I have found the items in this thread very useful. I passed the theory and exercises in the OW course but when it came to doing an acctual 'proper' dive I freaked out and had to come to the surface. The sensation of being weightless was so weird and I found it hard to come to terms with the fact that there was so much water above me. This is the second diving school I have been with and on hearing what had happened my former instructor came and told me that maybe scuba diving just wasn't for me and to forget about it. I am still determined to continue. I reckon that if I can practice some snorkelling that may help. If I can only overcome the fear of all the water above me (psychological, I know!) but the comment I read about the nearest air being on your back may have helped. So at the moment I am in limbo but hopefully will try and psyche myself up into having another go. third time lucky??