Red Fish, Blue Fish, One Fish, Two Fish (multiplied by a rainbow of colours and a million more fish) :)

So…… I told you that I was going to get my open water diving certification. Well, this weekend I did it! I passed the course and witnessed the underwater beauty of the Red Sea. A proud moment….but I admit that I almost quit.

Last week we had the introductory pool session at the school. It was intended to get us familiar with the equipment and help us to learn some basic skills before heading out and doing the real thing! I felt confident walking down to the pool that day. I even felt confident after my gear was on. But then we got into the pool. And then we were asked to go underwater. And then – I freaked out and felt like I was gasping for air. So, I tried again. Same thing – I couldn’t breath. I tried again. Same thing. (I am not used to failing repeatedly.) Anyways, after failing to remain underwater 8 or 9 times in a row, I was freezing cold and I told myself that I could not do it. I could not be a scuba diver and I certainly had no desire to go to Dahab for the weekend. I hated it. (Insert some tears of disappointment).

Wow. At this point I completely understood how my students feel at times. It is so frustrating to fail over and over. It makes you want to give up (and I did) and it makes you feel like you want nothing to do with whatever it is again (my feelings exactly). I told the instructor I could not be a scuba diver. I told my students that I could not do it anymore either. Well – these people did not let quitting happen. My instructor promised he would give me a private lesson at the Red Sea and my students told me “Miss Lindsay, you are GOING to do this and you are going to tell us all about it after the weekend.” OH – the power of a cheering section :)

So I went. And I found out that I really COULD do it! I just needed to relax and trust my equipment (a tip for future open water divers!). The experience was incredible. I can’t even describe the beauty to you…..it was everywhere! Colourful and ALIVE. I saw jellyfish, finding nemo fish, napoleon fish, rainbow fish…….ahhh it was amazing! After four dives total, I am eager to do the advanced course sometime soon! Then I can dive even deeper (I only went down 15 meters)……and go night-time diving (scary, but a fear I hope to concur)!

Imagine if I had quit? Oh my. I would have remained disappointed for YEARS! Try and try again – another life lesson, both for me AND my students!