I not an an expert diver. Experienced novice, perhaps.
I’ve logged over 200 recreational dives and achieved several advanced certifications and training. I have experience in both cold water and tropical environments and appreciate the unique qualities of each.
How I first got interested in diving:
I was looking for an outdoor activity that my entire family could enjoy together.
I had driven past a local dive shop a hundred times before. One day I stopped to see what it was about. Having grown up watching Jacques Cousteau’s adventures on National Geographic TV, I thought, “This could be it!”
When I got home and suggested that we all take diving lessons, my teenage sons were excited, but my wife said, “No way! But you three can go for it,” so we did.
At first, we were all a bit anxious. But once we learned to breathe and see under water, we were hooked! Coolest thing ever! And when we got into the ocean for the first time, O-M-G!
Many bubbles and memories later:
Life brings change and I don’t dive as much now.
I still cherish the many wonderful memories of awe and adventure, fear and exhilaration, and friendship and comradery. I love the scent of salty sea air and the sound of crashing surf.
If you’ve ever thought about learning to dive, you should do it. It may be scary at first, but I hope you’ll push through it and experience the wonder below the waves that few others will ever see. Bon voyage!