| There is nothing quite like scuba diving. I | | | | diving. You first experience confined dives |
| remember my first scuba dive. I was visiting | | | | and then open water dives. Confined dives |
| Tobago with a friend and I decided on the | | | | take place in a pool or a shallow body of |
| spur of the moment that it was something I | | | | water. The first time I put on the equipment |
| wanted to do, so I went to the local dive | | | | and went in the water we were just waist |
| shop and signed up for the class. There were | | | | deep. Once you have mastered confined dives |
| only three of us going on the dive, and the | | | | and proven yourself to your instructors you |
| two others accompanying me were fully PADI | | | | will have the opportunity to go on open water |
| certified, so they didn't need any | | | | dives with the instructor. |
| instruction. That particular dive required | | | | |
| that I have classroom lessons that lasted 4 | | | | Where you will be diving will make the |
| hours. There was a lot that the instructor | | | | decision for you as to what type of equipment |
| explained to me during that time like how to | | | | you are going to need. As my dive was in the |
| use the equipment, what decompression is, | | | | warm Caribbean waters I didn't need any type |
| what to expect, how to use the buddy system, | | | | of wet suit. I wore a BC vest. However, on |
| etc. We did a confined dive first, the | | | | deeper cold water dives you will want to make |
| afterwards went out to the reef for the open | | | | sure you are equipped with a dry suit that |
| dive. | | | | will handle cold. |
| | | | |
| The dive itself was amazing and exhilarating | | | | You'll need a good mask. One that seals |
| for me even though it was what is called a | | | | against your face well. A pair of booties and |
| non-decompression dive, only to 40 feet. I | | | | fins. You'll need a snorkel, a buoyancy |
| had been a snorkel for years, but had never | | | | compensator vest and a regulator with a gauge |
| been that close to a reef and fish. | | | | and a second mouthpiece. |
| | | | |
| For those who crave more diving adventure | | | | You'll want to do a lot of research on |
| such as deep sea diving and wreck diving | | | | equipment before buying. As with most things |
| which would take them much deeper in the | | | | technology is constantly changing scuba |
| water they would need much more training, and | | | | equipment. You'll want to talk with friends |
| PADI certification. | | | | and instructors as to their recommendations. |
| | | | There is a fairly large initial investment |
| It's easy to learn to dive. Not as hard as | | | | and you want to get the best you can for the |
| you might think. PADI certification can be | | | | money you spend. You also want to make sure |
| obtained fairly easily, and at your own pace. | | | | that you're comfortable in all the pieces of |
| There are books and videos that you can | | | | your scuba gear. If your mask isn't tight |
| obtain to help you through the course. Your | | | | enough and leaks, or if your fins are too |
| instructor will give you a short test at the | | | | tight and rub your heels that is what your |
| end of each course. After you have completed | | | | mind will be on instead of the wonders of the |
| what is called knowledge training you start | | | | sea. |