When I first discovered scuba diving, I became obsessed. I became so obsessed with it that I couldn’t stop telling my friends about this new, underwater world I had discovered, and how they simply had to try diving if they ever had the chance. Whenever someone told me they were travelling abroad, I told them they had to try diving. Whenever anyone returned from a trip, I asked them if they tried diving. Most of them never tried it, and I kept getting disappointed.
In the end, I realised that if I wanted to share this incredible experience with my friends, I had to make sure of it myself. So, I started introducing them to the Discover Scuba Diving course! Actually, in my first year since getting certified, I have introduced 4 friends to diving through the Discover Scuba Diving course! Here’s what happened each time.
I got to share my passion
The most special thing when you take a friend diving for the first time is that you are sharing something you are passionate about and giving them an understanding of what makes you so excited about it. Whether it’s a sport, a specific restaurant, or your favourite movie, sharing what you love is what makes friendships grow.
We had a unique experience together – and bonded over it
Every dive site is unique, and so is every dive. Knowing that my friends and I have shared a dive together, seeing a completely unique combination of underwater life, is an amazing feeling. I joined my friend for a dive while she was doing the Discover Scuba Diving course in Indonesia and saw 4 turtles during it. I told her after that I had never seen so many turtles during a dive since getting certified, and this made the experience so much better for her – as it really emphasized just how special each dive is.
I learned that not everyone loves diving the same way I do
Each of my friends who have tried diving for the first time have had a different experience. One struggled equalising, while another took to it like a natural. One didn’t let go of the Dive Instructor at all during the dive, while another felt confident to swim a few metres in front of him. Either way, they all experienced their dives in completely different ways, and all had different reactions to it. They all really enjoyed it, but they didn’t all develop the obsession that I did when I first started.
And that’s okay, because we all have our own relationship to scuba diving. I’m just happy and grateful that I have gotten to share the experience with the people I love, and that I have introduced my friends to my favourite activity in the world.
If you think your friend would appreciate the gift of diving, why not head to your local PADI Dive Shop and organise a Discover Scuba Diving experience for them?
About the Author:
Lisa Stentvedt is a travel blogger and writer from Norway. Follow her adventures on her blog Fjords and Beaches and on Instagram.
