I did a very similar skill during a YMCA OW 2 class. I think there is a lot a value to doing drill like these. It will develop your in the water confidence.
As has already been mentioned, many agencies have done away with this skill, along with other aspects of dive training. No doubt that it takes more effort and time for your instructor and you to accomplish this skill before moving on to the rest of the work.
Good on your instructor for taking the time to work with you on it, there is value in achieving this.
You have a great attitude about it, which says a lot. You approach is "How do I work toward accomplishing this?"
Good for you!
Keep practicing and attempting it, you will get more comfortable and relaxed. Then you will start to have an easier time with it. It will actually become a fun drill.
Try throwing something in the pool, and swimming down to retrieve it with no mask on. Tread water above it, instead of diving head first from the pool edge. Ascend slowly, rather than pushing hard off of the bottome of the pool. This will help you start to calm down underwater. Move slowly and deliberately....just be calm, and it will get easier.
The confidence you gain will transfer to you other water skills.
You have a cool attitude. Enjoy the block of instruction........Let the games begin!! haha!
We do similar drills here among some of our diving buddies with other
fun hazing aspects thrown in....it becomes a lot of fun.
Cheers,
Mitch
---------- Post added March 13th, 2013 at 02:44 PM ----------
Last night in class I was instructed to go to the bottom of the 11 foot pool, take off my fins, bc and mask and surface leaving them there.
I then had to retrieve them. I had trouble getting down to the bottom because I cannot see in the water with out my mask. After several tries I made it down got the air in my mouth but then when I had trouble getting my mask on because it was tangled, took water in my nose and I began to panic, and abandoned the bc and surfaced. Taking my mask with me. I do not normally panic. I was then able to go down reach the bottom get my air put the bc on and surface with my mask on.
Obviously panic is bad. I can work on my surface diving skills and breath holding but the lack of vision is difficult. I have no problem taking the mask off and putting it back on underwater, however, this time I did.
How do I deal with my inability to see? I need to master this lesson. I wear glasses normally to see.
^ THIS!.......Good for you! You will have it in no time.
Cheers,
Mitch