« How I Conduct a NAUI Advanced Class | Main | 'Tis The Season »
November 11, 2006
Ego ... Know Your Limits
"C'mon! Don't be a fraidicat! You can do it! Chicken! I'll watch over you ... Trust me!"
This is a prime example of someone trying to pressure someone into doing something they aren't comfortable with. If this happens to you and you don't feel comfortable with the dive location or dive plan ... Just say "NO."
As a new diver, you will find there is an endless array of diving opportunities out there. From rivers to quarries to oceans to wrecks to caves ... And many, many more!
What a lot of new divers may not understand is that a lot of diving environments require additional training and certification. Many of the springs in Florida and Mexico offer diving for beginning divers in overhead environments - caverns. During your beginning scuba course, your instructor should have given you an idea of what is off limits. These overhead environments are off limits until you have successfully completed a cavern diving course. Caverns and caves and old wrecks are often very beautiful and seemingly inviting, but they are have the potential of being dangerous to the unsuspecting new diver.
You may be faced with the decision of whether or not to dive based on the conditions or the environment. Please remember that by diving in an uncomfortable frame of mind, or by being nervous, or apprehensive, mistakes can happen. Situations can turn bad quickly and you don't need to add to the potential hazards.
If you find yourself in a situation such as this, keep in mind you are not only putting yourself at risk, but everyone in the dive team, as well.
As a new diver, it's a good idea to dive with other divers who have more experience than you. A seasoned diver can help you in ways other new divers cannot. You will learn different people's skills and habits. You will find ways to do things that better suit you. Watch them. Learn from them. Appreciate them. Remember their kindness and willingness to help you. Once you have more experience you might want to look for a new diver to take under your wing for a while. In doing that, there is a sense of satisfaction that cannot be duplicated.
Who knows ... By helping others you might find you want to become a Dive Master or even an Instructor. I found out very early on that I would choose the leadership path. I have never regretted that decision.
Posted by Carol at November 11, 2006 04:09 PM