We would be interviewing “X”, who has went through two confined water sessions before the trip. Let’s hear what she has to say.
The interviewer will be referred to as “Gillie”.
The interviewee will be referred to as “X”.
Gillie: So X, what made you sign up for the Open Water Course?
X: (with a wistful smile on her face). Well, it started out as a romantic notion about the underwater world. A friend of mine showed me a video on YouTube when I was 16 years old. It was a footage in Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa. I was absolutely mesmerized and that video became my comfort video whenever I needed some time with my inner self till now.
Gillie: Wow! That must have been an awesome video! So you must have been looking forward to your trip then!
X: Yes. It was a really good video! And I was looking forward to the trip! Well, I was pre-empt about the need to complete my skills underwater so I did not expect to really swim around and explore the marine life. We did manage to do a leisure dive though!
Gillie: What about the pool session then? (I am stepping on a land mine here…)
X: Hmm.. I basically screwed up my first pool session because I totally panicked during the swim test and the emotion just emanated throughout the session. I am not an extremely confident swimmer… So I guess the lesson here is to stay calm no matter what.
Gillie: So you went back for a second pool session? (Still treading on shaky ground here…)
X: Oh yes haha! It was an entirely different experience from the first! Well I was kind of discouraged after the first pool but I thought what the heck man. Since I’ve already started on it, why not just do it! For some of you who need to do re-pool, I think it’s more about adjusting your mindset towards that.
Gillie: So how did you feel on the trip? I assume you are more confident now after your second pool session?
X: Absolutely! The second pool session really helped a lot! It allayed my fears and I really felt much more comfortable and confident during the trip! So for those new students who are advised to go for re-pool, there is really no need to feel discouraged. Just go for it with an open mind!
Gillie: What would be some tips that you have for those who wish to pick up scuba diving?
X: Stay calm and breathe!! I can’t emphasize how important it is! Especially underwater. You will understand what I mean when you are underwater! And sometimes to get to where you want, you have to step out of your comfort zone! I waited 6 years for this! Why let a little setback stop you!
– End of Interview –
The lesson I have learnt is this, regardless if you are a diver or a diver-in-training, we may experience some setback in the diving journey, be it technical or emotional. And not just for diving, but other aspects of our life too. Six years for a dream come true. How far are you willing to go to make your dream a reality? I believe that good things are worth the wait and definitely worth fighting for!
P.S. Anyway, I did not believe that a video could be so powerful. So I checked it out. Get ready to be swept off your feet and dive! Here is the link of the video!
Kuroshio Sea – 2nd Largest Aquarium in the world
He is right. In scuba diving, you should have enough confident in order to enjoy the dive. And, in order for you to obtain enough confident you should undergo training because the more equipped you are with scuba diving skills, the more you will be confident.