Scuba Diving Week 1

Feeling the itchiness of chlorine on my skin as I sit here about a half hour after I returned back from my first scuba diving class. Both my sisters and I have signed up for the class and we are going to all go through with it. It went well, most of the class is quick at picking up everything. I just don't like going deep down because it hurts my ears. I will have to get over this.

What we first did was in the classroom at the SSI shop. We went over what will happen over the next 8 weeks on each Monday class (except July 4th). We got our homework assignment (Section 2 Read and watch) and signed up for some insurance that is free as we take the class as well as a free subscription to Dive Training magazine.

Liz and I received Twin Jet fins for practice but I think we'll be going for those ones since they are so comfortable and effortless. Our instructor's have lasted 8 years and will probably continue to be useful for many more. Instead of a solid fin, it is split in half and is made of very flexible material that also floats on water. It costs a fair amount more but should be worth it. It's one of those things that you might as well buy the more expensive version now instead of later and also buy the cheaper version.

We drove to the pool and changed into our suits. We adjusted our masks and attached our snorkels to them then sat on the side of the pool as our instructor Marc Turenne told us about correct fits for the masks and some other pointers. We got in by holding onto the sit and turning over. The water was cold but it was warm enough to get used to quickly. With just our feet in, with the booties on, you couldn't feel the temperature. The booties did fill with water once we were in. We practice putting our faces in and breathing continuously then continued onto putting our snorkels under and learning how to expel the water by puffing out the water. This way you could keep your head down the whole time to reduce energy expenditure.

Then we tried going across with the fins and doing small under water dives to practice continual breathing. We then did this over to the deep end to try it out deeper and still understand how it works. There was one snorkel-only girl in the group tonight so she knows more than she needs to for snorkeling. We did a variety of surface dives which reminded me of swim lessons as well as lifeguard training. We had some free time at the end where Ashley tried out the different fins which were easier on her weak ankle. We got out, rinsed all our gear to get rid of icky chlorine, and drove back to the store to get our learning packs and return the borrowed fins (although we'll probably end up getting those ones- they still have to put down the serial numbers).

So next week we actual get to do scuba. So I will have to read Section 2 and watch the DVD. I will likely read the section at work where I actually want to bring my gear and pretend to snorkel for practice. I want to make the children jealous of my mask (but I will do it not during open hours). Can't wait for next week!