View Full Version : My name's Paul and I scare easily
Please bear with me
I started diving following a BSAC try dive in September 2006. Last year, I trained through from Novice to Ocean Diver to Sports Diver (finished the drills, etc in November). I have done 30 dives (31 if you count a dry dive)
At 16m in a quarry on Sunday I got some wet breaths from my second stage (about 50/50 water and air) and thought I can’t breathe water, I’m off” - Signalled my intentions and went up.
On the way up, a large part of my being was saying, “Slow down, find something else to breathe from” (that’s what an Octopus is for); but was overruled by the “Gotta get outta here” part
I ended up at the surface, inflated the BCD and drysuit; made my way to the rocks at the side of the quarry and waited for assistance.
After a tow and de-kit; I went on O2 for a while; then kept a close eye on every twinge and twitch for 3 days.
This is at least the 3rd ‘incident’ that I can remember, the others being a wobbler at 6m on the way down to the Breda last March, and another wobbler, this time on the surface at Capernwray last April.
Until about 5pm last night; I was convinced I wouldn’t dive again. I’d cancelled the BSAC subs direct debit; was on the verge of cancelling the club Standing Order and asking someone to take over the organisation of a club trip in July. I had the kit list all written up; with values and was ready for e-bay. (Did I really spend that much in a year???) Then my wife; the most sensible person I’ve ever met; suggested starting small and working up again.
Some of my favourite experiences have been diving related (the craic, seeing colour where I didn’t expect it; surprising fish in their environment); and would not like to lose the opportunity to add to the collection. Having said that, so are some of my least favourite (fear, panic, worry)
Since Sunday, I've had the opportunity to chat with my DO and TO as well as some other people whose opinions I respect; and am now debating either giving up altogether or starting shallow and working up to try and conquer my personal demons.
The problem with the latter approach is finding people who would be willing to buddy a self-confessed scaredy-cat in shallow water outside of training dives; as well as finding suitable locations. After all, I don’t want my issues to impact on other people’s enjoyment.
I would appreciate any (constructive) advice on how best to proceed; as at the moment, the feelings of fear and panic are still fresh and I don’t feel capable of making a rational decision on my own (yet)
Hi Paul,
Sorry to hear of your dilemma but i'm sure all of us have been there i certainly have,after a scare i got i didn't dive for 2 months whilst trying to decide if diving was really for me and i had just bought all the gear :(
Eventually i did what you are thinking about and did a few shallow "safe" dives to get my confidence back,Stewart once told me something that sticks in my head "that the bogey man lives underwater and you have to beat him" made alot of sense (to me anyway :)).
Hope you get wet soon and if you fancy an easy bimble give me a shout :)
cheers
Your Mrs is 100% correct. IMO you are getting out of your comfort zone / doing too much too soon. 30 dives is still hardly anything. I needed 100 dives before I started to get truly comfortable underwater. Other people have said this too.
Practical advice? Dive with trusted buddies who understand your level of ability. Train train train train train. Practice your drills until they are just boring (that includes swapping your regs around). Don't go deep. Do shallow simple shore dives and only do stuff that you really enjoy. If you feel incomfortable at a depth, ascend a bit.
And make sure that you trust your kit. What was wrong with the reg? Do you need a new one that works?
Float in sunny shallow water and look at the colours.
I agree with Gord. I got a scare diving the Wallachia when I had done about 20 dives when my torch failed, there was zero vis and it was pitch black. I got a bit narked and yanked my buddy's fins (turned out not to be my buddy - sorry whoever you were!) and he got me up the shotline.
I got back in the water immediately that day but it took me a good year to get over it completely. Every time I got deeper than about 25m I started to feel it a bit.
However, it's now 3 years down the line and it's fine now. I got over the depth thing by gradually going deeper in nice confined areas and building up the diving. I'd agree with Gord that it was around the 100 dive mark that I started feeling comfortable throughout the dive. Before that the first few minutes were always a bit tense.
So my advice would be to get back in the water as soon as possible, but, at a nice easy site. No current, not exposed, not deep, easy entry and build it up slowly. That way you'll find you confidence builds every dive.
dive granny
20-03-08, 17:41
I agree with Gord. I took ages to qualify 20mths and 31 sea dives. Lots of encouragement from great guys in our club. I did seven dives holding hands (sorry to bore you Gord;)) and a few more before I even thought of doing any actual open water training. I have had a couple of scares, a rapid ascent in the Red Sea and caught in a current and drifting away.......! from the boat. I still get a bit twitchy when i hear the word current but I know what I can do and if I don't fancy something I don't do it. That is where my paranoia comes in about 'spoiling peoples dives' but I have been pretty lucky so far with buddies. I don't have a regular one, due to half our club being couples:rolleyes: Take your time and as the guys say do what you feel comfy with. I found I relaxed more when I started looking at things and not continually watching my air consumption! That probably made me use more anyway. Good luck and keep going. My son is always telling me my diving is fine and it is all in my head (my hang ups that is). Dont know what age you are but I am a granny and I was 50+ when I started, so if I can do it anyone can:D
Dive Tramp
20-03-08, 18:22
Please bear with me
I started diving following a BSAC try dive in September 2006. Last year, I trained through from Novice to Ocean Diver to Sports Diver (finished the drills, etc in November). I have done 30 dives (31 if you count a dry dive)
Count only the Open Water Dives...
On the way up, a large part of my being was saying, “Slow down, find something else to breathe from” (that’s what an Octopus is for); but was overruled by the “Gotta get outta here” part
So your training started to kick in...?? Good, just gotta work on "What your Buddy is for"
I ended up at the surface, inflated the BCD and drysuit; made my way to the rocks at the side of the quarry and waited for assistance.
After a tow and de-kit; I went on O2 for a while; then kept a close eye on every twinge and twitch for 3 days.
This is at least the 3rd ‘incident’ that I can remember, the others being a wobbler at 6m on the way down to the Breda last March, and another wobbler, this time on the surface at Capernwray last April.
Then my wife; the most sensible person I’ve ever met; suggested starting small and working up again.
Yep, can't agree more, you've done the right thing, ask on here, there are already folk ready to take you in. Include me there too, if you'd like. I now manage about every weekend and sometimes weekdays too.
PM me if you wanna get wet.
Some of my favourite experiences have been diving related
So you'll be wanting some more then...?:D
Since Sunday, I've had the opportunity to chat with my DO and TO as well as some other people whose opinions I respect; and am now debating either giving up altogether or starting shallow and working up to try and conquer my personal demons.
The problem with the latter approach is finding people who would be willing to buddy a self-confessed scaredy-cat in shallow water outside of training dives; as well as finding suitable locations. After all, I don’t want my issues to impact on other people’s enjoyment.
See above and, I have NO DOUBT, later posts...;)
I would appreciate any (constructive) advice on how best to proceed; as at the moment, the feelings of fear and panic are still fresh and I don’t feel capable of making a rational decision on my own (yet)
Don't worry about the fear and panic stuff, it's what keeps us on our toes, we learn to deal with it and master it.
Passing your Sport Diver Award is like the driving test, NOW you're learning to dive...:o
Yup, what they said!
It's easy to forget, in the whirl of getting qualified, doing courses etc, that we are supposed to be diving for fun!
If it's not fun, stop and find dives that are. I wouldn't worry too much about "spoiling others dives", most divers, even the most committed wreckies are quite content to go for a shallow bimble now and again, it only becomes frustrating when *every* dive is like that and they want to do different stuff. But that is why clubs are good, and why this forum is good, there is almost certainly always *someone* who will like similar dives to you :)
As others have said, do gentle, easy dives. You said you like the colours, imho the two prettiest and most colourful dives I've had were in less than 10m and both shore dives. At any point on either of them I could have gone straight to surface so it takes away any pressure.
Also, again as others have said, practice your drills. imho DON'T do them deep, but every dive at least once, stop in a metre or maybe two meters tops and swap regs, do a mask clear, take your reg out, blow some bubbles and then put it back. If you don't feel happy with it then go to about chest deep water and do it there, even if that isn't comfortable then stand in the chest depth water with a buddy to keep hold of you, dip your head in and practice there. Doesn't matter where or how you practice as long as you become comfortable and confident in the kit and in yourself.
I'll admit here and now I've even stood a cylinder next to the bath and practiced breathing from a reg with no mask on, and I *know* I'm not the only one!! ;)
Once you are comfortable and confident you can start to expand the places you do drills and, if *you* want to, start to do more "challenging" dives. However the most important thing is to have fun, whether that is in two meters or fifty meters of water is unimportant as long as *you* are comfortable and safe and enjoy it.
Oh and if you want a buddy for one of these gentle shore dives sometime and I'm around I'll dive with you (assuming these *************** gales ever go away :rolleyes: )
Good luck!
Smudge
edited to add: btw, What side of the country are you at?
if you go through your diving career without being involved in an 'incident' then your unlucky IMHO.
there is more learning to be had in something thats gone wrong than in things that always go right & it will make you stronger.
everyone has their demons of some sort along the way, as introduced earlier by loudy, i call mine the bogey man & i have met him on more occasions than i would like to recall.
every time i go diving he is already in the water, its not every time i see him but im constantly aware that he is lurking somewhere, sometimes in the depths, sometimes in the shallows.
the element of surprise is his best weapon so you have to be prepared, as DT suggests, it keeps us on our toes.
when faced with him you have to be strong and dont run away, i tell him that today only one of us will be making it to the surface & im confident its going to be me.
as i make it to the surface, he is the one left behind preparing himself for the next time i go diving.
he will always live there if i have my way, i have no intention of letting him surface.
at 30 dives your diving is still very much in the learning stages, some good practical advice from other posts & your wife.
a brave post
Yogi Diver
20-03-08, 19:17
500+ Dives and still learning!
If you are having difficulty finding anyone in your club happy to take you on shallow dives, have a look around at some of the many other clubs out there.
I know some clubs are all macho and "Lets go to 50 Metres because it's there!" but there are many of us just as happy to bimble about in the shallows where most of the life tends to be any way.
After an enforced 7 month absence from diving, I am about to go back in the water and will be happily restricting myself to shallow dives on Nitrox till my medical problems are fully sorted.
As already said by others on this thread, I would have no problems going in with you as my buddy.
Remember, we do this for fun. If it ain't fun, don't do it!:p
Been there done that and it's not nice, and can really set you back, but there are plenty of divers on here that will buddy you on shallow easy dives and there are plenty of these sites around Scotland. A nice easy dive like Powmill Quarry, good viz, no currents and Max 11m or stick to the 6m area might be a ood place to start.
If your needing a buddy then PM me or PM Loudy as he is the chap to get you over this little set back.
Yep, as they all said.
30 dives really is only the beginning. Keep at it and take your time.
Nobody should be afraid to call a dive for fear of upsetting your buddy. We've all been there and most will be there again.
If your free any weeknights (I'm not getting out at the weekends at the moment) I'll happily meet you at Loch Long for a bimble.
Please bear with me
I started diving following a BSAC try dive in September 2006. Last year, I trained through from Novice to Ocean Diver to Sports Diver (finished the drills, etc in November). I have done 30 dives (31 if you count a dry dive)
At 16m in a quarry on Sunday I got some wet breaths from my second stage (about 50/50 water and air) and thought I can’t breathe water, I’m off” - Signalled my intentions and went up.
On the way up, a large part of my being was saying, “Slow down, find something else to breathe from” (that’s what an Octopus is for); but was overruled by the “Gotta get outta here” part
I ended up at the surface, inflated the BCD and drysuit; made my way to the rocks at the side of the quarry and waited for assistance.
After a tow and de-kit; I went on O2 for a while; then kept a close eye on every twinge and twitch for 3 days.
This is at least the 3rd ‘incident’ that I can remember, the others being a wobbler at 6m on the way down to the Breda last March, and another wobbler, this time on the surface at Capernwray last April.
Until about 5pm last night; I was convinced I wouldn’t dive again. I’d cancelled the BSAC subs direct debit; was on the verge of cancelling the club Standing Order and asking someone to take over the organisation of a club trip in July. I had the kit list all written up; with values and was ready for e-bay. (Did I really spend that much in a year???) Then my wife; the most sensible person I’ve ever met; suggested starting small and working up again.
Some of my favourite experiences have been diving related (the craic, seeing colour where I didn’t expect it; surprising fish in their environment); and would not like to lose the opportunity to add to the collection. Having said that, so are some of my least favourite (fear, panic, worry)
Since Sunday, I've had the opportunity to chat with my DO and TO as well as some other people whose opinions I respect; and am now debating either giving up altogether or starting shallow and working up to try and conquer my personal demons.
The problem with the latter approach is finding people who would be willing to buddy a self-confessed scaredy-cat in shallow water outside of training dives; as well as finding suitable locations. After all, I don’t want my issues to impact on other people’s enjoyment.
I would appreciate any (constructive) advice on how best to proceed; as at the moment, the feelings of fear and panic are still fresh and I don’t feel capable of making a rational decision on my own (yet)
I'm about 30 logged dives, PADi AOW qualified, but happy to do any shallow dives. I'm happy to buddy a self-confessed scaredy cat, I find these buddies less scary than the "seen it all, done it all" types.
Don't give up: start well within your comfort bubble and move slowly towards the edge of the bubble. You may well find that the far edge of the bubble moves as you gain experience. Above all, don't rush things!
Whereabouts are you based? I live in Gourock and could inroduce you to a couple of gentle sites.
Al.
I posted this on a couple of other forums as well, as I really wanted to get my feelings, etc out in the open and as much advice as possible. I am overwhelmed at the amount of support and advice I've received. Thanks to all.
What is even more amazing is the number of 'been there, done that' there is out there - although I still feel VERY anxious at the thought of Open Water, I'm feeling more like starting shallow and working up is the way to go.
I'm across the border in Manchester, so would find it difficult to take most of you up on your very kind offers; but thanks anyway
Thanks Again
Dive Safe
Paul
I don't have much more to add, except that I also went through about a year of getting really stressed underwater even on really easy, shallow dives (had done about 100-150 dives by then). The only thing I can really say is not to give up, get back on the horse and learn how to stay calm underwater and listen to the sensible voice in your head!
I bailed out of a few dives when I felt it coming on, and just leaving the bottom and starting the ascent was enough to calm me down. I had an ace buddy as well who was great about aborting dives if I wasn't happy, but also didn't put up with any nonsense and refused to humour me if I was getting over-anxious about daft things :) I can't say I've got over it 100% yet, but I can keep it totally under control now and it doesn't interfere with my diving any more at all really.
Good luck, and hopefully see you out in the water some time
Zan
You should try and buddy up with someone who is into photography - it'll be a shallow, slow dive with no pressure to move on - you'll have time to concentrate on your bouyancy and getting your head around the situation while your buddy spends 1/2 an hour trying to get the right angle on a nudibranch - you can always nick their octo and they won't even notice. Diving is all about increasing your comfort zone underwater and even after 400 odd dives there are still situations in which I feel nervous about getting in the water, but with the right risk assesment, once you've done it and conquered it you feel great. Smudge is right, practice your skills until they are 2nd nature and always remember that the surface is not where you'll find the solution to your problems should you feel uncomfortable (if you have configured your backup equipment correctly). I dreaded getting in the water for the 1st 50 or so dives because of surge, low vis, depth, sharks or the bogeyman, but with the proper training and experience they are easy to deal with and there is always another adventure waiting for you.
Did a sea dive on Sunday- On the boilers of the Missouri in Angelsey (Allegedly - couldn't see a thing)
Good exercise in task loading - No Vis, diving in a 3, etc
No Wobblers. :)
On the downside, I lost my weightbelt. The upside of that is I get to do some dive kit shopping - Somewhere out there is a harness with my name on it.
Anyway, good day out, only one dive - 17 minutes before the Dive Leader thumbed it; max depth 11.5m. Then I lost the belt, so had to sit out the 2nd dive (which apparently was no better). I think I'll stick with this diving thingy. :)
dive granny
15-04-08, 17:35
Well done. If you can dive in 3m viz you can do anything:) How did you lose your weight belt? there is another thread about weight belt loss somewhere. One of the mods might 'link it' cos I don't know how. But you have made a start and that is good, one step at a a time and keep going. well done.:D
Hi,
3m would have been good - it seemed like 3mm at times.
I lost my belt trying to hand it up to the RIB - slippery when wet and all that. Anyway, it was an excuse to buy a lovely Bowstone Quick Release harness - now all I need is to put my name on it and some lead in it.
Paul
dive granny
16-04-08, 20:58
First time I ever lifted a weight belt for my very first ow dive, I picked it up by the buckle end. Guess what! All the weights dropped into the murky loch. Doh! never done it since mind you:D
Welldone mate, keep with it.
I would be happy to go diving with you M8 as we all need a helping hand from time to time. I am a PADI AOW with 100 logged dives over about 6 years, mostly Scotland in a Drysuit. Just PM me. I live near Dumbarton.:)