Got my license two weeks ago and finally worked up the courage to make my first contact today. Kept meaning to jump on the local repeater but kept finding excuses. Anyway this morning I heard someone calling CQ and just went for it before I could chicken out again

My hands were literally shaking when I keyed up lol. Called back with my call and just blurted out that I was a new ham which was probably obvious from how nervous I sounded. The other guy was super friendly though, turns out he was in the next town over. We talked for maybe 20 minutes about radios and antennas and stuff

Feel pretty good about it now but man that first time pressing PTT was scary. Why do we get so worked up about this stuff when everyone is so nice about it

congrats on making that first jump! i still remember mine from like 15 years ago and yeah the nerves were real. sounds like you found a good one for your first contact too. the guys who take time to talk to new hams are the best part of this hobby

that shaky hands thing happens to everyone by the way, i think its just part of it. gets easier real quick once you realize nobody is judging you out there. most of us are just happy to hear new voices on the bands

omg YES the nervousness is so real!! i got my tech license last month and still haven't made a contact yet because im terrified ill mess something up or sound stupid. your post is making me think maybe i should just do it

was there anything specific you said or did you just wing it? i keep listening to the local net but havent checked in yet either