Newly Certified OW

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Congratulations. Get lots of diving in but take it slow at first, gradually increasing depth and more challenging situations. Remember that you are both new divers and either may (knock wood) be in a position to rescue the other (could be a challenge particularly if you are the one in trouble). After a few dives (20, 30?) it would be a good idea for both of you to look at the Rescue Course. Have fun.
 
Congratulations. Get lots of diving in but take it slow at first, gradually increasing depth and more challenging situations. Remember that you are both new divers and either may (knock wood) be in a position to rescue the other (could be a challenge particularly if you are the one in trouble). After a few dives (20, 30?) it would be a good idea for both of you to look at the Rescue Course. Have fun.
TMHeimer,
Thanks for this advice. It does feel as if all things lead my mind back to diving, and the excitement of the experience is great, but should not take precedence over safety. One of the aspects I keep reiterating to my son (and myself) is the need for constant risk assessment and self-sufficiency inherent to diving--not in an anxiety producing way, but a state of mindfulness/attention to one's surroundings, equipment functionality, etc. Planning on working at the quarry on one to two skills, then touring the "attractions" each dive. We've already decided that each of us will plan a dive and lead it on our quarry trips, and that will include which skills we practice. So excited to be on this journey.
 
TMHeimer,
Thanks for this advice. It does feel as if all things lead my mind back to diving, and the excitement of the experience is great, but should not take precedence over safety. One of the aspects I keep reiterating to my son (and myself) is the need for constant risk assessment and self-sufficiency inherent to diving--not in an anxiety producing way, but a state of mindfulness/attention to one's surroundings, equipment functionality, etc. Planning on working at the quarry on one to two skills, then touring the "attractions" each dive. We've already decided that each of us will plan a dive and lead it on our quarry trips, and that will include which skills we practice. So excited to be on this journey.
Sounds like a good plan. There are different types of stress. I little stress can mean you are more focused on everything around you and what could go wrong. Stress resulting with several mishaps all at once can be scary and lead to accidents. If some minor thing goes wrong, stop and think. As long as you have plenty of air there is time to figure it out slowly. Kind of like playing a clarinet solo-- Good nervousness means you are keyed up and ready to perform to your best. Bad nervousness such as worrying about who's in the audience and that you may screw up can result in a poor performance.
 
One of the aspects I keep reiterating to my son (and myself) is the need for constant risk assessment and self-sufficiency inherent to diving--not in an anxiety producing way, but a state of mindfulness/attention to one's surroundings, equipment functionality, etc.
I liken it to learning to drive a car. You don't have to be afraid the entire time, but you need to pay attention, especially early on when you're acquiring the knowledge, skill and particularly ingraining the habits to perform with a good margin of safety. Over time, drivers do ingrain a good part of the process, so it seems more natural and that frees up mental bandwidth for other things (like better focus on and retention from boat crew dive briefings).

The key difference is many drivers drive regularly, and many divers dive very sporadically, so even once you're doing well, be careful that first dive after a multi-month dry spell...you might be a little rusty.
 
Congratulations! My wife and I are recent OW graduates ourselves. I love the calm of being underwater. It is just so refreshing. I understand the feeling of being landlocked. Lucky for my wife and I is that there are several fresh water dive sites for now.
 
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