What, me worry? Yeah.

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TSandM

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I'm going to Canada this coming weekend. We have three days of diving the wrecks in Nanaimo -- Great big wrecks (one is over 400 feet long) with a lovely reputation for having fascinating structure and being covered with life. I'm going with a wonderful group of people, all of whom are my friends, and almost all of whom I've dived with. I'm excited about the trip.

At the same time, I'm a little apprehensive. The dives are deeper than I typically dive (I'll be hitting my 100 fsw hard deck every day). They're square profile boat dives, and will involve direct ascents on an anchor line (which means we have to FIND the anchor line). Since they are boat dives, by definition they involve getting back ON the boat, which means climbing ladders.

It's not that I haven't done all of those things before, and all of them in combination. It's just that I don't do them often. These dives are outside of my routine, and therefore outside of my easy comfort zone, and at the same time that I'm looking forward to them, I'm apprehensive about them, too.

It reminds me of the days when I was an attending surgeon at the trauma hospital. I'd get called that we needed to do a case, and as I drove in to the hospital, I was both excited (because I love to operate) and worried (because you never knew what you were going to find).

And I wonder if this is me, or whether most people who dive retain a balance between excitement and apprehension that is part of what results in prudence.
 
I think it's pretty normal to be aprehensive, but excited. I get that way at a new dive site, or a new type of dive. The biggest time I ever felt that was when I was racing. We'd get to a new track I'd never driven on before, and I was always excited to break out my first laps and learn the track, but I was obviously nervous about going fast on a track I wasn't at home on. I remember one race car driver telling me one time, and I think it applies reasonably well to diving, "if you're never worried, you shouldn't be racing, if you're always worried, you shouldn't be racing".
 
TSandM...i get anxiety about the first dive no matter if it is in 84 degree 33 ft water and in the caribean or if it is in 100 ft lower vis and colder keys.

My wories are always as follows, especially on deep dives....

1. Will I be able to equaliize
2. will i suq down all my air in 10 minutes
3. will i have challenging current
4. will i be able to make it back and find the mooring line and the correct moooring line

I have been humbled (not saying how or the situation) to always ask the dive op about what they recommend for gear and techniques. I have also learned that even if I think I know what I am doing, to also express my apprehensions and concerns.

In terms of the ladder, would you feel more comfortable taking off your weights, taking off your fins, and then taking off your bcd/tank and climbing up with minimal gear? If you think this will help, try explaining to the dive op crew on the boat that this is what you feel most comfortable with.

Do you get seasick? If you have a chance of getting seasick, take precaustions with dramamine or the patch.

Make sure you are weighted properly for your exposure suit. This probably not an issue for you, but for others who read the post. Nothing shameful about asking the dive op what they recommend for the heavier mil wetsuits or drysuit, no matter how many dives you have done. Just a question, right.

Anyway, hope this helps. Sorry if it does not. I am jealous, cause you have a great trip planned.:D
 
You'll do great, Lynne, I'm sure. You've had some pretty good experience leading up to this, it sounds like, as well as some pretty intense training.

I, like those who posted before me, also get nervous in going to a new area, even in the Caribbean. Once I get my first dive under my belt, my confidence returns and I can concentrate more on my diving than on my anxiety level.

Have a great time and I hope you post a report when you get back!
 
Lynne,

You know I just did those dives on Dec 30th.

First off, you are going with an excellent charter. They will try to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible, even going so far as putting on and taking off your fins. The latter has excellent traction and handrails on both sides.

Second, I don't think you'll have to worry about finding the line. It's fairly easy IMO. I've never had a problem finding it.
I think you've deployed bag / smbs before, no? Worst case they'll pick you up.

Here is a link to the Breton reef map, perhaps it will help you and your group.

http://www.artificialreef.bc.ca/OurReefs/100_CapeBreton/DiverInfo/CapeBretonReefMaps.pdf

Most of all, enjoy. The vis should be much better than what you've been used to lately (it has to be, no? ;) ).

Have a great time. If there is anything you'd like to chat about regarding the wrecks feel free to PM me :)

Bjorn

*Edit* Info about the Sakatchewan

http://www.artificialreef.bc.ca/OurReefs/100_CapeBreton/DiverInfo/Saskatchewan_slate.jpg
 
Lynne,

I've always believed some tension, along with excitement, is what makes for a safer diver; or a safer anything, really. The excitment may motivate us, but the tension or apprehension is what restrains us to keep us safe.

If you are used to shore dives, boats can be a little stressful. I always have a SMB with me so if for some reason I should not find that anchor line, I can shoot the marker and the boat will come get me.

Remember this, as well, wrecks are finite. If you stay on the wreck, you are near the boat. Currents can be an issue, of course, but wrecks help keep navigation reasonable.

You are going to do great.

(Now, about that "I love to operate" thing...):eyebrow:

Jeff
 
I know it's premature but welcome to Canada.

Dress warm as the bottom temp was 43F the other day.
 
TheWetRookie:
I know it's premature but welcome to Canada.

Dress warm as the bottom temp was 43F the other day.

Given that she's from the Seattle area, I'm pretty sure she knows about all about diving in 43 degree water.
 
nadwidny:
Given that she's from the Seattle area, I'm pretty sure she knows about all about diving in 43 degree water.

Yeah, but now she'll be able to see something and actually have a bit of viz. It's going to be a real shock to the system ;)
 
TSandM,
Ditto to what all the other posters have said.
Looking at our relative stats, this will sound a bit funny (you have about twice as many dives as I do, I think). I don't claim to have any "expert" knowledge, but I do have a long history of handling crisis situations and stress. Sounds like you have too, so I'll just remind you of what you already know.
Coping with stress is a matter of "rehearsing" in your mind the skills you will need and the procedures you will follow. Don't focus on the "emergencies", but consider them as you make your plans. I think that's what all the posters are saying, of course. The old Boy Scout mantra--"be prepared"--fits here. Prepare your mind for what you're about to do. By all means, follow the diving mantra as well, "Plan the dive, then dive the plan." In short, do what you already know to be right and proper in both procedure and equipment issues.
However, I encourage you to always remember that "other" diving mantra..."If you're not comfortable enough to dive, bail." Excitement and anxiety are two different feelings. It's good to be excited (as long as it doesn't make you rush things), but being overly anxious can set you up for problems.
From what I've read of your posting, TSandM, you sound like a really good diver with above average skills and experience. I have no doubt you'll do just fine and really enjoy this new horizon. Have fun, and don't forget to post a report so all us "landlocked and dry" folks can share in your experiences while we wait for warmer water!
 

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