new to diving

[CaptSaaz]

Hey Don.. I started the same way.. snorkeling and freediving on reefs in the caribbean. Just doing that got me to a level of comfort in the water that moving onto scuba was easier. Mask clearing was all ready second nature and having the occasional bit of water in the nose didn't bother me at all.

Good luck Lindsay and come diving!

 

[ScubaJW]

First off, are you claustrophobic? If so, then don't waste the money. Something about being underwater and feeling the slight pressure on your body that makes those people freak out.

Strongly disagreed with you, Rob. I know one dive buddy has claustrophobic and refused to be in tight space but he does fine diving. He really loves diving more than anything. So it is depends on how that person feels. It will be worth it if a person with that disorder take open water classes to see if it is comfortable, then that person will be fine. You can't just say, if you have that disorder, then forget the scuba diving. IF that person has one and can't scuba diving AT ALL only because of that, then it will overcome by going see therapist or whoever.

 

[DandyDon]

Strongly disagreed with you, Rob. I know one dive buddy has claustrophobic and refused to be in tight space but he does fine diving. He really loves diving more than anything. So it is depends on how that person feels. It will be worth it if a person with that disorder take open water classes to see if it is comfortable, then that person will be fine. You can't just say, if you have that disorder, then forget the scuba diving. IF that person has one and can't scuba diving AT ALL only because of that, then it will overcome by going see therapist or whoever.

Yes, claustaphobia is a consideration, as some feel it with the mask, even more so with a hood in cold water, but even so - it can often be worked thru.

In fact, there are lots of possibilities. That's why we have training programs, brief that they may be.

 

[amazingbiologirl]

thanks yall!! when you hafta take off your mask...does it hurt or is it just a strange feeling? i can deal with strange feelings pretty easily! and im not chlaustraphobic at all! im just scared of equalization pains!! ahhh!!

 

[TekDiveGirl]

thanks yall!! when you hafta take off your mask...does it hurt or is it just a strange feeling? i can deal with strange feelings pretty easily! and im not chlaustraphobic at all! im just scared of equalization pains!! ahhh!!

It doesn't hurt - but some people are just uncomfortable with the feeling of being under water breathing and unable to see. The disorientation of it makes some people a bit nervous. And others - it is a piece of cake.

Also if you are diving in cold water -- your face will suddenly gets a rush of cold water on it where it had been in toasty warn humid exhaled air. That too makes some people uncomfortable.

No worries girl I bet you will do great -- just be sure to carry you own gear! (-;

Kimber

 

[SeanQ]

I found mask clearing and replacement to be a very easy skill in the pool. However, taking off my mask in a cold, green, low vis enviroment and then trying to put it back on while wearing 5 mm wetsuit gloves is an experiance that I have no desire to repeat. :icon10:

 

[mollymail]

hello! im very new to diving!! i havent gotten my certi. yet but...whats the scariest part of the whole process? jus wondering so that i can be prepared for it!! thanks!!

Hi ABG,
I'm new to diving too, having just gotten my cert last July. While there never was a really scary part of it, the most confusing part was trying to remember which hose is for what purpose. It took alot of concentration to stay focused and not panic when we had to take off our masks and put them back on again. It seemed like an extreme sort of exercise but I really appreciated the practice when, on my first dive after certification I had mask trouble and really did have to take off my mask and clear it in 30 feet of murky Minnesota water. Just stay calm and keep the brain cells working and you'll be just fine with all of the skills you'll need to do. It's worth it!

 

[sb_diver]

thanks yall!! when you hafta take off your mask...does it hurt or is it just a strange feeling? i can deal with strange feelings pretty easily! and im not chlaustraphobic at all! im just scared of equalization pains!! ahhh!!

You'll learn in your class that the pressure in your mask should be the same as the water around you otherwise it would squeeze against your face. So you shouldn't feel any pain from equalizing when you take your mask off. It can feel weird but it shouldn't hurt.

Good luck,
Thomas.

 

[verona]

Hi there. Nothing to be scared of but lots to respect. Respect the power of nature and the laws of physics. Respect the environment and all the fantastic creatures in it. Respect your buddies and respect your judgement - don't do anything that doesn't feel right.

Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

 

[chiefieb]

Hey Lindsay......I'm new to diving too. Got my open water certification in May this year. I'll have to agree that the scariest thing for me was remove and replace the mask and the fact that you can't see the bottom from the surface. I wasn't used to getting into water where I couldn't see the bottom. BUT..........just relax and remember what you learned in your classes. Everything will be fine. I now have 10 dives under my belt and it's all I look forward to anymore. Trying to find the time to go diving. Good luck in your classes and on your ow certification.