, im a little scared

[Life~Saver]

Ok everyone, im 14 years old....Last August i went to oceans wonders to get a scuba course.I went for a week and was nervous every second except when i was down and settled....

The worst things happend when we went to the lake on the last day.....As i was gitting of the down my shorts got hung on a nail :11: .....I was just hanging there.Embarassed as can be....Finaly i got off anf my shorts ripped ( got new ones)....

Every time i have to enter the water i get nervous....and when im moving the equitment....and when exiting the water...and when walking with the gear,lol....

Im VERY nervous and i dont know why....Im not really in shape...Should i try to get in shape next time b4 i go?Im not fat,just really skinny and small for my age (dont get the wrong idea, i look good,lol )....

Next month im going to the Grand Caimen islands with my aunt and uncle...I really wantto go but i dont want to scuba......Well if i could climbd down a latter into the forumm i would....

Is this normal????Whats wrong with me? Most people would jump at the chance for this.... :06:

 

[scubasean]

Ok everyone, im 14 years old....Last August i went to oceans wonders to get a scuba course.I went for a week and was nervous every second except when i was down and settled....

The worst things happend when we went to the lake on the last day.....As i was gitting of the down my shorts got hung on a nail :11: .....I was just hanging there.Embarassed as can be....Finaly i got off anf my shorts ripped ( got new ones)....

Every time i have to enter the water i get nervous....and when im moving the equitment....and when exiting the water...and when walking with the gear,lol....

Im VERY nervous and i dont know why....Im not really in shape...Should i try to get in shape next time b4 i go?Im not fat,just really skinny and small for my age (dont get the wrong idea, i look good,lol )....

Next month im going to the Grand Caimen islands with my aunt and uncle...I really wantto go but i dont want to scuba......Well if i could climbd down a latter into the forumm i would....

Is this normal????Whats wrong with me? Most people would jump at the chance for this.... :06:

Just take it slow...Dive with adults that you are comfortable with, and who know of your concerns.

My 15 yr old loves with water, and his confidence increases each time we dive.

 

[Kim]

Hi there - welcome to the board!
Scuba diving is not something natural for human beings to do. We all know this but learn how to do it so we can visit places normal people can't go. It's very normal to be nervous when you do something 'unnatural'. It would be abnormal if you weren't!!
However, if you do the proper training and take it slowly, if you do easy things at first and only move on to new stuff only when you feel like it - I think you'll find that the nerves gradually disappear over time.
The equipment can be quite heavy as well - especially if you are small. It's always a good idea to be as fit as possible - but I don't think that you need worry too much - you are still growing and getting stronger all the time. Things that seem heavy and awkward now will seem much less so as you get older. Don't think badly of yourself - just take it at your own speed - don't let other people bully or push you into stuff you don't want to do. Hopefully you will gradually grow to love diving and your nerves will disappear. Do all you can to be a good diver - a safe diver. I really wish you all the best and have a great time in Grand Cayman, even if you don't dive this time! It'll still be there later!!

 

[Life~Saver]

So it will get better right? No one knows how i feel and i dont intend to tell anyone except you guys..

 

[Glotsalot]

So it will get better right? No one knows how i feel and i dont intend to tell anyone except you guys..

That's good advice from the members above.

Keeping yourself in good physical shape is always a good idea. It will also likely help to boost your self-confidence. From what you describe, however, it sounds like you are most concerned about embarrasing yourself again. So, here's the good news: Getting caught on a nail was a complete fluke! . I can't imagine that it will ever happen again. And what's more, nobody you're going to be diving with in the Caymens is going to know that happened anyway.

In any case it's OK to be nervous since you're new to this diving stuff. It's normal to be a little nervous about such a new adventure! Let your Aunt and Uncle know how you feel (you don't have to tell them about your little mishap) and I'm sure they'll be extra good diving buddies.

Smile and enjoy it!!

I wish you all the best on your trip!
-devin

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Is this normal????Whats wrong with me? Most people would jump at the chance for this....

Most everyone on this board could tell an embarrassing story that happened to them.

Lots of us on this board don't have the physique's that we wish we had.

There is generally something we were all apprehensive about doing when we started. (For some of us, there continue to be things we are apprehensive about doing no matter how old we are!)

Carefully read again what the posters above had to say. It was good advice.

What you are feeling is normal. There is nothing wrong with you.

Go on the trip with your Aunt and Uncle, and have fun. If you get a chance to dive, and you feel up for it, then give it a try. (But tell the Dive Master about your concerns, and s/he should pay extra attention to you that will make it more fun for you.)

Take diving slow and easy. It will come in its own time.

 

[Bubble Blower 479]

My son is 13 and likes to dive but is like you, is still uncomfortable. He got certified last year when he was 12 and only goes with me. He doesn't really like to carry the gear so he doesn't mind if I carry the heavy stuff. I find the more I encourage him the better he does. He knows I am always there and feels safe with me. Sometimes he wants to backout of a dive and that's OK.

I suggest you try to dive with the same buddy each time until you feel a bit more confident. Pick the person you are the most comfortable with and try to stick with them. I took my son and daughter in the threesome when they first got certified and decided to never do that again. It's amazing that they will even fight underwater. I now take them one at a time. They both can be on the same dive trip, but they take turns with me underwater. Threesomes are OK with experienced divers, but are not good with new divers. If you must do a threesome, you stick to one of them as if they were your buddy and let the other experienced diver worry about keeping together. You just stick to one.

It won't hurt to discuss your concern with the other divers. They may help you more if they know you not as comfortable. Hiding your fear will only limit what others can do for you. I'm not saying you have to spill all the beans, just let them know your having some struggles. Stand up for yourself when things seem to get over your head (punn intended) and don't get to pushed into diving that is beyond you training and ability. Just be patient and try to relax.

 

[scubasean]

(But tell the Dive Master about your concerns, and s/he should pay extra attention to you that will make it more fun for you.)

Agreed....Please *do* tell the D/M any concerns. Better to be up front than to have a nervous diver unwatched in the water.

 

[penguinbuddy]

I am 13 and I got certified at 12, and it's alright to be afraid, but I would advise to try not to be afraid, because then that might cause drowning. Just try to become one with the water. I went to Grand Cayman and my dives where fantastic, I would actually advise diving with Neptune Divers, they are great.

I don't think anything is wrong with you, but maybe scuba might not be your thing. I would advise diving at places close to home and getting more practice. Hey, if I can dive in a dry suit in 63 degrees water all of the time, you should be able to come over your nervousness.

 

[MikeFerrara]

I think I have to disagree with everyone who has responded so far. If you're not having fun something is wrong.

If you don't want to dive on your upcomming trip (and you said that you don't) it may be a mistake to do so.