Botched First Open Water Certification Dive

by Anonymous

Thanks for your story!

Note from webmaster: Anonymous commented on this story about another first open water dive. I moved her submission so she has her own page/story.

I just had an embarrassing open water first dive today. Hoping I can overcome it tomorrow.

Had one instructor the first day. It was her first day and my buddy ended up - after many hours of trying - not being able to use the regulator in the pool. So, we hurried to get me through my first two and almost 3rd confined dives.

Bookwork last night, then today the open water, off a boat and lots of waves. My buddy wouldn't even snorkel and had to be taken to the beach.

Everyone else snorkeled and my new dive instructor and I jumped in. I couldn't find my BCD valves (he had them) and he wanted me to just hold onto the anchor rope.

Had to work at getting down to the bottom (around 20 feet). Equalized fine, but swimming crooked, so adjusted weights, then swam into current.

It was absolutely beautiful down there.

Then I started getting tired - not getting anywhere with the snorkeling fins I was wearing... and got myself gasping for breath. Signaled my buddy (instructor) and we ascended - and of course I did forget to 'sing' my way up.

He ran my regulator bursting to help me get my breathing under control and we made it back to the boat, tired but fine. I sure hope I can slow down, rest if I need to, and control my breathing better tomorrow!

I feel like such a fool!

Hi,

Thanks for your story. Don't stress out about it - it sounds like you did fine. It is a bit overwhelming and stressful at first but the more you do it the more relaxed you will be.

Just remember to slow down, breathe and enjoy yourself. Please let us know how it goes - we would all love to hear it. Just think - you will soon be a certified diver (I know you can do it) and you won't have to do any more tricks underwater. You'll just be able to relax and enjoy!

Dianne