GJ>  After a few minutes I was not very comfortable with the progress I
GJ> was making on my breathing and had trouble relaxing and felt
GJ> apprehensive concerning my ability to do the dive safely under the
GJ> conditions that would be present at the dive sight. So I told my
GJ> instructor that I really didn't think under the circumstances that
GJ> I would be able to continue and didn't want to cause problems for
GJ> her and the other two students. The checkout in the tank was less
GJ> than 20 min. I don't think that 20 min. Scuba instruction is
GJ> suffecient to dive a reef in `30 feet of water under even ideal
GJ> conditions. Am I correct in assuming this or am I just a Wimp.
My two cents worth, I fairly new to diving myself with a total of 25 dives 
and I am advanced open water certified. 3/4 of these dives have been in Texas 
Lakes with remainder as reef dives in Cozumel. IMHO, scuba instruction should 
provide two very important things: proper use of the equipment and safety 
guidelines(max depth and time, proper ascent rate, emergency situations, 
etc.). The other thing I've discovered is that if you're not comfortable with 
anything about the dive then you won't enjoy it, that includes relaxing or 
rapid breathing or equipment. Apprehension runs high when you first start 
diving, but as you dive more and become more familiar with both your 
equipment and yourself, you find it easier to relax and easier to control 
both your breathing and your bouyancy.
Last comment, you're not a wimp. If you didn't feel comfortable then you did 
the right thing. The only person responsible for you while you're diving is 
you !!
Martin
--- Tabby 3.0
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