Learning to dive is an incredible experience, and most divers never forget it. Not only is it both challenging and rewarding at the same time, but it can also leave you completely breathless – and not in a bad way! When learning to dive on your PADI Open Water Diver course there are some experiences that completely take your breath away. The list can go on and on, and below I have picked out a few that are worth mentioning.
Disclaimer: You should never *actually* hold your breath while diving. ‘Breathtaking’ in this sense is simply metaphorical.
Your first breath underwater
This may seem like a bit of a cliché, but the first time you take a breath and are able to relax underwater is an experience like no other. There is no way to explain it because there is literally no other feeling in the world that can compare. Being able to enjoy the serenity you find beneath the surface without needing to return back up for air is absolutely fantastic.
When you first master your buoyancy
Buoyancy can take you several dives to completely master. Put simply, your buoyancy is what makes you weightless in the water, and it might even make you feel like you’re outer space. The first time my instructor didn’t have to help me find my buoyancy at the safety stop, I felt absolutely exhilarated. I now love floating around weightless just as much as I love exploring the underwater world – but be warned, it’s addictive!
Seeing that special creature
We all have that one ocean creature that fascinates us, whether it’s a turtle, a shark, or a manta ray. For me, it was (and still is) the lionfish, with its beautiful stripes and venomous spines. The first time I saw one, I’ll admit I overreacted but quickly managed to find my cool so I could simply admire the creature. It is a moment I’ll never forget!
And it’s not only the ‘special creatures’; being underwater makes you realize that you are seeing a massive part of the planet that most people will only ever experience through television, phone, or another electronic device. It’s a pretty incredible thought and one that encourages me to return to the ocean and dive time and time again.
Learning to dive and confidence
During your studying, eLearning quizzes, and open water dives, your instructor prepares you to be a safe diver. By the time you are a PADI certified diver, you will be able to handle most obstacles you could come across as a diver, and the first time you realize this is the best feeling in the world!
The confidence that you gain from learning to dive will transcend all areas of your life. You’ll find an inner confidence that you didn’t realize you were capable of, whether it’s socially, at school, or in your professional life and career!
Not sure if learning to dive is for you or not sure how to get started? Check out this edition of the PADI Blog here.
About the Author:
Lisa Stentvedt is a travel blogger and writer from Norway. Follow her adventures on her blog, Fjords and Beaches, and Instagram.
