nolatom
Contributor
I've dived with instas, which also means *I'm* the insta. Get to the boat a little early. Tell the DM you're pretty new and will need a buddy. If you're lucky, maybe the DM will be that buddy. Or he/she will do a little work to find you a buddy--or even two buddies, going threesies isn't that bad. Tip the DM a little extra at the end of the day for that help. Do a thorough pre-dive check with buddy, agree on how you'll signal air-remaining, then agree to "check in" at 2000, 1500, 1000 at least, and keep track of who's using air faster. Plan when to "turn" the dive and to be at the ascent point with 1000, or at least 800.
Know how to signal "low on air" (fist against chest) and use that signal if you need to--*don't* wait til it's "out of air". Okay, it won't happen, but it's good to know.
I've had very good instabuddies who were quite new at it. Some people are naturals, others are "pretty goods". And, even after saying all this, relax---it'll be fine.
Know how to signal "low on air" (fist against chest) and use that signal if you need to--*don't* wait til it's "out of air". Okay, it won't happen, but it's good to know.
I've had very good instabuddies who were quite new at it. Some people are naturals, others are "pretty goods". And, even after saying all this, relax---it'll be fine.