kimbalabala
Contributor
Regarding the regulator, I got one that has the second stage on a ball swivel so I don't feel the tug of the hose when I turn my head. It really made a difference for me. I'm a bit of an anxious diver and in order to keep the anxiety down I need to get in the water as often as possible. Is there a place you can practice skills in shallow water? Try to stay out of a current? Don't let anyone push you beyond your comfort level - don't push yourself in order to not drag down your buddy - KNOW that you can thumb the dive whenever you need to. I'm trying to internalize the idea that diving is not a speed sport! You don't get any extra points for rushing through a dive. In fact, you miss a lot and you screw up your breathing, hence your buoyancy and ultimately, your enjoyment. It becomes a "why bother" if you're not having fun. Remember why you're doing this - to have fun - and don't stop diving.
