Two questions from a newbie

[ianr33]

Its got to be worth getting really drunk the night before, not taking any anti seasick meds just to see if I take the reg out, chuck up, then shove the reg back in. Might have to pratice in the bath tub first, I dont think the missus will be too happy if I do it in the pool.

On a serious note, it is MUCH safer to throw up with the reg in place. (No chance of sucking in water afterwards )

Only thrown up once when diving. Nothing to do with seasickness as I was in a cave. May have had something to do with the gallon of ice cream I'd just had for lunch though

 

[Terrific]

I am quite nervous about diving for the first time as I expect it to be quite claustraphobic although I know many people who say the opposite, its a sense of freedom. Will I be trained in breathing exercises to keep the nerves under control or am I worrying too much about it? I will take the plunge as soon as I have got the right school for me which hopefully will be in less than 14 days from now (when I get some time off)

 

[Rick Murchison]

... or am I worrying too much about it ...

Most likely. Best preparation is probably to get in a pool with a snorkel and just relax while swimming around with your face in the water breathing through the snorkel. With and without a mask
Rick

 

[fjpatrum]

Will I be trained in breathing exercises to keep the nerves under control or am I worrying too much about it?

Don't expect to be trained in any breathing exercises. I have an issue where I bite down hard on my mouthpiece when I first dive and it causes me to get "lock-jaw". It hurts like hell and when I asked my instructor if he knew of anything to help me relax he said he'd never heard of anyone (he's been teaching for 10 years or so) getting "lock-jaw" from biting too hard on a reg. Obviously, I'm special.

The key is to breathe slowly and evenly. Practice in the shallow end of the pool first and then you should be able to recognize when you're getting faster from nervousness. You will also find you breath faster when you're cold so consider that if you do your OW dives in a quarry or cold water.

 

[Terrific]

Thanks fjpatrum. Appreciate the comment. i will start in the shallow end keep cool (thats the plan anyway)