The first time was at Catalina's dive park. I always wanted to dive. We were there as one stop during a cruise for my birthday. Well on the pier was the local dive op with a big sign.."Intro Dive, $99.00" So I asked what do you have to do..."nothing, just sign here, pay your money and your instructor will be here soon". My sweet girlfriend counted out the cash (happy birthday to me) and we filled out the forms. Diver Dan showed up and we were off to the dive park. Well after getting into all the midievil torture devices, feeling like an astronaut from a very stupid planet, and walking to the stairs with what felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders....we dove! It actually took a few seconds for me draw that first breath. I had practiced on the surface a few times, I knew it would give me air, but it still took me a few seconds to muster the courage to inhale under water. I took that first breath, and it was AWESOME! Do I remember? Oh yeah, and I don't think I will ever forget. Hating all the gear, all the weight, all the hastle was all gone and I was hooked!
). The whole first lesson was awful (I started a thread about my getting certified a couple of years ago - I spent more time on my back in shallow water, like a roach on its back :shakehead.) It was memorable, to say the least. Even now, I can't keep my eyes open as I submerge. Seeing the water come up over my mask starts the panic, so I just don't watch. I'm fine with it now, and once we're under, I love it!! I am one of those people who would have definitely benefited from snorkeling first, just to get over that panic of breathing underwater.
