Open Water Certification, my gateway to the underwater world. (Dive log 2-10)

 

People around the world have been picking up again or starting a hobby as a way to cope with the current pandemic.

While some took up baking, some knitting, or even urban gardening – I, as one who loves the sea and its tranquility, took up scuba diving.

After getting my toes wet with salty seawater during my Discover Scuba sessions, I made the proper arrangements to get my Open Water certification. This meant I had to book my instructor and get a reservation at a dive resort, as well as transportation and making sure someone will take care of my cat while I was away.

While it seemed I had everything in order, the truth is I was a fish out of water. There are plenty of things I do not know about SCUBA and the culture surrounding it, and I am glad there were a handful of friends and lovers who are just as invested as I am in my pursuit of this hobby. Like a woman wildly in love for the first time in her life, I knew I wanted to do SCUBA diving. I was, and still am, burning with passion but I was also “all over the place.” I didn’t know where to start or how to conduct myself. I didn’t know there’s a seating arrangement in the dining area. I would have packed coffee and food if I wasn’t told it was already included in my resort fee and I would have had a different transportation arrangement if I didn’t know that check out isn’t strict like it is in hotels (side note: I am not sure if it is the same in other countries but this is at least true for the Philippines). It’s those small things that a non-diver wouldn’t be aware of, and I am glad I have guardians who were able to show me the way and temper my fire before I burn my wallet and myself.

Ever since I got my certification, I’ve been diving every month as much as I can. I can always hear the sea calling me during my quiet time.

Scuba diving has changed me a lot. I’ve given up a few things so I can enjoy it more but it has also added a lot to my life. I’ve cut my hair and nails short- two things that I was really vain about. In exchange, I found something I want to do and be part of for the rest of my life.

At the start, it was a whirlpool romance. I had to humble myself and listen to my friends’ advice. As I get more dives logged it’s beginning to get serious, I may just have to tie the knot.

 

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