open water cert dive this weekend

[fishballer]

and i'm starting to freak out.

i did all the drills with no problems in the pool sessions, but as i'm trying to visualize what i need to do at the quarry, i realize that i don't even know how fast to descent, how to do it, etc.

so let's see, i let air out of the bcd and just sink. but not too fast, correct? or i'd hit the bottom and stir up all kinds of stuff.

when i come up, i should just kick up slowly, without adding air to the bcd, correct? my bouyancy control isn't anywhere close to where it should be, what if i shoot out of the water during my ascent?

pointers? tips?

i'm hoping that all this anxiety will disappear after my first dive.

 

[BrianS]

You want to decend at a slow rate in order to keep yourself equalized, that is the main thing you should remember. Scuba diving is not a fast sport, go slow and take your time. As you approach the bottom you can judge how much air to put in the BCD to keep yourself from hitting the bottom. You don't say how deep the water is, so it's hard to comment on how fast that will happen.

Yes, kick slowly to ascend. You will be releasing air as you ascend, not adding. Remember, air compresses as you decend and expands as you ascend.

 

[ckjacques53198]

and i'm starting to freak out.

i did all the drills with no problems in the pool sessions, but as i'm trying to visualize what i need to do at the quarry, i realize that i don't even know how fast to descent, how to do it, etc.

so let's see, i let air out of the bcd and just sink. but not too fast, correct? or i'd hit the bottom and stir up all kinds of stuff.

when i come up, i should just kick up slowly, without adding air to the bcd, correct? my bouyancy control isn't anywhere close to where it should be, what if i shoot out of the water during my ascent?

pointers? tips?

i'm hoping that all this anxiety will disappear after my first dive.

I just did my cert. dives last weekend and had all the anxiety you had. I did great in the pool but had the same concerns. As far as descending - take your time. Let a little air out and wait to descend. You don't see instant results. You can always let a little more out. Make sure you equalize your ears. Stop descending if you can't or feel pain.

As far as ascending - I was taught to resist the urge to add air to bc as air expands and wetsuit becomes more bouyant. Usually add air to bc when you're at the surface.

We basically did all the skills you've done in the pool at the beginning of the dives and spent most of the rest of time practicing buoyancy. That was the fun part - swimming around looking at fish and just plain trying to be neutral. Relax and enjoy. Soon you'll be addicted

 

[minnesota01r6]

Descend at a slow, cautious pace. This will be your fist time really needing to equalize (if you were in a 10' pool), and you don't want to drop like a rock or else you'll be unable to level off and equalize pressure. As you descend, add air a little bit at a time just to slow your descent - you want to be like a leaf falling from a tree. Left hand on your power inflator, right hand plugging your nose to equalize. Relax. Once you are 15 feet from the bottom (or whatever your desired depth is) add a little more air to your BC to slow your descent to a stop. Try to stop your descent 5 feet from the bottom without touching or kicking. Relax. Have Fun. Take out a new mortgage.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

This may be easier said than done, but don't over think it. Just go slow and relax

 

[heliflyer]

"Take out a new mortgage."

 

[jfoster33702]

and i'm starting to freak out.

i did all the drills with no problems in the pool sessions, but as i'm trying to visualize what i need to do at the quarry, i realize that i don't even know how fast to descent, how to do it, etc.

so let's see, i let air out of the bcd and just sink. but not too fast, correct? or i'd hit the bottom and stir up all kinds of stuff.

when i come up, i should just kick up slowly, without adding air to the bcd, correct? my bouyancy control isn't anywhere close to where it should be, what if i shoot out of the water during my ascent?

pointers? tips?

i'm hoping that all this anxiety will disappear after my first dive.

I've just started my OW cert process.. All of the questions and concerns that you have are things that I intend on learning and practicing during the class and pool sessions - and knowing far ahead of an OW dive. Maybe you should hit your instructor up and practice some of this and ask some questions before you go?

Jeff

 

[fishballer]

I've just started my OW cert process.. All of the questions and concerns that you have are things that I intend on learning and practicing during the class and pool sessions - and knowing far ahead of an OW dive. Maybe you should hit your instructor up and practice some of this and ask some questions before you go?

Jeff

Jeff,

yeah, i've done all the stuff in the pool without much problems (bouyancy is still kicking my behind). but i feel there's only so much you can practice in the pool. i guess i'm just anxious, that's all.

thanks everyone for their hints and pointers.



and heliflyer, i've already opened up a home equity loan for this. and i used to believe that golf was expensive. silly me.

 

[jk47]

You'll do fine! Sometimes it helps to talk about it - let the instructor know you are a little bit nervous. I think everyone must be their first OW dives. I was totally nervous on the surface, but as soon as we started descending, and my head was under and I could breathe (wow!!) it is very tranquil and quiet and relaxing. If you are properaly weighted (you went over that in the pool I assume) you shouldn't be sinking like a stone or rocketing to the top - just make sure to deflate your bc before ascending and during your ascent. Have a great time!!

 

[Nova SS]

Were are you doing your OW dive at? Quarries can be COLD ! One thing I would suggest is get used to having cold water on your face. I did fine with mask drills in the pool but the cold (50 degree ) water was a shock to my face. Fill your mask with cold water and stick it on your face for a few seconds at a time to get used to the feel so its not such a supprise.

Just take your time, remember to breath and clear you ears even before you go under. It took the instuctors 5 minutes to get me under the first time !