Originally posted by Zept
But the question remains... for a person who is still getting comfortable in the water, how do you differentiate between nervous uncertainty and a genuine reason for calling the dive?
Zept [/B]
Zept, that is a hard question. Once I got certified, if my boyfriend (also my instructor) hadn't MADE me go diving, I probably wouldn't have gotten in the water again. But, he did...and I'm soooo happy! I'm like you, it took me around 30 dives before I started feeling comfortable in the water.
As for your question...each dive is a learning experience. I have done dives that I wasn't completely sure I could handle. Mostly beach dives. Some, I called for myself because I couldn't handle the surf. Some, I made it out and back with wounded pride. And, some I did no problem. But, they were all learning experiences.
The BEST learning experience is when I panicked in 1 ft of water! It actually is kind of funny thinking about it..but it definitely WAS NOT funny at the time. We did a beach dive, and everything was ok when we got in..strong surg but nothing major. The site was basically shaped like a funnel..all the waves and water that came in was all directed to one place. We did our dive to 90ft, and started to follow the reefs back up. At about 50ft, the surge was so strong I had to hold on to the reef...and my feet were still going over my head. (I know, this isn't making you feel much better!!)
To make a long story short, we couldn't get out anywhere else except at the mouth of the "funnel". The waves pushed me up on the top of the reef in 1 ft of water (VERY low tide)...and I hung on as the water was going out..waiting for the next wave push me forward. But...since this was the mouth, it was a constant riptide and it never stops!!! (we both dived this same spot before and it was never like this!) So,.....here I am in 1ft of water...SCREAMING through my reg! Digging my nails into the rocks, my legs completely off the bottom, my mask being pulled off my face by the current, not knowing what to do.
All I thought was..."ok..I have 600psi in my tank...I am at the surface...I can hang on until the tide comes in!"
My boyfriend finally grabbed my tank valve and flipped me over so my tank was taking the beating from the water and my butt was on solid ground. After that everything was ok. Well...I went to the car and cried because I felt stupid, but thats ok.
But, I learned alot on that dive. First thing to do in heavy surf...turn yourself around and let the tank take the beating. And...at that one spot...if there are ANY breakers...DON"T DO IT!!!!
You do have to challenge yourself in order to become a better diver. I still get a little nervous every time I enter the water. There is a difference between a new situation and danger. If you feel "NO! I don't want to go there!!" then don't. I truly believe Mother Nature doesn't want us in her water's sometimes.
But, if you are just nervous because its different site or slightly different conditions...then, go for it. You can always call the dive after you get underwater if you don't feel comfortable. I am one person who doesn't want to challenge the ocean. I like easy dives...and if she looks like she doesn't want visitors...I don't pay a call.
Hope this helps you some.