Time to hang up my wetsuit after near death on NYE

[Bubblesong]

@Edwon1 it is a mixed blessing for you to be able to dive in such an exciting place, both great but challenging diving.
Look around for more tranquil dive locations, and more easygoing, attentive dive friends, is my suggestion.
I found myself safe little coves, and introduced myself to patient and unhurried dive buddies, and a lot of my dive goes by with little fin flicks instead of desperate swimming.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

@Edwon1

Was this in Belize about a week ago? Sounds like what a former student of mine told me about. She was NOT happy.

Just take a step back on dive in places within your skill and comfort level. This will rebuild your confidence and enjoyment of diving. Don't let one negligent DM from ruining diving for you.

 

[CuzzA]

I'm a newly certified AOW with 20 dives under my belt. On the eve of new year I decided to go for a fun dive with a dive center that had pretty good reviews on TripAdvisor.
I'm out with a DM who is new to the divesite.
On the first dive everything goes well, we dive at 18m the currents are pretty strong but we pass the strong currents just once.

On the second dive, the DM takes us through multiple sections of high current zones where we're swimming against the currents. This is honestly new to me as I've never dived against such strong current and my air consumption is higher than normal.
At around 20mins into the dive I'm reaching the reserve levels in my tank instead of reaching the reserve at 45 mins as is my usual air consumption.
I signal the DM that I'm low on air and she doesn't take notice. I look around for my dive buddy in case I need to swim to him to share air.
After a while I've reached my reserve and I indicate to my DM again that I'm low on air and she just asks me to swim in another section of high current.
Now a sense of panic sets in, I decide to swim into the current straight towards her and show her a low air directly on her face. Now I have 20 bar air left but I'm a bit relieved because she's got the message. We share air but because my tank is so light it drags us both up.
In my sense panic and the rapid ascent I forget to control my buoyancy and we both surface without a safety stop.

So there we go, that was a traumatic ending to 2019 and in all honesty I've decided that scuba in general is too risky for me to pursue. I love swimming and snorkeling is a better alternative for me.
The DM had her version of the story but I was in a state of shock and I didn't argue with her. I was the customer after all.

It should come as no surprise that the majority of dive accidents come from new divers with less than 20 or so dives. You survived the first big scare and it will probably give you some perspective on how to be a safer diver and have a long enjoyable time in the sport. I wouldn't quit, rather get better so when little incidents happen they are dealt with without any issues.

 

[formernuke]

You’re going to quit diving just because of that?
Why don’t you use it as a learning experience instead and move forward in a positive way.

^^^ this

Do low key easy dives, you'll be surprised on how good they can be. Your brand new, you just learned to crawl and tried to sprint. Start slow, crawl, walk, run then sprint.

 

[Soloist]

It should come as no surprise that the majority of dive accidents come from new divers with less than 20 or so dives. You survived the first big scare and it will probably give you some perspective on how to be a safer diver and have a long enjoyable time in the sport. I wouldn't quit, rather get better so when little incidents happen they are dealt with without any issues.

Exactly! Also find a competent and aggressive instructor to teach you to be self reliant in a vigorous and thorough solo diver course. Learn how to shoot an SMB from depth, redundncy, dealing with an OOA situation and gear removal at depth. Moreover, learn how to rig, carry and use a pony bottle.

Or quit. If you are truly uncomfortable, unhappy and on the verge of panic you’re quite possibly a danger to yourself and others. Good luck to you.

 

[divin'dog]

You only have 20 dives. Your DM was new to the site. Strong currents. Take a deep breath... Now let it all out. You survived. Good experience for you to deal with a tough situation. You just learned something about being responsible for your own safety and that DMs may not have your best interest at heart. Remember your training!

Maybe the site was too much for you. As others have said, take this in baby steps. Despite having AOW certification, you need the experience to catch up with the title. Try to get a nice easy shore dive with only a couple other divers who will allow you to dive at your pace. Get out to shallow water and get comfortable. Don't force/rush it. Learn to enjoy it... Scuba is supposed to be fun. Find and dive with some fun people. It may take a while, but you will find someone who dives at your level and pace. Sharing a dive like that makes it more fun. Good luck. Hope you don't quit. Many of us here have been through what you went through. You're no worse than when we started.

 

[lowviz]

Hole up, lick your wounds, then join us. Easy next time.

We have all been there...

 

[chillyinCanada]

@Edwon1 For me, the question is how would you have felt after the dives if it had gone well? Were you already leaning towards "this really isn't for me" or would you have been excited to dive again?

 

[Bubblesong]

^^^ this

Do low key easy dives, you'll be surprised on how good they can be. Your brand new, you just learned to crawl and tried to sprint. Start slow, crawl, walk, run then sprint.

Then pole vault, then swing from a trapeze, then waterski over sharks, then pogo stick through flaming lava, ... or just forget about the future excitement and mosey along through the seaweed, taking it easy. The surprise is that you will see a LOT more going slow.

 

[twowheels]

If you are running low on air, its time to go up whether you get the attention of the dm or not. That was your mistake and you likely will not repeat it.