Not yet certified

[beachlvr0168]

Hello everyone,
I am not yet certified but am planning to start in the next couple of weeks. I had my first experience with diving in Belize on a discover scuba tour. I was not able to complete the 4-5 skills they required so I did not get to dive. I was really upset with myself at the time, but now I know that it was too much too fast for me. I am still VERY nervous about having to take off my mask underwater. I really hope I can do it. My husband is PADI certified and we are taking a cruise to the BVI in October. We really want to take a couple dive tours while there. I am curious as to what are the skills I will have to master to pass other than removing my mask. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[tstormdiver]

Welcome! Diving is a fantastic sport! The first thing you need to do is to find an instructor who works with your style of learning easily. Do not worry so much about the skills you couldn't quite get in the Discover Scuba. Discover Scuba is sort of a crash course. A lot to cover in a very short period of time. Hopefully in your Open Water Diver course, your instructor will go over every minute step with you along with some "tricks of the trade" to make things easier for you. If you're really feeling apprehensive, you might look at taking private lessons or maybe some extra 1 on 1 time with your instructor. It may cost you a little extra $, but will be soooooo worth it in the long run, as there won't be any pressure to "keep up with the class" or such. Also, make sure you are taking the lessons because YOU want to learn to dive, not because someone else wants you to. Unfortunately I see that all too often. One of the major things about diving is to have fun. Yes, there are some skills that can be difficult for some, don't let it discourage you. You may have to practice & work on it for a while, but it should eventually come. Keep the lines of communication open with your instructor.

Here most of the skills you will have to do:
Mask flooding & clearing
Regulator clearing
Regulator retrieval using the hand sweep & reaching back to the 1st stage, finding the hose
Alternate air sharing drills
Weight belt removal & replacement on the surface & below
Buoyancy Compensator removal & replacement on the surface & below.
Emergency ascent drills
Buoyancy control
Mask removal/ replacement & clearing
The instructor may ask you to do more, but that's the basics. A good instructor will go into great detail on how to do these skills & demonstrate them slowly, emphasizing the important parts of the skill.

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

 

[beachlvr0168]

Thanks so much Tammy for you words of encouragement. I am signing up for a NAUI class that starts next week. I am doing it because I want to, I really love snorkeling and am determined to get my certification. We are going on a cruise to the BVI in October and want to be ready to dive for that trip if possible. I am excited and nervous but have a great husband who will help me as well.