Posted by ChrisM on December 03, 2001 at 09:59:06:
In Reply to: Re: Beach Diving posted by DougD on December 03, 2001 at 09:49:15:
I started beach diving last November. Every Sat. morning I would drive down to Laguna, and as I got closer, I would get a knot in my stomach, beach diving, especially in the winter can be intimidating.
However, I kept diving with Rich - and I commented to him just two weeks ago about how much confidence (not over-confidence) I have in my beach diving skills, and that is because I have developed the most important skill....Knowing when to call it. THat's it. You're not comfortable, for whatever reason, just call it. THe last time we went to Crescent, the surf was big but doable, but I just said "Ya know what, I think I'm going to skip it." No one is going to force you in the water, and no one that I know is going to say anything about calling a dive.
Develop that intuition, know when it's not right, and you'll be fine. Ask questions, watch others and learn.
The Laguna Beach group is great for that. i found the Sandeaters less so for newer divers.
Chris