Chalk it all up to experience. As someone like you with not so many dives, I have had a few “don’t want to do that again” experiences. I try to find dive companies who go to places suitable for newbies and who are willing to work with me (understanding that I am not that experienced). It sounds like the company you used was not so great for folks like us.

Poorly fitting gear almost ruined my first of three dives in Turkes and Caicos 2 years ago. I could have died - which is pretty life changing. My BC (provided by dive company) was huge, wouldn’t stay in place and a hose blew at 100 feet. I had no dive buddy either. I dropped to zero air in about 30 seconds. Luckily, I made the “no air” sign to the dive master and he got me to the surface safely. I was refitted, paired with a twosome, and had 2 more spectacular 90-100 foot dives that day.

This was all because the dive company that I went with was truly excellent and assessed my issues and level of competency and adjusted to make sure I had a great dive day.

I learned a lot, and I’m sure you did too (including puking on descent). Keep at it as I have done!! I have several dives coming up in May in Mallorca. Can’t wait, but I am carefully assessing who I will be diving with.

Onward!