When you started diving.....

Ally · 09-27-2007, 06:24 AM

Were you scared at first or did you just get on with it?

**dalehall** · 09-27-2007, 03:14 PM

I was actually was very unnerved when I did my Discover Scuba dive. We were in St. Maarten, NA and it was a shore excursion from our cruise line. We met at the Dive Shop (Dive Safaris) and had a quick 15-20 minute briefing on the workings of scuba, hand signals, regulator retrieval and mask clearing. After the briefing, we board the boat and went to the dive site which also had a floating practice arena. To get to the arena, we had to giant stride off the boat and go to the arena. First tine in scuba gear and giant striding off the back of a boat in a choppy bay was pretty unnerving.. And then, trying to make my self take a breath underwater was even worse. After we got in the arena, I had to force my head underwater and make my self breath by closing my eyes. It was very unnatural and I didn't think I could do it. I was able to force my way through all the skills and got the OK from the instructor to do the dive. (Guided dive with him) As we started going down the descent line, I couldn't see the bottom and felt like I was going to freak out. But, someone else on the tour had problems and we had to stop where we were while he checked on her behind us. During that time, the viz cleared just a bit and I was able to see the bottom just barely. Once I saw it, I was cool. I did my dive and have never looked back since. So, yes, I was "scared" at first, but once I worked through it, it has been the best experience I've ever had. Doing something unnatural like breathing underwater can be unnerving. But doing something unnatural like breathing underwater can be the most awesome experience if you can conquer the fears you have.

MgicTwnger · 09-27-2007, 07:25 PM

I grew up at the Jersey shore and was swimming and snorkeling when I was a little kid, so scuba was no big deal.

Scuba Mama · 10-02-2007, 06:35 PM

I was nervous, excited and cold. The heater in the pool was not working and it was March. Yes, the pool was indoors, but not very warm. Once I realized I could breathe things were awesome.

**Kev Martin** · 10-15-2007, 04:13 PM

My first dive ever was straight off the harbour wall in a Navy dockyard. Nil visibility, bloody freezing and with a silt layer that covered me from head to toe in a black smelly ooze.

I loved it and what's more - I actually got paid to do it!! What we Yorkshiremen will do for money!!!