Originally Posted by
seasnake
Here's another thought, for what it's worth. Everything you do with scuba, take it slow! Getting ready, entries, descents, etc. Make a good thorough plan before getting in the water. I see many divers, new and seasoned, get out of breath and hyperventilate because of rushing to keep up with everyone else. They don't want to "hold anybody up". And personally, I have found overexertion to be one of the main causes of diver panic underwater. Having a good dive plan discussion before suiting up also helps to relieve a lot of anxiety.