I grew up within the ocean, physique boarding at each alternative – from in style city seashores in Perth, Australia to the well-known massive waves of Margaret River.
I’ve at all times felt at residence within the ocean – swimming, browsing and snorkelling.
However there was one factor that intimidated me: scuba diving.
It appeared so complicated, requiring quite a lot of time, vitality and cash to study. However there was a sure lure about it… respiration underwater, discovering vibrant sea life and exploring a brand new world.
As our 1-year #motherofallroadtrips across the US and Canada wrapped up and we stopped on Mexico’s Caribbean coast for a pair months, I discovered the obtainable time I used to be on the lookout for. And I used to be decided to nail this elusive bucket checklist merchandise – learn to scuba dive.
On-line analysis lead me to PADI’s Uncover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1-day program. A fast, easy-to-learn introduction to scuba diving, with no expertise or dedication required. So earlier than I had an opportunity to hen out, I booked this system at Scuba Playa in Playa Del Carmen.
What’s PADI?
In the case of an exercise like scuba diving, you need to guarantee the trainer is aware of what they’re doing – your life is of their palms. So I like to recommend selecting a PADI-certified teacher. PADI (Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors) is the world’s main scuba diver coaching organisation with over 6300 dive centres and resorts world wide. So there’s an excellent probability you’ll discover one close by or in an unique location you’re travelling to.
What You Want
The necessities for the Uncover Scuba Diving program are fairly straightforward. Be in good bodily well being, be an satisfactory swimmer, not less than 10 years outdated, and have a way of journey. I simply introduced alongside a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a water-resistant digicam – the dive store offered the remainder.
What Occurs On The Day
After I arrived on the dive store for an early begin at 8am, I met the pleasant employees and acquired began with the required paperwork. There have been a number of legal responsibility waivers and checklists to fill in. Sitting round a desk, my teacher, Vicky, and three others in our group ran by means of fundamental ideas like security tips, how you can breathe, how and when to equalise ear stress, how you can use the buoyancy management system (BCD), numerous hand indicators, and how you can learn the air gauge.
Within the meantime, I used to be sized up and a wetsuit was picked out for me together with an applicable weight belt. After donning the very horny wetsuit, we carried our gear (flippers, masks, snorkel, BCD) to a swimming pool about 40 metres away (the air tanks have been already there, don’t fear!). Right here I acquired my first style of respiration underwater. The pool wasn’t notably deep and Vicky guided me each step of the way in which so I knew what to anticipate. By this level I realised scuba diving wasn’t as exhausting as I believed it might be.
After what felt like half an hour within the pool I had all of the fundamentals down pat. There was simply sufficient time to seize a chew to eat at a close-by café, earlier than we regrouped on the dive store for additional directions. Collectively we walked to the seashore (lower than 1 block away) the place a ship was ready for us.
That is the place it began to really feel much more actual. The situations have been good that day – heat climate, clear water, gentle winds and no waves. Pleasure was rising.
The primary dive location was solely about 5 minutes away. Right here, one of many boat employees helped me get the BCD on and fix the air tank. As soon as the tools was rigorously checked every member of our grouped edged onto the aspect of the boat and flipped again into the refreshing water.
A buoy marked a rope that descended into the clear turquoise water about 10 metres beneath. One after the other, with Vicky’s assist, we edged below the water descending slowly, holding onto the rope. At this level I felt it exhausting to consider that I used to be already within the open ocean, respiration underwater – actually only a couple hours prior I used to be strolling by means of the dive store doorways for the primary time, an entire scuba beginner. And now I used to be floating weightlessly, wanting up from the ocean flooring, watching solar beams dance by means of the water – merely surreal.
The primary reef was lovely. The dive teacher was attentive the entire time making certain every participant was snug, relaxed and having a good time. I couldn’t fault the expertise. We swam by means of vibrant fish, hovered above coral of all sizes and shapes, and simply soaked up the stress-free underwater ambiance. It’s a type of experiences that’s exhausting to totally clarify except you’ve performed it your self.
Earlier than ascending, Vicky inflated a transportable mini orange buoy so we may transfer upwards at a sluggish tempo, cautious to equalise air stress alongside the way in which. The boat was ready on the floor, and helped me to drag the scuba gear aboard whereas I climbed the ladder. With everybody again on board, and broad smiles all spherical, the boat roared to life and carried us to a different close by reef.
We repeated the method, and this second dive felt even simpler – I used to be getting the cling of it! With a newfound confidence I used to be in a position to benefit from the magical surroundings all of the extra. This reef was much more beautiful than the primary and we swam previous a big college of golden, glittering fish and a pleasant stingray. 40 minutes flew by and earlier than I knew it we have been again on the floor, climbing into the boat.
I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment as we returned to shore. However I used to be additionally a bit of miffed at myself for placing this expertise off for therefore lengthy. Again on the dive store, I returned the scuba gear and acquired dressed, and gave a honest because of the Scuba Playa crew. They made the entire expertise seamless and totally pleasant.
Now I’m Hooked
The scuba bug has firmly bitten. I’m already planning my subsequent scuba dive – going for an Open Water Diver certification (OWD). And as soon as my daughter turns 8, I’ll give her a style of scuba diving with the Bubblemaker course.
Want Extra Inspiration?
I’ve adopted Justin from Artwork of Scuba Diving for some time and admired his purpose of diving on the high 100 websites world wide. Now that I understand how addictive scuba diving is, I’m eyeballing among the attractive places he’s been to and including these to my rising bucket checklist of locations world wide.
The Backside Line
I’m so glad I lastly took the plunge and tried scuba diving (pun meant). It wasn’t as exhausting as I anticipated and the Uncover Scuba Diving (DSD) program was the right introduction.
Remember, DSD is just not a scuba certification course – it’s a taster. However subsequent on the menu, changing into absolutely licensed with the 2-day Open Water Diver course so I can proceed to scuba dive wherever on this planet.
Have you ever been scuba diving? Share your experiences within the feedback beneath.
UPDATE August 2016: Erin and I accomplished our Open Water certification! The speculation portion took some time to finish, however total it was a simpler than we anticipated. Now we’re outfitted to take our newfound scuba abilities wherever on this planet.
