During our life time there are all kinds of things a person feels that he or she would love to experience.  Some of them start out as, “I just want to try it,” just to see what it is like.

 Scuba diving is one of those things that I just wanted to try from the time I first learned to swim and put my head under water.  I started my diving while at my brother-in law’s home in Florida.

 My brothers were all divers and seemed to love the sport.  So I got them to put me into the pool and from that point on I was hooked just as if I had taken a drug and I do mean completely hooked.  Diving has become my way of relaxing and finding a whole new world every time I dive.

 I have found that most people who try scuba diving will either love it, or just do it for a short period of time while on vacation just to say to their friends that they are scuba divers and will never get into the water again. Out of my class there are only two of us who have gone on with our diving education out of a class of eight, and if that is the goal that’s fine. However, you should set a goal for yourself before you start or develop one for your diving after you begin.

 That will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. I have changed equipment several times over the years and have found it very expensive. I suggest that you rent it before you buy.  If you are one of the percentage of divers who go on to enjoy diving, you don't want to purchase equipment over and over again since as mentioned the equipment is real expensive. For that reason among others is why you should set a goal for your diving education. I have learned from the many dives and certifications that I am always learning to be a scuba diver. There is always something new to learn. Just like any sport it takes time, energy, planning, goal setting, and money.

 Before you start your diver’s education it’s always best to check the local dive shops in your area. You should know who they are associated with and who will be the certifying agency. There are many out there and all have their ways of doing things and it’s up to you whom you will select. Once you get past the open water it’s good to checkout the dive clubs that may be associated with the dive shop. Talk to people in the club and get an idea with whom you may be
diving. I have dived with a host of divers from all over and I still have several that I dive with most every weekend.

 Once you have chosen a dive shop and the instructor has set up your class, you should start swimming as much as possible.  This will build up the parts of the body that will be used while you are under the water, the lungs being one of them.  It is so strange the first time you breathe under water with all the new equipment and the weight of the tank, which becomes only 10 percent of its weight.
 

You have now entered a new world. It’s only a swimming pool right now but after the pool sessions, where you learn the basic principles of diving under water, you will do your open water in a location selected by your dive shop and your instructor.  Your new adventure has started; you will go from a pool environment to the deep water setting. This is where you will find an abundance of new experiences as you become part of the under water world.  

© 06/16/2009 G. McK.                   To The Top