Not having fun in my class, having trouble keeping up

[wolfgirl]

Hi- I'm in the 2nd week of a 3 1/2 week open water certification class. I'm taking it from a very reputable, 5-star PADI shop, and know others who had very good experiences with this shop's classes. We're scheduled for one more class, pool session and then our check out dives next weekend (3/24-3/25). So I'm about 2/3's done.

I'm a very athletic person and usually pick up on sports-type things very quickly. I'm having no trouble learning the academics of the course, but I am fumbling a little when it comes to all the gear, procedures, etc. in the pool. I feel really lame and embarrassed that everyone goes faster than me and seems to remember everything better than I do. My instructor is a very experienced diver, but not the best teacher. At our 2nd pool session last night I asked him if he was going to walk us through how to attach everything to our tanks (since we'd only done it once before) and remind us what we needed to check; his rather obnoxious response was "well, it's in the book and the video, AND we went over it last week." He didn't walk us through it. Luckily, another student helped me, but after only doing it twice, I still don't feel like it's sunk in, and I feel like I'm holding everyone up and going forward with getting in the water before I feel 100% comfortable that I know what I'm doing. Once I do a skill IN the water, I feel more comfortable and competant, but I feel like it should be more enjoyable and less stressful than it is. I don't feel like I really know this stuff very well.

I had a scary moment last night when we had to swim across the pool without a mask and then put it back on at the other side. I wear contacts so I had to do this with my eyes closed, holding my buddy's hand, and there were other classes in the pool so I was worried about running into someone (or vice versa). Up until then I hadn't had any problems breathing or feeling anxious underwater, but it was very scary doing this blind, and when I tried to get my mask on, my reg slipped out of my mouth and I got a lung full of water 14 feet down and couldn't open my eyes to see my surroundings to feel more secure. I also didn't want to go shooting up to the surface because that's not good either, so I had about 30 secs of panic where I couldn't breathe properly, had water in my lungs and couldn't see. That scared me a lot and now I have fears about things I wasn't worried about before- I'm worried about something like that happening in the ocean where I won't have the security and relative safety of a pool.

My instructor's response when I surfaced was to tell me (in a miildly chastising way) that I should've held my mask in my hand and not around my neck and I wouldn't have knocked my reg out trying to get my mask back on. He's right, of course, but I thought we were never supposed to take our masks from around our necks, and he didn't tell us to hold it in our hands. He leaves "little" details like that out all the time, and seems to forget that, as new divers, we don't know to do something unless he specifically tells us!

The bottom line is that I'm not having much fun at all at this point. My instructor is not really an approachable person, and not very helpful at all. I am usually fairly assertive, but his responses to me so far when I've asked questions do not encourage me to talk to him about all this, or about the fact that I'm not getting all I could out of the class. I don't think he'd change his ways and it would probably only make him resent me.

My boyfriend (who was certified through this same shop, different instructor, and had a good experience in his class) suggested that I go to the shop this weekend and tell them I'm not having a great experience and see if I can get into another class. All of the guys at the dive shop are really nice and the owner even came to our first class and told us if anyone had a problem ever, to come talk to him personally because he wanted this to be an enjoyable experience. But, I don't really want to do this because I don't want to have to start all over (I've invested a lot of time into the classes so far) or join a class in the middle when everyone already knows each other and has their buddy picked out, and I also just want to get it over with as soon as possible. However, I feel like I've invested so much money into all the gear and class that I am entitled to enjoy it. I don't know what to do. Does anyone have any advice for me? Has anyone had a so-so or not too good class experience and gone on to be fine and enjoy diving after the class ended?

Thanks,

wolfgirl

 

[large_diver]

Wolfgirl,

That's too bad about your course. As with any other discipline, there are good teachers and there are bad teachers. My basic OW instructor was somewhat the same way -- he was obviously very knowledgable and experienced, but he wasn't the most patient guy in the world and was not thrilled when he had to repeat himself.

A couple of suggestions (from a fellow newbie who went through this recently):

Don't freak out that the gear set-up/familiarity/comfort in the water with gear on is taking some time. It took me a few times before I felt comfortable about this. Even after my class was over, I still felt unsure of myself when it came to setting things up the right way. Keep at it and the repetition will drill it into your head. For me, writing it down helped give me something I could review prior to class -- this really helped. If nothing else -- get your boyfriend or another experienced diver to help you practice or at least go over it verbally.

Second -- comfort in the water. Again, this takes time. I've been a big swimmer my whole life and was a lifeguard for several years. Despite what I thought was my total comfort in the water, I still had a couple of "uncomfortable" underwater moments during my class where something didn't go quite right. Like the gear, it will get better with practice. If there are specific things that you are having trouble with, take time to work on these issues. Hopefully the instructor gives you at least a little practice time either at the end or beginning of your pool sessions. Take this time to practice swimming with your mask off, or whatever else you may be having trouble with -- the repetition will ease your anxiety level. If you are really having a hard time, perhaps the instructor would allow your boyfrind to participate in the pool sessions with you. There was a woman in my class whose already certified husband attended the pool sessions with her. She was not 100% comfortable in the water and he helped ease her anxiety level. Not sure if the standards of certain cert agencies have any rules against this.

Regarding changing the class -- perhaps talking to the owner is probably the best idea. Tell him how you're feeling. This may be done easier via phone, since you may not want to do it in front of other instrcutors. If switching isn't an option, most shops will allow you to re-take their course if you come through it feeling unsure. Our instructor said we could retake the classroom, pool or OW sessions if we felt unsure or just wanted a refresher at some point at no charge. Although this seems like a pain in the ass, I think it would be better for you to emerge from the course with a positive feeling about diving than to force yourself to put up with this guy and these uncomfortable feelings and to end up never diving again because he leaves such a bad taste in your mouth.

Hang in there and good luck.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

purchase a prescription mask.

you can't see underwater ANYWAY without mask (not well
enough to see detail) so why risk losing a set of contacts.
keeping your eyes open you'll be able to see general shapes
etc which is better than nothing. put the mask on, clear
it and you are good to go.

 

[DiverInAk]

That's a shame, but not all that unusual from what I've heard. The instructor has so many exercises to get through, in so much time, etc.. It's too bad this one is not more customer focused.

I agree with large_diver. From what you've said, it sounds as though you are dealing with a good dive center, and if they have a PADI 5 star rating they no doubt want to keep it. So talk to the owner. If you want to go over setting up gear or discussing theory then he should be more than happy to take some time with you in the shop. You don't have to get in the water to set up gear.

I talk to my local shop owner all the time, and the service technician too. Because I learn stuff from them. If they're not busy they are more than happy to take a half hour or more and shoot the breeze with me.

Be assertive. You're paying good money for the class, get what you deserve out of it. Start with the owner, but if you feel as though that's not getting you anywhere, send an email to PADI or give them a call and voice your concerns.

Lastly, diving should be FUN.

 

[gozumutti]

Dear Wolfgirl

You just got some excellent advice from the others. I am going to add my $0.02 because I am also in the process of getting certified, and did not have great experiences at the start, so I can relate to what you are feeling.

It is not a contest to see who learns everything quickest. If the "others" seem to be having less trouble than you, that is probably because they are only doing certain things "better" and with less trouble, and they probably think that certain things come easier to you.

Your post suggests to me that you are feeling pressured from the instructor, your fellow students, and perhaps yourself! There are scary moments underwater for beginners. Just being there is enough pressure at the start. It takes time to get used to it, to acclimatize to being in a completely foreign environment. You don't have to do everything right the first time. There is a lot of data to process and you need your time to process it.

And don't worry about the other students in the class. I suggest to you that skills which must be learned with more practice often become second nature before the skills which were easy the first time.

I would also suggest going to a local pool and practicing mask maneuvers at your own pace, without the instructor and students breathing down your neck. Get your boyfriend to go with you to give you pointers. You can even do it in the bathtub. Mask clearing, opening eyes underwater etc (without contacts!). Go to the shop and practice putting the gear together on odd evenings or whatever when there is no class. If you talk to the shop owner, he will probably be willing to advise you or have someone else advise you for half and hour and let you set up gear on a "dry run".

You will get used to being underwater, and learn to deal without panic with things like losing your reg etc. That is the whole idea of a class! If you could already do it, you would not need to be there.

Relax and take your time.

And remember, everyone on this board is more than willing to provide advice, moral support and lend an ear to ease fears and anxiety. Let us know how you get on.

gozu

 

[Iguana Don]

Wolfgirl,(do you have a lot of hair on your face?)

Anyway, you mentioned that you got a lung full of water when you lost your reg. You said you had 30 seconds of panic. But look at it this way, you worked through it and didn't give in to the panic. You know what caused the problem and took steps to correct it. I don't know how many students I've seen gulp water and bolt to the surface. But you should be proud of youself and what you accomplished.

As for the contacts, I too wear contacts, you didn't mention if they are disposable or not. If they are, just go through the exercise and let them float out when you have to remove your mask, this is more like a "real life situation" than closing your eyes. Then when the class is over put on your glasses. I go through this same exercise with Genghis Khan, (my cave instructor) he is always lurking around kicking and tearing my mask off during the exercises. Happens so many times, I just started wearing my glasses to class.
Got me a seeing-eye seal for the rest of the pool class.

Don't worry about any of the little stuff, as long as you complete the skills. Then after time in the water it will all become second nature to you. At this time you are a little task loaded and things don't always flow smoothly.
You'll get through it and all will be well.

Be proud of what happened and what you didn't let happen.

Hope this helps

ID

 

[Fishkiller]

Wolfgirl

I can empathize with you

my advice all .02 worth is go and talk with the dive shop owner. as with all previous coments my shop owner has traded my first mask purchase twice so I could have one that would take prescription I bought another without

I don't wear contacts but the sit and no mask breath for one minute skill for me was about 5 minutes to long, we were only in 5 feet of water so I could stand up every time I needed, air up nose wasn't fun so when the swim across the pool was a relief bubbles went elsewhere.

I see that you are to do your OW certs next weekend, me too , for the fourth time, hence reason I want to celebrate big time but how?? ah I degress...

I am on my fifth instructor and the guys at the shop they still talk with me and when they all get back from the various trips they are on (I still hate infections) I will talk somemore and maybe get some ideas one is class size my first class we had 5 people second class had two maybe your instructor is pressed for time a couple of weeks ago there was a weekend class with 17 people and two instuctors not much attention could be paid to each student as with my class..

just keep in mind the big picture the c-card and diving with your boyfriend together

 

[scubabunny]

Is their a DiveMaster helping with your class? If so, talk to him/her. Most of the time, DiveMasters are easier to approach than the instructor. They are there to help the instructor, but also (and, in my opinion, more importantly) to help the students. Tell the DiveMaster that you are having problems feeling comfortable with the equipment, pace of the class, etc. He or she would probably happily help you feel more comfortable with putting your gear together. (although...I've been diving for 2 years...and I still have to think about it myself!)

But, I do suggest that you talk to the owner. He is concerned not only with you having fun...but his shops reputation also! If you are having a problem with the instructor..I'm sure other people did also. They probably didn't say anything..just stuck it out, but they probably don't have a good opinion of the shop. (The instructor is like a spokeman for a shop...the first person a student really gets to know.) He would more than likely be greatful for imput regarding his instructors.

If you decide to go with another instructor, you shouldn't have to start at the beginning. Since you have completed most of the class, your instructor should have signed those sessions off in your log book. If you want to do your last dives with someone else, you should only have to deminstrate those skills in one pool session with a new instructor (just so he will know you do feel comfortable...or as comfortable as a new diver can feel!). Money wise..it depends on the instructor how much they will ask. But, if you talk to the owner, he may just transfer you to another instructor to finish on their own.

Keep in mind though, diving for fun is NOTHING like doing a class! Your first dive will amaze you! A whole dive...with your mask on your face..your reg in your mouth the whole time..all you have to do is look and enjoy! I went on my first "real" dive with my instructor (also my boyfriend) and I kept waiting for the "kneel..flood your mask...clear..OK-sign". Never happened! Was probably one of my best dives ever! And from the sounds of it...you will be an awesome diver (eyes closed..breathing water..and still keep your wits?? I'm impressed!!)

Hang in there girl..it gets better!!

 

[Walter]

..........and definately transfer to another instructor. This one obviously is a diver, but not a teacher. Dive instructors should be both. I'd also suggest getting a prescription mask, it gives you much greater flexibility. Swimming around with your eyes closed is no fun. If the owner is not agreeable to switching you to a class taught by an instructor of your choosing, ask for a refund and look for another class.

One point, they would not lose their 5 star status (it is not a rating) over this issue. They'll keep the 5 star status as long as they teach PADI courses exclusively and continue to pay PADI for the right to display the 5 star logo.

WWW™

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by wolfgirl
... but I am fumbling a little when it comes to all the gear, procedures, etc. in the pool. I feel really lame and embarrassed that everyone goes faster than me and seems to remember everything better than I do.

As others have said take your time, it will come with practice. As was suggested if you have a DM, ask for help from them, if not ask your instructor -- they are there to teach, if you don't learn the right way, you may have problems where it really counts in open water. If you're uncomfortable asking, please ask the store, after all it is your safety you're looking out for.

... his rather obnoxious response was "well, it's in the book and the video, AND we went over it last week." He didn't walk us through it.

Ouch -- mention this behavior to the store! Not a cool move IMHO.

... Once I do a skill IN the water, I feel more comfortable and competent, but I feel like it should be more enjoyable and less stressful than it is. I don't feel like I really know this stuff very well.

Sounds like me at the beginning. I mentioned it to the store, and they had a "spare" DM go through the skills with me on another pool night. Best move I ever made. The one-on-one and the repeat (repeat and repeat) helped.

... I wear contacts so I had to do this with my eyes closed,

Me too. What happened with our class, only two students did the skill at any one time -- except me. Me I got to swim blind with the instructor, who had carried the mask, then signaled me when to stop and don it. Without contacts I can see, not well (in fact my driver license says I MUST wear correction) so in the of a real emergency I would open my eyes and most likely loose my contacts. When I go diving I always carry a spare set of glasses.

... so I had about 30 secs of panic where I couldn't breathe properly, had water in my lungs and couldn't see.

Wow, I'm impressed - you kept your cool in a stressful situation.

...I'm worried about something like that happening in the ocean where I won't have the security and relative safety of a pool.

That's why your buddy should be near you. They will help you out.

...My instructor's response when I surfaced was to tell me (in a mildly chastising way) that I should've held my mask in my hand... He leaves "little" details like that out all the time, and seems to forget that, as new divers, we don't know to do something unless he specifically tells us!

Gag. Talk to your boyfriend, other divers, us(on Scubaboard) about some of these 'special' hints.

...but his responses to me so far when I've asked questions do not encourage me to talk to him about all this, or about the fact that I'm not getting all I could out of the class. . . My boyfriend (who was certified through this same shop, different instructor, and had a good experience in his class) suggested that I go to the shop this weekend and tell them I'm not having a great experience and see if I can get into another class.

For sure, for sure -- diving is supposed to be fun. Join another class. Even if you have to repeat (which you shouldn't), just think for the skills -- you would be the star student.

Let us know how you do.