The Extreme Team Takes the Plunge

“The most important thing that I can tell you is to never hold your breath,” said Henry Johnson, president and course director of the Adventure Scuba Company. After snorting up a significant amount of water due to panicking and failing to breath, I understood this valid little piece of advice.

Holding your breath will simply make you panic from lack of oxygen, and you will fail to use the tank of oxygen at your disposal.

Johnson first took us to a five-foot deep lane at the nearby recreation center. There, he showed us how to use the equipment, how to recover lost equipment, and several breathing tricks that ensured scuba safety in any foreseeable unfortunate events. One of the most memorable things about our scuba lesson was the way we learned to communicate without words. Nadia christened the “knee slapper,” which was usually accompanied by the “belly hold guffaw.” Even if there are no words involved, the Extreme Team can find ways to communicate.

After the shallow water part of the lesson, Johnson took us into the 14-foot deep section of the pool. We started at the shallower section of the pool, and sank to the bottom of the ramp leading to the deeper waters. The most valuable lesson here was learning how to ensure that water pressure did not harm our ears. Therefore while moving slowly into the deeper water, we had to plug our noses and blow out, in order to “pop” our ears and adjust them to the pressure. I did not think that the pressure would be a huge factor, but if you don’t do the adjustment exercises, it hurts a lot.

Safety:

Once explained, the basics of scuba diving are pretty simple.

The most important rule in scuba diving is to breathe. Everyone’s first reaction to breathing underwater is that it is not normal–but that is what you have to do. That’s the reason for the tank on your back. Once underwater, you feel light–even with all the equipment on–and soon realize that scuba diving is a wonder in its own apart from seeing the under water world.

There are a few essentials needed before one can scuba dive, including fins, masks, wetsuits, oxygen tanks, snorkels and regulators. The instructor will show you how to properly use each item, put them on in the water, and what to do in case they come off under water.

When going deeper into the water, you must remember to equalize the pressure as described above. Failing to do so will damage your eardrums. Be sure to keep an eye on your regulator so you know how much air is in your tank.

After Our Instruction

Once all of these things were learned, we swam around the deep end, practicing more complex exercises than the ones learned earlier. Some of the students executed various maneuvers flawlessly, while others had trouble. No matter whatever the student’s skill level, the instructor was there to help.

Those who may be uncomfortable swimming learn that scuba diving is different. Once a person learns how to breathe, it is like entering an alternate universe below the surface. If swimming in a pool was this surreal, what is it like in a natural setting?

Classes:

Adventure Scuba Company has many classes and trips for scuba divers, and those interested in finding out more.

The extreme team was took part in the “Discover Scuba” class, which teaches the ropes of the actual class before getting into the certification requirements for an actual license. A scuba license is good for life, and is simple to get when you know what you’re paying for.

The classes, books, and gear add up to about $500, which is standard for a scuba license. Many places show you gimmicks about learning to scuba dive for $99, and that may be true–before you add in the books and gear, which will total around $500. Adventure Scuba Company is straight foreword and direct with their pricing, information, and instruction.