New to here and to diving

[babyblu]

Hey there... I just joined because I'm looking for all the information I can read before taking the big plunge - into the ocean! I want to scuba so bad, but have some issues with fear of the contents in the ocean and claustrophobia. Sucks really... even though I know BC oceans are so safe...

My hubby is one exam away from being an instructor, so when he gets that cert., I think I'll allow him to teach me. LOL. He was the president of a dive club on the sunshine coast, so I've been around the dive circle quite a bit... but, there is nothing like reading more about other people's experiences.

The pictures of underwater life are so amazing... blows my mind.

Jenn.

 

[DBailey]

Welcome to SB and to the world of scuba diving.

Be aware of and respect the "contents of the ocean", but 99.999999% of the time there is no reason to fear the contents of the ocean.

For the claustrophobia, I find open water dives (instead of pool dives) give me more of a feeling of space and freedom. Just remember to stay calm and everything else builds off it.

 

[IowaDiver]

I completely agree with DBailey.
I am a new diver that was terribly uneasy during training in the pool. Even though I had snorkeled I was still afraid of stuff. Once I hit the open water for certification everything changed. No more fears. I just wanted to get in there and get going.

 

[H2Andy]

hi babyblu, and welcome aboard

many, many, many divers on here have had similar (and much worse!) concerns
than yours, and they have become certified and love diving!

i think the best way to do it is to just start, one step at a time, and deal with your concerns as they come. if you think too much about it, you'll never get started!

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy Jenn!

Welcome to SB!! :happywave Put us in your computer's favorites and check in often. This is a great place to learn, compare, argue Look around our various forums.

I know that some folks have some fears; maybe it'd be good if I had some. As long as you survive the car trip to the dive, though, you've made it thru the dangerous part. Almost everything in the ocean is afraid of us - for good reason.

For the claustiphobia, (a) give yourself permission to change, (b) then ease into it. Don't ever let anyone rush you.

don

BTW - it would really help if you'd complete your Profile...

 

[WisGal]

Hi Jenn,

Welcome to SB!

I had the same fear of the contents in the ocean as well, but once I hit the water I completely forgot what I was afraid of, and can't keep myself away now

As the others have said, take it slow, go at your own pace, and don't let anyone rush you.


WG