Panicky. Frustrated. The ocean's too big!

[cyfyguy]

Still dry behind the ears. Only 5 dives. Here's the deal:

When the water col is deeper than the vis, and there aren't any other landmarks besides me and my buddy, I become overwhelmed with the sense that we're...well...nowhere...and I get really really shaky.

It's very hard to put into words, that feeling that I'm 'nowhere'. I know the wreck will come into sight in just a minute, and that the Burger Shack is just 60 feet up and a quarter mile to the left...but it's clear that not all the departments in my brain are getting that memo...and breathing becomes as simple as filling out your tax return at 11pm on April 14th...

I'm very frustrated.

Please chime in...

-Cy

 

[In10se]

Dive shallow freshwater 'til your get your comfort levels up? Another 10 or 20 dives may see you past this IMHO.

 

[scuba70]

Perhaps some shallower dives for you until you get accustomed to this new world. I'm not sure what's available to you in NJ, but maybe do several dives in a quarry, just practicing skills. I have found that the more you dive, the more comfortable you become. Work up to the deeper dives, or more limited vis. Don't give up! You'll miss out on too many cool things underwater!

 

[diver 85]

Are you descending down a rope or just 'free falling' with no visual cues??..If the latter, it can be a problem @ 1st, time(experience) can solve it, is my thought..

 

[ScubaSpicher]

I agree with the others. There are some great quarries and lakes to practice and get some experience in before jumping into the ocean. Especially if your buddy is relatively new, experience will make your diving safer. Look into spending a weekend (doing 5-8 dives) at somewhere like Dutch Springs. Google search, it will be the first thing that pops up. Lots of divers and several things to go see. A few more dives should defintely help you out...

PS Dutch is kinda pricey and I only mention it, because I live very close to the facility. There are numerous quarries / lakes for newer divers to become more comfortable. Do a search and ask around for something near you.

 

[fairybasslet]

I agree with diver 85. Descending down the anchor line would help.

 

[El Orans]

No worries,

you don't have to dive wrecks in deep murky waters.

Just be a shallow person like me...

Most of my dives are shore dives to a max depth of 15M/50Ft.

 

[potablewater]

I agree with the others. There are some great quarries and lakes to practice and get some experience in before jumping into the ocean. Especially if your buddy is relatively new, experience will make your diving safer. Look into spending a weekend (doing 5-8 dives) at somewhere like Dutch Springs. Google search, it will be the first thing that pops up. Lots of divers and several things to go see. A few more dives should defintely help you out...

PS Dutch is kinda pricey and I only mention it, because I live very close to the facility. There are numerous quarries / lakes for newer divers to become more comfortable. Do a search and ask around for something near you.

A season pass makes Dutch Springs very affordable. Then you can dive to your hearts content.

All the best,
Geoff

 

[In10se]

I'd add that there are divers on scubaboard that live in your area. Hook up and get some of the advised freshwater time in with an experienced diver.

You may even help that diver out towards getting some dives in on their next cert' by hooking up with him/her.

 

[Cabbie]

earth is two-thirds water or something like that...accept you are in a different environment. Do not take the sea for granted. Take it easy and learn your limitations; in time you will relax. My imagination runs wild in low viz conditions...