How to overcome common diving fears
Turn anxiety into excitement as you start your underwater journey.
Signing up for your Open Water Diver course is exciting—but if you’re feeling nervous, you’re not alone. Many new divers have worries before (and during) their training.
The good news? These fears are completely normal and can be overcome with proper guidance and practice. Here’s a look at some common fears Open Water students face—and how to handle them so you can become a confident, happy diver!
1. Fear of Breathing Underwater
The Fear:
Breathing from a regulator feels strange, and many students worry about feeling short of breath or suffocated.
How to Overcome It:
- Practice in shallow water where you can stand up if needed.
- Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on a calm rhythm.
- Remember: your scuba gear delivers air on demand—there’s no shortage!
- Ask your instructor for extra time to get comfortable before moving deeper.
2. Mask Removal or Flooding
The Fear:
Students often dread the skill where you remove or flood your mask underwater.
How to Overcome It:
- Practice in small steps. Start with small floods and gradually work up to full removal.
- Keep eyes closed if that feels safer at first.
- Breathe slowly through your mouth and focus on exhaling through your nose to clear water.
- Remember: this skill is challenging for many people, and it’s OK to take it slow.
3. Equalizing Ear Pressure
The Fear:
Worry about pain or injury from pressure while descending.
How to Overcome It:
- Equalize early and often as you descend.
- Go slowly—there’s no rush.
- Use gentle methods like swallowing, wiggling your jaw, or pinching your nose and blowing softly.
- Tell your instructor if you feel discomfort so they can help you adjust.
4. Claustrophobia or Feeling “Trapped”
The Fear:
Some people feel closed in by water, the gear, or the thought of being underwater.
How to Overcome It:
- Start in a pool or calm shallow water where you can stand up.
- Focus on the open space above—remember, the surface is always there.
- Practice wearing your gear on land to get comfortable.
- Communicate your feelings to your instructor—they’re trained to help nervous divers.
5. Fear of Running Out of Air
The Fear:
Many students worry about running out of air or their gear failing.
How to Overcome It:
- Learn to read your pressure gauge and check it often.
- Dive conservatively and stay close to your instructor.
- Remember, the Open Water course teaches you how to share air in emergencies.
- Dive gear is designed with redundancies for safety.
6. Clearing Water from Your Regulator
The Fear:
Getting water in your mouth while underwater.
How to Overcome It:
- Practice regulator clearing techniques slowly until they feel comfortable.
- Don’t rush—pause, focus, and remember your skills.
- Keep breathing slowly; panicking makes it worse.
7. Fear of Marine Life
The Fear:
Worries about sharks, jellyfish, or “creepy” creatures.
How to Overcome It:
- Learn about marine life—most creatures are harmless and avoid divers.
- Listen to your instructor’s briefing about what you might see.
- Remember, seeing marine life is one of the best parts of diving!
8. Fear of Failing the Course
The Fear:
Worry about not passing the skills or exams.
How to Overcome It:
- Your instructor wants you to succeed. They’ll help you practice until you’re comfortable.
- Go at your own pace—it’s not a race.
- Studying your course materials and asking questions helps build confidence.
Final Thoughts
It’s completely normal to have fears when learning to dive. The key is communication, patience, and practice. Your Open Water course is designed to help you build confidence step by step. Before long, the skills that seemed scary will feel like second nature—and you’ll be exploring the underwater world with a huge smile!
Are you thinking of signing up for your Open Water course but feeling nervous? Reach out to us—we’d love to help you dive in with confidence!
