I have a fear of the ocean. I'm planning on scuba diving this week in maui. do you think this would help me overcome my fear?
2007-01-31 07:59:27 · 7 answers · asked by afdd0101 2 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
I agree with Diverdan the open ocean at 40-50 fsw is no placew to test your self with a phobia, if you freak, spit out the reg and head for the surface you could in all reality suffer an air embolism which can be fatal.
My father in law has had a fear of water until recently, it took several year of him swimming with me in shallow water with a life jacket on to reach a pinnacle this winter when he when snorkled in Mexico with me at Xel-ha.
My advice is baby steps, do some snorkling this trip with a life jacket on get used to having your head under water for long periods while still breathing. If you do swim in fresh water then try snorkling without the life vest as you get more comfortable, remember you are more bouyant in salt water.
If this all goes well for you then sign up for a scuba course when you get home and get a few local dives in before trying for the ocean.
2007-02-01 09:46:38 · answer #1 · answered by scuba_1965 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are afraid of the ocean, I really hope you are not scuba diving. Panicking underwater can be fatal in scuba. I don't think that scuba diving will help you overcome this fear.
How are you planning to scuba dive anyways? I'm assuming that if you are afraid of the ocean you are not certified for scuba, and if you are not certified for scuba maybe you mean sNuba diving or snorkeling? I would not trust any organization that would let an uncertified diver dive.
Assuming you are a reasonable swimmer, what would help you overcome your fear better would be to start in protected shallow coves and snorkel in areas that you could stand up in if you panic. Once you are comfortable with that, try areas that are a little deeper as long as you have a friend with you. From there you can try a scuba class to get certified and see if it is to your liking.
2007-01-31 08:10:34 · answer #2 · answered by SwimsALot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have come across 2 people in my diving career, that were aquaphobic. As a scuba instructor, I never force anyone to do something they are uncomfortable with. The lady I taught to dive was afraid of water, as she had a bad experience diving, and I helped her overcome that fear. But overcoming that fear, should be done in very shallow waters (i.e. a swimming pool) by a qualified Diving instructor.
So my recommendation would be....before you go to Maui...find a local dive centre, where you can do a try dive in a pool, making sure that you let your instructor know about your phobia.
This will help you accustomise to the surroundings. You may or may not overcome your fear, but one must try. Good luck and enjoy your holiday!
2007-02-01 06:33:31 · answer #3 · answered by Diverdantheman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think about this, if you are going to Maui and your plane crashes you will have to spend days in the ocean waiting to be rescued. If you can get on the plane, you can go diving. Have you ever made as list as to why you are scared of the ocean, whats the worst thing that can happen...you can die...you can die eating a hot dog or watching TV so you might as well live life instead of worrying about losing what you are not using.
2007-02-01 15:47:05 · answer #4 · answered by ea_villeneuve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you try Discover scuba course where it lets you try how it feels like in the open water(ocean) with scuba unit at just around 4 metre at most ? It doesn't take much time and cost anyway. You can contact me at ange_zhen_zhen@hotmail.com if you want more information on it.
2007-02-01 13:36:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be like Nike. Just Do it.
Don't think about it Manny.
(A line from the movie Runaway Train)
The brain creates all kinds of results of something that hasn't even happened yet. It's best just not to think about all the different possibilities or outcomes. If anything, think about good things, the fun you will have, accomplishing something cool, etc.
I went skydiving. I seen some old lady do it and thought to myself. Heck, if some old lady can do it, then so can I. Let me tell you, it is a lot different that what you imagine it to be. It's like sticking your head out the window of a car.
"Damn the torpedos. Full speed ahead."
I also went diving off of Catalina Island. Went down to 80 feet. It was pretty much my first dive. I didn't think about anything but diving. It was fun swimming around in the kelp forest. Seeing star fish, etc. The only regret I have is that I wish I would have taken the dramamine. As soon as I got back on land, I felt like I was still on the boat. You should have seen me drive back and forth all the way home.
I have a sort of phobia of spiders, but screw em. Little puny things. They are more afraid of me. No little puny spider will ever frighten me.
2007-01-31 08:19:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It might very well cure you of your fear... It might also cure you of that pesky thing we call Life.
Do you really want to test your boundaries at depth, under pressure (actual atmospheres of pressure and psychological pressure), where if you do have a panic attack you could seriously injure or even kill yourself?
I would think snorkeling might be a better way to go. You can get in the water, wear a life-vest, and you are near the boat or land where you can remove yourself from the fear inducing situation.
Just my two cents.
2007-01-31 08:08:21 · answer #7 · answered by Curious George, C.Ac 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋