Seems like the visibity was the main problem. I also think that I wasnt wearing enough weight at the time. I did end up getting a regular weight belt once i got there (after a day or two). I didnt need neck or wrist weights after all. Once i got there, i wasnt really having problems any more. My first few entries were far from smooth, but i still got down. I did get the hang of the duck dive pretty quickly though. I managed about 30 feet pretty comfortably. I could have done deeper, but i didnt want to get much further from shore than i already was. I want to thank all of you for your input and help. It made for the best vacation ive had yet. As soon as the pictures get developed ill post em.