xyrandomyx
Contributor
LupitaM, I was lurking in your other thread waiting for you to post saying that you'd got your certification. I'm really disappointed to hear that your first experience in the ocean went so badly.
There's no point doing something if you don't enjoy it, but I'd urge you to think carefully before letting one bad experience put you off completely.
I agree with what all the others have said:
I don't think it was right that your instructor shouted at you. If you were in imminent danger, they should've at least spoken to you about it afterwards. It might be a good idea to look for a new instructor.
I don't know the area, but are there perhaps some easier dive sites for first-time divers? As someone suggested, boat dives can be easier (less fighting with surf). And, then, the other suggestion was to try a trip to a warmer location, which might be a good last resort.
I certainly agree with having respect for the ocean (ask any diver, surfer, fisherman), but there's usually no reason to be outright scared of it. Perhaps you can go snorkelling with a buddy or just swimming or playing in the surf to get yourself more used to the ocean? Of course, you want to make sure you do that safely too.
And, if conditions were bad today (as far as your area's standards go), perhaps the answer is just to refuse to dive until they're better (even if they're safe and OK but other people's standards). I decided that after my buddy bailed out of an AOW dive. The other divers that day were comfortable with the terrible visibility, but didn't really have much fun. So, I've just decided that if I see the water looking that green again, my buddy and I will find another site (or another activity altogether).
Also, if your ears are still hurting, a trip to the doctor would be a good idea. If they're not, you're probably OK, but having them checked out might be a good idea. My understanding, though, is trouble equalising is really common with beginners. I had trouble, had mine checked out by a doctor, was told there was nothing wrong. And then realised when I tried again that when the instructor said 'equalise early and equalise often' they meant EARLY and OFTEN. If it's got to the point of hurting, it doesn't really work after that. You need to do it long before.
Anyway. I really hope this is just a temporary setback for you. Good luck!
There's no point doing something if you don't enjoy it, but I'd urge you to think carefully before letting one bad experience put you off completely.
I agree with what all the others have said:
I don't think it was right that your instructor shouted at you. If you were in imminent danger, they should've at least spoken to you about it afterwards. It might be a good idea to look for a new instructor.
I don't know the area, but are there perhaps some easier dive sites for first-time divers? As someone suggested, boat dives can be easier (less fighting with surf). And, then, the other suggestion was to try a trip to a warmer location, which might be a good last resort.
I certainly agree with having respect for the ocean (ask any diver, surfer, fisherman), but there's usually no reason to be outright scared of it. Perhaps you can go snorkelling with a buddy or just swimming or playing in the surf to get yourself more used to the ocean? Of course, you want to make sure you do that safely too.
And, if conditions were bad today (as far as your area's standards go), perhaps the answer is just to refuse to dive until they're better (even if they're safe and OK but other people's standards). I decided that after my buddy bailed out of an AOW dive. The other divers that day were comfortable with the terrible visibility, but didn't really have much fun. So, I've just decided that if I see the water looking that green again, my buddy and I will find another site (or another activity altogether).
Also, if your ears are still hurting, a trip to the doctor would be a good idea. If they're not, you're probably OK, but having them checked out might be a good idea. My understanding, though, is trouble equalising is really common with beginners. I had trouble, had mine checked out by a doctor, was told there was nothing wrong. And then realised when I tried again that when the instructor said 'equalise early and equalise often' they meant EARLY and OFTEN. If it's got to the point of hurting, it doesn't really work after that. You need to do it long before.
Anyway. I really hope this is just a temporary setback for you. Good luck!