clarissa1:
I am expecting to feel intimidated by the ocean. I also feel scared that I might panick down there and then want to shoot up to the top! hehe
Don't do that.
clarissa1:
I also know that there are (obviously) differences in practising in a 8m pool versus diving in a HUGE ocean and small things are going to feel and be much different. I these unkown factors scare me.
Your instructor shouldn't take you much deeper than about 40' (12 meters?), and although the ocean is huge, just make sure you stick with your buddy and your instructor.
As long as you can find the peron holding the dive flag, you're not lost.
Like, will my ears hurt so bad that I can't stand it?
Your ears should
never hurt. If you haven't been able to master the skills required to clear your ears, or have a medical problem that makes it difficult/impossible, you need to postpone your open water dives until you get the problem resolved.
Will my throat get that dry that I want to get out?
Your throat won't get any drier than in the pool.
Will I have trouble staying with my buddy?
Make sure that your buddy knows that it's his/her job to stay with you, just as it's your job to stay with him/her. You shouldn't have trouble staying with your buddy even if you stop moving, since your buddy is supposed to be keeping an eye on you.
Will I get lost! (Big worry!! haha)
Not as long as you stay with your buddy and your instructor.
What happens if I feel sea sick
The fish will love you. You can vomit over the side of the boat (down-wind). It's also possible underwater, through your reg, although very few people get seasick underwater.
What if I cant get my mask cleared!!?? (battling with this one!)
You need to be able to clear your mask without it being a big deal. If you need more practice, you might want to pospone your dives until you're comfortable with it.
If your mask leaks (you need to clear it a lot), you need to get it fixed, or find one that fits better. You shouldn't have to clear your mask much more than a couple of times during a dive.
I am even scared of doing a backroll from the boat!! (even though I have done it from the poolside!)
I can't help you there. I've never done a backroll. Unless it's a very small boat, I'm not sure why you would want to. (I'm thinking of how unpleasant a backroll from 5' would be).
Overall I am a person who LOVES being in the water but have had some instances happen to me that reminded me of how dangerous and overpowering water can sometimes be. so I think that is where my fear comes from? I know I'll be fine. I just need people to tell me I'll be fine as well!
Your instructor probably doesn't want to get you killed, since it's bad for business.
Terry