What Is The Most Important Skill For A New Diver?

[jbd]

Buoyancy control and trim. Once you become one with the water, all the rest will fall nicely into place and you will have fun.

 

[DennisS]

Someone has gotten OW certified. What is/are the most important skill(s) to learn?

Credit card management and control

 

[jbd]

I'm thinking "Gas Management" refers not only to using air slowly, but also checking your gauge so you don't run out of air. To me, not running out of air is WAY more important than having good trim and buoyancy.

Mike

Barring equipment malfunction, poor buoyancy control and poor trim provide a way to run out of air quicker.

 

[cowprintrabbit]

Credit card management and control

ROTFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that you, hon? What are you doing on Scubaboard?

Seriously, I said bouyancy and trim. When I finally mastered the bouyancy problem (Thanks, NWGratefulDiver ), everything else seemed to click!

 

[little diver chick]

I have to say, since I am a very new diver...I have to say the most important thing for a new diver is not to panic!! I tend to panic a lot, and I run out of air. I can use up a high pressure 120 in 25 minutes. Also to watch your surroundings...I almost ran into a Lion's Mane Jelly Fish on one of my dives. Luckily my dad is a ex USN diver and commercial diver..and pulled me back and saved potentially my life.
:monkeydan :scubadive

 

[Rick Inman]

I I tend to panic a lot, and I run out of air. I can use up a high pressure 120 in 25 minutes.

Welcome to the board! I agree that breathing calmly is an important skill. Sounds like your dad has a lot of great experience you can learn from.
BTW, I noticed that when you filled out your profile, you didn't say what agency you are certified through, or how long. Want to tell us?

 

[SeanQ]

This thread seemed a little familiar too me until I pinned it down. All this time OE2X said he wanted to make a thought provoking thread. As it turns out, he made two!

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=67163

 

[OE2X]

Nuts! Senior moment. Guess I'm lucky to remember who my buddy is during a dive much less what I posted 6 months ago.

Thanks for pointing this out to me Sean.

 

[Dive-aholic]

You've never dived with me have you?

Seriously though I have to agree. Buoyancy is the key to diving. Buddy communication can save your life. I don't think there can be 1 key skill. Maybe a basic 10 (or 20 )

Nauticalbutnice :fruit:

Not yet, but thanks for the warning. When I make it out to Scotland and do, though, I'll have to remember to keep an eye on my compass...

 

[Dive-aholic]

Credit card management and control

I would vote that as the most difficult. There's always a new toy I want to get. :11: