scuba

A colleague asked me how I got over my apprehension about diving (he was asking me in order to relate some of my current struggles in the workplace to my diving success, though he made that point without saying it.)

What I told him was that when I got anxious underwater, when I was scared or wasn’t sure of myself, I would stop, slow down, and just look at the world around me. Look at that fish – that anemone – that kelp – and breathe. I’d soon forget I was worried in the first place, and would move on.

Note: Diving in the Puget Sound is much more challenging than my recent vacation dives in Hawaii. There’s much more to be provoked by, from poor visibility, to cold water making your exposed cheeks a little numb, to realizing you’re over-weighted (you have to wear weights so you can sink under water) and you’re sinking too much, making it hard to compensate.

Just thought I’d share that.

It’s interesting that I find it easier to stop and breathe underwater…

I just completed (with Jon) my Advanced Open Water (PADI) scuba certification with GirlDiver! Of course, we weren’t the only ones on the boat today, so thanks to Julie and Jack who were also certified with us – Julie was in my Open Water class and was my dive-buddy! And a big shout-out to Teal Water Charters, the wonderful boat that took us on our three final dives today (including the 100 ft dive!) They were super-hospitable, handy, helpful and made us feel welcome, and made the hard parts of diving easier (in cold water, it’s getting all the gear on and off, and back to the car! You have to have extra weight to sink!)

It was a blast, even if Friday night’s dive was cold and yesterday’s navigation dive was brutal (snowing, sleeting, raining AND breaks of sun ?!?!?!)

Remember, it’s a cool 46 degrees in Puget Sound! But this weekend, it was also under 40 degrees at the surface! Warmer in the water!

And yes, I dive in a semi-dry (aka, very warm wet) suit. No dry suit for me (but maybe in winter!)

I can’t wait til Hawaii!