No, actually, I got the OW and AOW in Asia. I'm part-French, and speak it fluently, so that wouldn't have been a problem
fjpartrum, he doesn't take care of me, and doesn't do all the work. In fact, he doesn't do anything for me. He isn't a particularly good swimmer, plus he ascends halfway through the dive anyways. So I just stay with the DM in the end (the DM suggested this, or I'd never get to see anything)
In fact, it should be the other way round, given that he can't keep up if there's current or surge, and tends to thud to the bottom/shoot up at descents and ascents. But what can I even do then? I mean, I don't see what I can do to help him as a buddy, in those scenarios. (Any suggestions? Say he can't cross a 30m stretch of strong current, that I can swim across without too much effort. What can I do?)
I'd rather be self-reliant, if possible :/
And given that we only dive on holidays, the other option is insta-buddies, who tend to be older guys I'm not comfortable with. I'm a 17 y old girl, and I don't care how my wetsuit+BC fits, it's not an excuse! Even my dad is a better option than that. I've had unpleasant experiences ><
(Tip to guys on resort dives- don't assume that someone doesn't understand a specific language based on their appearance. If you are going to make rude comments, check first that that caucasian-looking girl in front of you is not multicultural and multilingual.)
(I guess that's why I think a course would be a good idea)
As for comfort, I'm comfortable in water- without scuba gear. I just feel like I'm fighting it all the time.
I just checked some videos from those dives- yep, I don't bump into anything or cause silt, but I can tilt up to 30 degree angle, and I'm constantly clearing my mask (it had a leak), trying to adjust my weight belt, and keep my too big and quite heavy fins from chaffing. And I need to remember to keep my legs bent.
If I stop moving, like was suggested somewhere, and just let go, I'd probably naturally float at a 45degree angle. So it's a struggle to stay either vertical or horizontal. I wish I could fasten my weight belt around my ribs :s
I made the cardinal mistake of assuming. I apologise.
I wish more people in your age group where so passionate.
Sorry I cant offer you any suggestions apart from keep at it it will come.