New Virgin Member LOL

[Josephine1831]

Hello Everyone - this is Josephine from Tasmania, Australia, and I haven't dived as yet (thus the virgin new member!!).
I am soon to participate in an open water dive course, and am looking forward to it. As I am not a water orientated person, I am keen to read of your diving experiences on ScubaBoard, to assist me throughout the course, both mentally and physically.
If anyone would kindly relate their first dive stories, I'd be appreciative! I guess it's an individual experience, but it has to help to know as much as possible beforehand.
Scuba diving is, without a doubt, going to be the biggest challenge in my life. I think I'd find it easier to jump out of a plane, LOL.
So looking forward to hearing from you. Both the great and not so great stories are most welcome.

 

[Solly]

welcome Josephine... just relax and enjoy this is the most important thing

 

[mheaster]

I tried first snorkeling followed shortly after by a Discover Scuba type experience in 1989 in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. I KNEW immediately that I wanted to come back and get Certified, which I did in 1990.

Relax and and enjoy your certification course and most importantly as soon as it is over Dive, Dive, Dive! Experience after certification develops comfort and confidence!

Get yourself prepared to become Scuba Obsessed (Borrowing that from a favorite US Scuba Podcast!)

Welcome to Scubaboard!

 

[Josephine1831]

Thanks both for your welcome and replies. 'Relax and enjoy' was becomming forgotten. I shall follow your advice and stop worrying. It's going to be great.
Cheers.

 

[Insta-Gator]

OK, I think they got the 'relax and enjoy' message across. Also, stay calm, don't panic and keep that regulator in your mouth. It's not a difficult as you may perceive. BTW, stepping out of an airplane is much easier, but not as much fun. SCUBA lasts longer too Welcome.

 

[porgyhunter]

What are your water temps in Tasmania?

 

[drbill]

Seeing as you have kelp forests in Tasmanian waters, just think of the incredible beauty you will be experiencing once you dive them (speaking as a kelp forest ecologist here in SoCal).

 

[cardzard]

Welcome to :sblogo: the place for everything scuba. Enjoy

 

[2905luvsbubbles]

As has been said, relax and enjoy the experience. Some nervousness is normal, just listen to your instructor and you will be fine.

 

[Josephine1831]

Ocean temps in Tasmania this time of year are about 12C average for late winter to about 18C by late summer. I expect warmer in sheltered coastal water.
Drbill, oh yes, the kelp forests on the east coast are spectacular and the thought of being able to dive and actually look at it, take photos, is a magical one. Insta Gator, thanks!
I will post again after my dive course :goingdown: