What was the hardest part when getting your certification?

Question

Mine I think was just relaxing and not sucking air down so fast, it is a weird experience breathing underwater, but now I am very comfortable with keeping my air going for along time.

Answer 1

The hardest part for me was learning the mask removal/replacement skill. It's one of the harder skills for most people because it's not a comfortable feeling, and I was also worried about losing one or both of my contacts underwater. The first three times I tried it, I choked and surfaced in the pool (not good!). But my instructor patiently talked me through it the next day, and I discovered what I was doing wrong: I was tilting my head up, which caused water to rush into my nose. This time, I kept my head level and was able to successfully remove & replace the mask. Once I got that skill down, the rest felt like a piece of cake!

Answer 2

The hardest part is committing to take the course. Once you begin, you will wonder why it took so long to do it. The right instructor will do everything possible to make the course enjoyable, and build you confidence. It will be different, you have been told all your life to hold your breath underwater and the instructor tells you to breath. Try and relax, do everything very slow and deliberate. After your certification, go diving on an island asap. Don't get rusty, the more you dive the better you will be at it. Enjoy the opportunity, you are about to join a very special group of people.

Answer 3

Taking my mask off underwater.  I still don't like it, but I can do it.

Answer 4

For me it was doing our check out dives in a lake with maybe 3 or 4 feet of vis. Barely able to see the instructor.

Answer 5

Getting my ears to stinkin pop

Answer 6

Me, it was waiting for the open water dives!