scared of night dive

[i like 2 dive's wife]

I will be going on a night dive on my next trip and need help on getting over this fear prior to jumping into that dark water! I really want to do it but am scared that i'll be too freaked out to enjoy it. Any hints?

[Rainer]

Do a 'dawn' dive first. Get in while it's still light out, and plan the dive to end just as the sun has set. Once you get comfortable with that, you can keep extending the 'start time'.

I *love* night dives. I find them much more peaceful, and at many sites, there are actually more creatures out to play at night than during the day.

That said, it does take a few night dives before you realize it's just diving, with less light.

[robjoubert]

Night dives are awesome - lot more critters come out to meet you.

Just remember to put a tank marker / strobe on your tank AND on your buddies tank (make sure that the batteries are fresh!!) and you will always have a visual point in case you get an attack of nerves.

[Rileybri]

Originally Posted by Rainer

Do a 'dawn' dive first. Get in while it's still light out, and plan the dive to end just as the sun has set. Once you get comfortable with that, you can keep extending the 'start time'.

I *love* night dives. I find them much more peaceful, and at many sites, there are actually more creatures out to play at night than during the day.

That said, it does take a few night dives before you realize it's just diving, with less light.

Wouldn't that be a dusk dive as its "darkest before the dawn" in the morning!

As for night dives just dont look back what ever you do!!!!!!!!

In all seriousness most people will find that there air consumption is better, they see more and and are generally more relaxed during a night dive. If it helps give your self a mantra to repeat like "I am safe and this is fun". the more you make it a big deal the bigger deal it will be. WHen its all over you will kick your self for building it up to be more scary than it really is!

[Rainer]

Oops, yup 'dusk'.

[Largo]

I agree with Rainer.

A daylight survey is going to make all the difference.

[Sansho]

Hints - try to dive the site during a normal daytime dive first. Makes it much more familiar on a night time dive. Ensure you and your buddy have glosticks or strobes on your tank, and have a good bright primary light - not a backup light. A primary light might use 4 C or D cells, and FWIW I like LED bulbs.

Plan your dive carefully with your buddy. Make sure you understand how you'll use light to communicate with each other.

Night dives, at first seem intimidating, however, can be very relaxing. Your first time you may want to stay with your instructor or DM or whoever is leading the dive (assuming it's a group dive).

[Clanggedin]

DON'T DO THE NIGHT DIVE!!! You'll end up enjoying it and wanting to do more of them.

I was really apprehensive about doing my first night dive, but it only took one to get me hooked. I almost think they are more fun than day dives.

[MSilvia]

I had a lot of anxiety about my first night dive too, but I was pleasantly suprised to find it even more relaxing and interesting than diving during the day. If you aren't afraid to be in the dark with 2 flashlights on land, you have nothing to worry about.

[chilly willy]

If you get the opportunity try the manta dive in Kona, you'll be too amazed to think about it being dark.