How scuba changed my life

[FPDocMatt]

I've only done 14 dives, but already scuba has changed my life.

1. The weight of the tank, the weights, and everything else adds up to, what, about 50#? Well, it pretty well killed me to have to walk any distance at all wearing all that stuff. It was downright embarrassing, everybody else sauntering up and down to and from the shore, me taking one step at a time, having to stop and rest every few steps. So now I'm doing an exercise regimen, doing squats with a backpack loaded with heavy books, push-ups and sit-ups. I feel like a million bucks. There's a spring in my step. I've lost weight (wasn't overweight to begin with actually, but trimmer now). I need less sleep, no longer feel the need for an afternoon nap on the weekends, get up earlier.
2. In order to pay for all the scuba trips I'm planning (about one every 2 months is my goal), my boss (read "wife") has told me I have to work extra hours. So I'm working a bit extra, making more money.
3. As a scuba diver, I had no idea I'd be a member of a worldwide community of friendly, helpful people (such as the members of this forum). The Caribbean sites all have phone numbers local to the US, so no need for international calls. Just pick up the phone and call whatever dive op on whatever island, a friendly divemaster picks up the phone, ask whatever questions you have, and the conversation always ends with something like, "Looking forwarding to seeing you!" And on dives, you meet people from all over the world, some of the most interesting people. Think about it: They're all well off enough to afford scuba diving trips to exotic locations, so they ain't deadbeats, and they're healthy (you have to be to be able to scuba) and happy (they're on vacation, after all).
4. There seems to always be something new to learn, a new certificate to acquire. Finished OW, then AOW, and now doing RD. But then I can do nitrox, night diving, underwater photography, there seem to be an endless set of new skills to acquire. And all this learning is also self-improvement and enrichment, which gives me a sense of accomplishment.

And the weird thing is, when I think about scuba diving, it isn't the actual diving that excites me. It's all the stuff surrounding scuba diving. Being in the water is more important to me for practicing buoyancy skills, using my new dive computer, being aware of dive safety, the whole process of scuba diving, than for looking at the fish! And getting to the water is just as important as being in the water--the travel, talking to the divemasters, the boat ride, suiting up, filling out my log book, it's all fun. If I actually lived on the shore and were able to dive every weekend, I suspect it wouldn't be as much fun for me.

 

[ben_wilson3301]

Your in the same boat as most of us, so to speak I have been in divemaster training and they ask what business are we really in. Their answer, we are in the business of transforming lives. A direct quote.

 

[ben_wilson3301]

Btw... posted at 4:45AM on the road to Our World Underwater, an international scuba expo in Chicago. That's the funny thing about a life's passion, you never really notice the sacrifices.

 

[Searcaigh]

There is a dive op in Borneo called Scubajunkie and for me that sums up our "hobby/sport" ...... if you take up U/W photography be prepared to sell your house, children and pimp your wife ...... just joking

 

[Allen Herron]

You are hooked! Welcome to the club.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Scuba changed my life too- more vacation trips, more $$ for gear, my wife dives too, so all is x2 yet I am all for it and it is all absolutely terrific. We used to get 3 to 4 trips per year, but now it is usually 2. Just back from Maui, November 2011 was Mexico, but at present there is nothing on the books except training weekends starting in May here in Colorado cold water. We need to look ahead to another trip- maybe Florida? Maybe Roatan? This business of having to come back and work to pay the bills between dive trips is getting to be a real distraction. We need to sell more books! Welcome to the scuba addicts club.
DivemasterDennis

 

[knotical]

Excellent, uplifting post Matt.

Another effect of scuba you’ll no doubt discover more of as time goes on is the interpersonal aspect. Some of my long-time friends are ones met because of scuba. Seen several cases of improved bonding amongst families. Attended three weddings where the participants met through scuba – and know of others. And I think my wife and I are better friends than ever because we are also dive buddies.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Scuba not only changed my life but has become a large part of it. I was involved in many activities over the years but none of them long lasting. I found my passion in diving and then teaching it. Soon it became a "mission" if you will to address the things I saw as less than optimal in training as a result of a fatality that took place in Grand Cayman. That one thing set me on a path that has produced numerous essays, presentations, and a book that just this last week went to a location where I had not sent a copy. Making it now 18 countries that there is at least one copy in. I have invitations from divers all over the world to come dive and stay with them.

It got me thru a very dark time in my life two years ago when my wife passed away. Teaching scuba was the one biggest thing in the recovery process. There were many things and people that helped but my students really kept me going. Even if they didn't know it. They are the reason I keep doing this. Keep spending money, putting time in that at some times should be spent resting or doing things around my apartment, and spending so much time writing and researching to try and do what I can to keep others from getting hurt.

Diving is as much a part of my life now as breathing. It dictates much of what I do on a daily basis. I am fortunate that I have a "real job" to pay the everyday bills. The money I make from teaching and selling gear is for the most part put right back into the business and into my own training to further serve my students. I will be doing more training this year with other instructors and building my knowledge base.

In a month or so I will be taking a Six Sigma Green Belt (Six Sigma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) on line course for my job in the area of quality control. Funny thing is that every part of that course can be used to improve my own operation as an instructor by looking for and identifying areas where improvements can be made and then developing a plan to do that. It did not start out that way when I decided I was going to do this course but if it will allow me to better serve my students why not use it in that way.

 

[kimbalabala]

Wow! What a great post! I feel exactly the same way - it jumpstarted my life! Is there any possibility that your wife will dive with you? If not, I hope she will try to learn the jargon and enjoy the socializing with scuba people. I have SO enjoyed speaking this new scuba language with my husband. Who knew that there were so many acronyms (competing with the government I think!) and new meanings for old words and hand signals? And the physical fitness requirements are a bonus all around too.

Glad you're here and hope to see you on a dive boat someday!

 

[Planeguy]

I just completed my Open Water Certification this afternoon in Montego Bay Jamaica. I had taken the lessons in Ohio and while here on business finished up the course. Had four great dives and am so hooked on diving.