Problem with basic skill in ocean but not pool

Question
Hi James,

I read that you are skilled at teaching mind and breathing control techniques, and I am hoping you can give me some tips or ideas on how to overcome my problem.

Yesterday I went into the ocean for the second time, and I was supposed to do regulator removal and regulator retrieval. I had no problems at all with these in the pool. I managed the removal and replacement fine, but then when I did the retrieval part, I am not sure what happened. I think I tried to breathe in before the reg was fully in my mouth, and swallowed (although it felt like inhaled) some water. That was bad enough but to compound it I shot to the surface (in about 10 feet) in a panic because I had to cough and sputter. After I settled down I went back and tried just the removal part again, and made the same mistake, including popping up to the surface. We just ended up swimming around which was fine but I was anxious the whole time because I had panicked, and that is so bad to have as a response to problems.

I have been having difficulty breathing out exclusively through my mouth, and I wonder if I had maybe blown out too much air through my mouth AND nose when I was doing the removal and replacement. And then maybe I was in a hurry to replace my regulator so I could breathe in again.

So I am hoping you may have some suggestions for me. I really love being in the ocean but am worried and disappointed in myself that I panicked. If I can understand why I did this and the mistakes that led up to it, I am sure I can overcome it.

Thanks so much,
Jacintha

Answer
Hi Jacintha,

I can give you an excellent answer to this question that I think will help you a lot, but I've been away all day and am busy the rest of the night.  I can send it in an email or if you post a follow-up to this, I'll then get back to you.  OK?

saludos,
James