How did you feel the first time you went scuba diving? Excited? Nervous? Scared?
No matter how you felt, rest assured there are other divers out there who felt the same way as you! We share the stories of 6 first time divers, including how they felt, their tips, problems, and their scuba journey to show you newbie divers out there, you are not alone!
Diver #1 – Stephanie – Aquarium Trial Diver
- Why did you go diving?
I bought an adventure experience when I was 23, which was a shark dive at an aquarium which looked fun. I have always loved snorkeling and sea life and thought this would be a good step to see if I would enjoy scuba diving.
- Where did you go?
I did a short course run through an aquarium in Sydney Australia. It was about 3 hours and involved some theory first and then a practical session in a pool where I learned to use the breathing apparatus and basic skills like clearing the mask. We then did a dive through the aquarium and got to swim with grey nurse sharks, turtles, manta rays and large fish.
- How did you feel?
I was a bit nervous because it was a new skill to learn and took me a little bit outside of my comfort zone but I was also really excited.
- Did you have any problems?
I found clearing the mask difficult and it took me a couple of attempts to be able to master it.
- What’s your top tip for new divers?
Breathe slowly and enjoy it.
- Have you been diving since?
I have since done some shallow reef dives when overseas in Mauritius and the Maldives. I had always planned to continue and do more a formal PADI course so that I would be able to do deeper dives but I haven’t done this yet.
Diver #2 – Jayne – The Open Water Diver
- Why did you go diving?
When I was 30 my fiancee and I wanted to learn to scuba dive so we could go on our honeymoon in the Maldives.
- Where did you go?
I did a Padi course in Sydney at Manly.
- How did you feel?
I felt nervous at first when doing the training exercises, but it’s much easier when you are scuba diving and not worrying about the drills.
- Did you have any problems?
Yes, I popped my eardrum! Don’t go diving if you have even the slightest cold – it will ruin your ears for years!
- What’s your top tip for new divers?
Just relax – it’s not as hard as the drills and training -they are just for a worse-case scenario. It’s worth it when you go diving and see great things for the first time.
- Have you been diving since?
Yes, I’ve been diving in The Maldives and Mozambique. It’s been great every time.
Diver #3 – Doug – Discover Scuba to Advanced Diver
- Why did you go diving?
I did a trial dive when I was 16 years old as diving was something that interested me and I always wanted to try.
- Where did you go?
Amity Point, Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
- How did you feel?
I was so excited and I couldn’t wait to get into the water, although at the same time I was also a bit scared in case I came across any sharks.
- Did you have any problems?
I had an issue equalizing one of my ears, but I just took my time getting down to depth and it was ok. I also had an issue where the air valve was not 100% opened correctly so I didn’t have a proper reading on my gauge. This was easily fixed by the instructor opening the valve fully. But this shows it’s super important to make sure you do all the pre-checks properly before you get into the water.
- What’s your top tip for new divers?
Stay calm and trust in the instructor, that’s what they are there for! Also make sure you take the time to enjoy your dive, it is the closest thing you will get to flying. It’s a beautiful and calming experience and there is so much of the world to explore below – so give it a go.
- Have you been diving since?
After my trial dive, I didn’t dive again until I was an adult. I did a few introductory dives while travelling to places like Bali and Vanuatu, but I felt quite restricted on what I was allowed to do. So at the age of 40 I finally decided to do my Open Water and was really annoyed I hadn’t done it earlier. I got my certification in Bali (after doing the theory online) and I loved it so much that a year later I went back and got my Advanced. I have done a number of dives through the Pacific islands, Australia and Bali and what’s great is, diving has helped me with my fear of sharks. Being around them and learning about them have shown me that they aren’t something to be feared.
Diver #4 – Dean – Aquarium Trial Dive to Dive Master
- Why did you go diving?
I always wanted to try diving as I felt very comfortable in the water and loved snorkelling. I got the opportunity when I received a voucher for my 21st to try a shark tank aquarium scuba dive.
- Where did you go?
Mooloolaba underwater world in Queensland Australia.
- How did you feel?
Happy, as it was always something I wanted to do and after trying it, I wanted to go again as I felt very comfortable.
- Did you have any problems?
The most difficult thing was trying to keep balanced.
- What’s your top tip for new divers?
If you feel overwhelmed take deep slow breathes and look up (seeing the surface can be calming). If this doesn’t help and you feel panicked and uncomfortable, then signal to the instructor and exit the dive. Also, I find using your own gear (even if it’s only just your own mask) can make you feel more comfortable.
- Have you been diving since?
Yes. It was 9 years before I went scuba diving again. I wish I hadn’t waited so long but I was busy travelling for my job. What finally motivated me to try diving again was a trip I took to Vanuatu. My wife and I were snorkelling and everyone else on our boat was scuba diving, and I felt like I was missing out. When I got back to Australia I signed up to the Open Water course and it was one of the best things I have ever done. I loved it so much, that I even did the courses to become a Dive Master so that I had a career to fall back on while travelling.
Divers #5 & #6 – Ethan & Sydney 11 year old twins – The Kid Divers
- Why did you go diving?
Both: We got a gift voucher from our aunt and uncle for Christmas to do the Bubblemaker course (which is a kids’ course that is taught in the pool).
- Where did you go?
Both: Redcliffe Aquaventures in Queensland, Australia.
- How did you feel?
Ethan: At first I felt nervous but then I got the hang of it and it was a breeze, so then I really enjoyed it.
Sydney: I was excited.
- Did you have any problems?
Ethan: The air tank was heavy making it hard to move around.
Sydney: The air tank was a bit too heavy and I kept flipping over because I’m small. (Note the purpose of the Bubblemaker course is to get the kids comfortable breathing under the water in a shallow pool, so proper weighting and BCD inflation is not the focus).
- What’s your top tip for new divers?
Ethan: Don’t breathe through your nose or you’ll suck the mask onto your face even more.
Sydney: Put your legs apart, it helps with balance.
- Have you been diving since?
Both: No we haven’t had the chance to yet, but we really want to do it again because it was fun!
As you can see, every one of us has a different scuba journey and sharing these experiences can help other divers be more comfortable and safe underwater. And if you’re a newbie diver after some more helpful tips, check out our article on 5 Tips for New Divers taking the Open Water course.
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About the Author
Amanda and her husband Dean have been certified divers since 2009. Amanda has her advanced open water and Dean is a divemaster. They have travelled the world and dived many sites in Australia, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean.
Amanda and Dean have a travel blog called Scatabout which details the fun and unique experiences they have had on their world travels. You can find them doing something adventurous like scuba diving, hiking or something strange like running down the side of a building.
You can follow Scatabout:
Website: https://scatabout.com
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2DM9Noj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scatabout/
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