As a new diver, it's easy to make mistakes. When you have just started scuba diving, this is a whole new world that opens up to you! With a bit of guidance and further training your dive skills will fast get better, but here are some common mistakes sometimes done by beginner's divers.
Not relaxing but rushing in instead:
Your first breath underwater can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you're not used to only breathing through your mouth. Try to breathe calmly and steadily, and focus on your instructor. Their relaxed behavior should help you relax as well. Don't rush through anything, take the time you need to prepare your equipment and check it carefully with your buddy. A relaxed diver is a good diver. During the dive, take your time to equalize frequently and descend slowly.
Getting frustrated with some dive skills:
During your Open Water Course, there will be several skills you need to master. Don't get frustrated if you can't do them on the first try. You're in no hurry! The instructor wants you to do things right, not fast. So take your time, ask questions, and give yourself some time to master everything.
You should ask questions!
Never be ashamed to ask anything or to repeat your question multiple times if you don't understand something clearly. Diving can be life-threatening, so don't hesitate to ask anything you need to know, no matter how "stupid" it might seem.
Being over or under-weighted:
As a new diver, it's hard to know how much weight you need for your buoyancy. Additionally, things like weight changes, different wetsuits, and different types of water can all impact your buoyancy. Be sure to do a buoyancy check before each dive to avoid using too much energy.
Lack of awareness:
When you start diving, everything is new. It's easy to get distracted by things like marine life or your equipment and forget to pay attention to currents. Make sure to always stay aware of your surroundings, including your depth and air consumption, and stick with your buddy or group.
Diving outside of your training limits:
In your Open Water Course, you'll learn never to dive beyond your training limits. Don't let other divers pressure you into going beyond what you're comfortable with. Always stick to your training and only dive in conditions you're comfortable in.
And the most important tip of all: keep diving! If you only go diving once a year, you'll lose touch with your scuba skills. If you can't go diving regularly, consider taking a refresher course to stay sharp.