doublechochip: My Journey to Become a Diver

Having never learnt how to swim since young, I had never thought that I would someday dive in the oceans. However, after visiting Redang island several times last year, I gradually found that snorkeling just wasn't enough anymore. After seeing underwater pictures taken by numerous divers, I had to admit that the thought of taking dive lessons started to occur to me.

Naturally, I thought that this would not be possible since I could not swim and I suspect I have a slight water phobia too. While snorkeling too close to a reef or coral, I would immediately imagine things lurking behind them, waiting to attack me. During one snorkeling trip, I was nearly attacked by a titan triggerfish, a fish with teeth capable of breaking bones. I had since learned that it was due to human error since we got too near it.

Diving like any other sports has risks. Which is why it is very important to go at your own pace and not rush. The PADI package that I am taking consists of two classroom sessions where you will learn the theory as well as four confined water sessions in a pool.

I have completed the threory sessions and had two pool sessions so far. One of the difficulties I encountered is not breathing properly ie: breathing through my nose and not my mouth. When you breathe through your nose, water will enter the mask and therefore you will breathe in water through your nose. The proper way would be to inhale and exhale through the mouth and most importantly, to relax. I think once I learn how to relax and breathe properly, I should master the required skills quite easily.

To become a diver, swimming skills are not necessary since you have a BCD (bouyancy control device) that keeps you afloat while at sea level. All that is required is a bit of faith and passion. I am not the bravest of persons cos I am quite 'kiasi' (hokkien term for scared to die) and is quite a scared-ey cat.

One of the many benefits of diving is that not only you will have fun, but a diver sees things that most other people on this earth will never see or experience in their lifetime.

I just hope that by my next pool session I will be able to breathe properly so that I can take my open water test soon and be declared a diver. *fingers crossed* (",)

If you want to find out more about diving or dive courses, check Diver's Den where I am taking my course. They are conveniently located at Jalan Universiti (opposite Universiti Hospital). They have an in-house swimming pool as well as a resort in Pulau Redang where you will take your open water exam.