wlzmatilida

Verbaslt,

I am/will be sending out positive vibes, and if paddling around in the pool helps you, good...

it did not help me when I foolishly (with my history) let myself be talked into trying a "resort course" in SCUBA. They started me out in the pool, and I was FINE...of course, I was fine, I was in a pool! Where I could touch bottom - once I got into the ocean - forget it! I had a panic attack - between the water closing over my ears (the Darth Vader noise) and not being able to touch the bottom...well, I was a mess. Really stupid on my part to even try, I should have known better.

Snorkelling is a whole other matter. Rather than being weighed down and under the water, you're light, floating along, and that first time that you stick your face in the water and hear your own breathing, well, if you get freaked out, BOINK! in 2 seconds your head's out of the water! It's not the "commitment" of scuba when you're UNDER the water; you're just floating on top.

Since you really want to do this, my advice would be to let a staff member who's going to be in the water with the group know that you're a first time snorkeller and not so comfy in the water -- they will take care of you and build your confidence so you CAN do it and have a wonderful, amazing experience and a terrific sense of accomplishment as well.

We're rooting for you!!! Please post when you get back and let us know how it went!

Best,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

GenuineKiwi47

Hi Verbaslt,
I've visited the GBR many times on vacation and have always had a fantastic time snorkelling, swimming etc.
But if you can't swim, you can get a great deal of pleasure just out of reef walking - that is to say strolling out on the reef at low tide and investigating the rock pools. You'll see some amazing sights, extraordinary marine creatures ranging from snails, crabs, shells, brilliantly colored miniature fish etc - all without having to use a snorkel because the shallow water is so clear.
When I stayed on Hayman Island, I went reef walking everyday - it was fantastic, and the late afternoon shadows made marvellous photographs on the reef. Just be sure to wear rubber or canvas shoes to protect your feet. You can see a photo I took on Hayman at http://www.flixya.com/photo/424289/S...ef,_Queensland
Best of luck with your plan to explore the reef.

PRLCH

Thirty years ago we went on a "snorkeling holiday" in the Seychelles. My mother could neither swim and was even scared of the water - a mask and snorkel were definately out of the question for her. BUT, she desperately wanted to see the coral and fish. She took some swimming lessons to overcome her fear of the water and get some basic floating ideas. Dad then got her a tube - by today's standards a noodle would be a much better option. Dad also got a deep baking tin - cut the bottom out and inserted a piece of clear perspex. Sealed it up so that water could not leak in from below. Mom took to the water in her tube, pushed the baking tin's base just below the surface and .... was amazed at what she could see. We could not snorkel in peace after that with all the Oohs and ahs coming from her.

I am sure you can make a plan and experience the GBR for yourself! Good luck!

iindiamth

I have not ever felt comfortable in the water at all let alone the Ocean . I recently snorkelled off the beach at Lizard Island using a noodle and a life jacket.

I started in very shallow water close to the beach and worked my way out to deeper water with the helps of my husband and guide.

I was amazed at how much buoyancy I actually had. After a half an hour practising I was very happy to actually kick out to the reef where I spent several hours over the course of the day. The reef is not that deep, you could actually touch it. I know you should not stand on it but if I had problems I would have been able to sit on it to regain my breath. As things turned out I just drifed across it with out any prblems at all.

I must say having other swimmers close to me initially was very reassuring.

stormbird

topping for Thistlewhite