I originally wanted to learn to scuba dive because it was a passion of my younger brother and thought we could share a common bond when traveling to exotic destinations. He taught me the basics in my apartment complex pool and I was hooked. So a few friends and I took advantage of a course taught at a Disney pool.
My first dives took place in the safe environment of DisneyQuest at Epcot, with all the kids & tourists waving through the glass. It was enthralling and addictive.
From Cozumel to Aruba to Hawaii to Key West, the underwater world is a widely untapped resource and paradise of its own. Most people will only scratch the surface while snorkeling on the waters edge. They can get a taste of the unknown, but only those that dive down know the complete exhilaration of joining marine life in their own habitat. While I’m still a novice with only 32 dives recorded in my book, each one is unique and so fun to venture out into the unknown. And the thrill of searching a historic shipwreck is the ultimate underwater find. Many reefs just forming are baron, but through the amazing force of nature, these playgrounds breed life and bloom into new worlds previously uncharted.
If you ever get the opportunity to get certified, jump on it. It’s a skill that can be used for a lifetime and anywhere your travels take you. I always wish that I found more time to enjoy this passion, but at minimum, I make plans for 2 trips per year to refresh my skills and remind me that I need to dive more often.