Normal to be nervous?

[Pyromaniac]

Well - I start my OW course next Saturday with Underwater Explorers of Portland UK, read the book - answered the quizzes, got used to my mask and jet fins in the bosses pool, yet sometimes I feel ok - really looking forward to doing this - other times I feel nervous about the whole thing, not scared nervous, more like an apprehension.

Anyone else feel this way before they did their course?

I am guessing its just because its all 'new' and because I will be doing something I have had absolutely no experience of before.

I have every confidence in the UE guys and have only heard good things of them and their courses, and the rental gear looks to be top notch stuff too (Halcyon)

 

[Walter]

You should be a little nervous. it's all new.

 

[Paco]

Yup. Nervousness is normal. Take things slow and tell your instructor how you feel all along the way. He/She will know how to help you relax and have fun.

 

[shandajr]

I was very nervous too, and was told that nervous is a good thing, this sport has dangers and if you show no concern you could be hurt, nervous means that you are aware. However, once you do your first dive you will be so amazed and thrilled to be learning. I am actually nervous just prior to each dive I have done up to this point but once I am "down under" I am then very relaxed.

 

[Divers Direct]

I would be worried if you weren't a little nervous. Even with 1000 dives and 150 students under my belt I still get a little nervous from time to time on deeper dives or wreck penetrations. Very natural actually, so long as you under stand why you are nervous: deep dive, new environment, new dive location, and not ignoring potential hazards such as am I really ready for this type of dive, is my buddy really safe to dive with etc. you will be fine. Be honest with yourself, your instructor, your buddies and concentrate on pre-dive checks, safety drill and knowing your environment, in other words use that nervous feeling to prompt habits and an attitude that will promot a safe dive and you will be fine.

Enjoy,
Tim

 

[plife]

"I feel nervous about the whole thing, not scared nervous, more like an apprehension."

Without nervousness, or apprehension, you wouldn't really have that high level of excitement and anticipation.

Just be sure that you take deep breaths and relax. Try to focus on the tasks at hand, instead of letting your thoughts fly around willy-nilly. If you just focus on your instructor, focus on your gear, focus on your tasks, the whole thing will be over before you know it, and you will be a certified diver.

Plus, I think that once you get into the water, everything will change. Either you will LOVE it, or you won't. I hope you do.

Where are you doing your certification dives, and when are you going?

Plife

 

[CraigDiver]

Well - I start my OW course next Saturday with Underwater Explorers of Portland UK, read the book - answered the quizzes, got used to my mask and jet fins in the bosses pool, yet sometimes I feel ok - really looking forward to doing this - other times I feel nervous about the whole thing, not scared nervous, more like an apprehension.

Anyone else feel this way before they did their course?

I am guessing its just because its all 'new' and because I will be doing something I have had absolutely no experience of before.

I have every confidence in the UE guys and have only heard good things of them and their courses, and the rental gear looks to be top notch stuff too (Halcyon)

Yes, I had butterflies everytime I done a dive, after 40 dives and some intense rescue skills course I am starting to feel more confident and less nervouse. But BEWARE confidence and being fully relaxed is what will catch you out if a situation occurs!

 

[Pyromaniac]

Thanks folks - nice to hear I am 'normal' !!

I think once I get into the course and things are a bit more structured than me sitting here trying to take in everything all at once and in any order I should be fine !

Where are you doing your certification dives, and when are you going?

Plife

The course is held here - Portland UK
http://www.ukdiving.co.uk/places/coastal/articles/portland.htm

By these guys here -
http://www.underwaterexplorers.co.uk/

Edit - had a couple of PM's asking about the 'tank' I hold in my avatar - it's not a tank - it's a very large Italian cylinder shell ( aerial firework - I fire professional shows ) hence the name Pyromaniac.

 

[BSea]

Being nervous is normal. I get nervous on a new boat going to a dive site I haven't been to before. If you played sports, you were probably nervous before each game, even though you went through practise, and played games in the past. After the game started, the butterflies went away. Same thing here.

 

[Blitz]

Well said. I feel the same.

I would be worried if you weren't a little nervous. Even with 1000 dives and 150 students under my belt I still get a little nervous from time to time on deeper dives or wreck penetrations. Very natural actually, so long as you under stand why you are nervous: deep dive, new environment, new dive location, and not ignoring potential hazards such as am I really ready for this type of dive, is my buddy really safe to dive with etc. you will be fine. Be honest with yourself, your instructor, your buddies and concentrate on pre-dive checks, safety drill and knowing your environment, in other words use that nervous feeling to prompt habits and an attitude that will promot a safe dive and you will be fine.

Enjoy,
Tim