Ocean Diving

[Mflann41]

Hey guys Im fairly new to diving, I've done a few lake dives in C.T. with low Vis and only about 15 feet of water. However this weekend I have my first ocean dive and I'm just looking for any advice you'd be willing to offer I'm alitle nervous to be 60ft below the surface so any help would be much appreciated
thanks guys
Mike

 

[NJDiverMark]

Just relax, remember your training, and have fun and enjoy yourself.

 

[Mflann41]

Thank you I'm sure once i get below the surface all my worries will fade away.

 

[jmasin]

Like NJ said, just chill

Honestly it isn't much different. I certified in cold 30ft water. First "real" dives were in 40-50ft tropical.

My first few breaths going down were deep and tense, but I quickly relaxed and it seemed no different than my training (except much warmer, much easier to see and much much much more fun LOL ).

 

[Bubbletrubble]

If you're nervous to be 60 ft below the surface of the water, don't go that deep.
Keep it shallow for your first ocean dive.
Will it be your first ocean shore dive? First saltwater dive? First boat dive?
It's prudent to limit the number of "firsts" for a dive.

 

[fnfalman]

Establish neutral buoyancy and just glide with the surge.

Beware of currents. When they kick up, it's time to head back to the anchor line.

 

[warmwaterturner]

I remember the first time I went into the ocean. It was at Roatan. I looked down....it was probably about 80feet. I could see everything. All I knew at that point was I wanted to go down! Don't know where you are diving or the visability of the area......but take it slow. Get comfortable. Watch your DM and have a great dive!

 

[dry heat diver]

Just relax, take it easy, and stay at a depth that is comfortable for you. There is usually plenty to see at 50' or less and you'll find that increasing the depth will come naturally to you when you're ready. Prepare for a paradigm shift.

 

[tkscuba]

I have to say, my wife and I decided we weren't going to go below 60' on our first dive trip. We told the DM when the plan was to do a wreck dive at 100fsw. He said no problem if we weren't comfy with it, but to follow him and let him know when we wanted to level off. He went right down to the bottom and settled on the sand and watched us and waited. We went down to him and looked at our gauges......we were at exactly 100fsw. It felt no different that 60fsw. We were comfy and signaled that to the DM. He smiled (at least I think so) and proceeded to lead us to the wreck.

It was an awesome dive and I'm so glad we did it. Moral is.... continue if you're comfy, if not, don't.

 

[Downing]

I think you'll find it really isn't that much different than what you've been doing. There are a few differences, but they're relatively minor. But the important stuff, like paying close attention to the dive brief, staying with your buddy, watching your depth and air, etc, those are the same. Make sure the person in charge and your dive buddy know that you're new at this.

Try to relax, remember your training and have fun!

Btw, if you've had good buoyancy control on your 15 foot lake dives, you'll be awesome at 60 feet in the ocean. Just don't forget the safety stop, lol.