I forgot. Talking about water, please stay hydrated throughout your dive trip. Hot weather and exercise can cause cramps. Stretching before and after dives is necessary too.
It will be fine. Don't worry. It's a wee bit overwhelming n scary at sea but remember not to hyperventilate and use up your air fast. It's all about self control underwater. Remember the routine you've been taught.
It gets better with each dive you do. Basically you are building up a routine for you to function underwater. I remember I started with five weights. Now I just need one. Hope you enjoy the experience.
Not sad at all. The diving fraternity is quite a nice bunch actually. Why don't you try it? It's quite an experience. And really not too hard. You just need to find the right school and instructors. And thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated :-)
Why Nitrox before your rescue? See that you've been bitten by the dining bug. Can be additive. Yes your group is pretty young. Probably not for me then. Thanks for the heads up.
And anyway if they prejudge you based on race, then they're probably the wrong sort of person for you. No loss to you la brudder. Consider it a favour that you know earlier.
I've my Rescue Diver cert. Was halfway through Dive Master training when I stopped due to work commitments. Not been to Phi Phi yet. When are you guys going?