Beginner/newbie

[mobeeno]

I have done quite a number dives but I always feel like a beginner when I dive in a new environment. It does not matter how many dives I have done. Does anyone out there feel like that too?

[fisheater]

Only the smart ones.

[navyhmc]

I am usually a little nervous when going into a new area. This is indeed a wise precaution. I am usually a lot happoer going with someone who knows the area. There are a few exceptions: Blue Hole, Santa Rosa NM is one. Not a whole lot of things to get you in trouble there. The only bad thing is it's a 4800 feet so you have to adjust your NDL down a little. Having High Alt tables or a computer that will adjust is must.

Some "new to me dives" are safe but unless you know what's there, you'll miss some cool stuff

[johnyringo]

Originally Posted by mobeeno

I have done quite a number dives but I always feel like a beginner when I dive in a new environment. It does not matter how many dives I have done. Does anyone out there feel like that too?

Yup, If it's been awhile since my last dive, or I'm diving a new place or doing a recovery in "bad water" i.e. low viz, strong current, entanglement hazards etc. I'm always a bit apprehensive. Once I get down and get in the groove and on task and find everything is working right I'm fine. I think it's just our natural survival instincts.

[Stacio]

I live in texas right now but am from New Mexico...Clovis...I cannot wait to get to the BLUE HOLE in Santa Rosa...swam in it many times! Any good pointers or anything you can share with me? Is it dark down there? Do I need a light for sure? Do you know any local divers in Santa Rosa?

[Penguino]

I think its good you feel this way. This is why the PADI OW course so strongly suggests that you take a guided dive the first time you dive anyplace new

[NucMed Man]

Originally Posted by mobeeno

I have done quite a number dives but I always feel like a beginner when I dive in a new environment. It does not matter how many dives I have done. Does anyone out there feel like that too?

Just everytime I gear-up and stand at the gate.

[jwdizney]

WHEW! i'm not the only one! I think maybe the apprehension and concern helps us to be more alert to the dive, equipment, and environment. call it "respect" for the dive!

[Penguino]

Originally Posted by jwdizney

WHEW! i'm not the only one! I think maybe the apprehension and concern helps us to be more alert to the dive, equipment, and environment. call it "respect" for the dive!

Respect is a great way to put it

[LCF]

Not only do I feel that way, sometimes it turns out I AM essentially a beginner in that environment. Diving high current walls in Indonesia, I was completely unprepared for the upcurrents and downcurrents, and had to learn how to spot where they were likely to occur, and how to be much faster at realizing what was happening and dealing with it before I changed depth much.

Keeping the humility of a beginner keeps me out of trouble most of the time, I think.