Okay so you're not a total natural that it all comes easy to. It sounds like you feel Ok about your diving skills but the conditions get to you. That's not uncommon, limited visibility diving is a skill unto itself and some of us like the sense of isolation and others are just the opposite, yourself included.
It's great that you are enthusiastic about diving and this will get you through this. The idea of a warm water trip is a nice one but it's important that you become comfortable embracing your local water. Here in Maine I can usually predict when conditions will be poor. Do you watch your marine forecasts and buoy data? If the seas have been up in the last few days things are probably stirred tup Heavy winds blowing into shore will also be a problem but off shore winds can calm the sea and let things settle down. You don't want to be near a river after heavy rain washed silt into the ocean. Learning to watch these conditions can help you avoid the worst can be diving at the best of times. There are times when I find I'm better of staying home to get stuff done so I can go dive when it will be enjoyable.
Let your depth be whatever is fun for you. Critters are everywhere and the best light is in the shallows. I will mention though that getting away from shore and into slightly deeper water can sometimes provide relief from poor visibility.
Diving is adaptation and you will evolve. Just play it smart, be comfortable and have fun.
Pete
It's great that you are enthusiastic about diving and this will get you through this. The idea of a warm water trip is a nice one but it's important that you become comfortable embracing your local water. Here in Maine I can usually predict when conditions will be poor. Do you watch your marine forecasts and buoy data? If the seas have been up in the last few days things are probably stirred tup Heavy winds blowing into shore will also be a problem but off shore winds can calm the sea and let things settle down. You don't want to be near a river after heavy rain washed silt into the ocean. Learning to watch these conditions can help you avoid the worst can be diving at the best of times. There are times when I find I'm better of staying home to get stuff done so I can go dive when it will be enjoyable.
Let your depth be whatever is fun for you. Critters are everywhere and the best light is in the shallows. I will mention though that getting away from shore and into slightly deeper water can sometimes provide relief from poor visibility.
Diving is adaptation and you will evolve. Just play it smart, be comfortable and have fun.
Pete
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