#ocean diver

[the-scuba-diver-offical]

Do you actually dive? Whats your cert?

I do! I've been diving for around 3 years and I am in the process of qualifying as a Sports Diver with BSAC (equivalent to Rescue Diver with PADI for anyone outside of the UK)

[emo-girl-gone-rogue]

After a fantastic weekend i am now finally a qualified BSAC ocean diver, now to get working on sports diver! <3 

[maroonedheart]

I'm now a qualified scuba diver 😁😁😁

[emo-girl-gone-rogue]

Below the surface, Video 2 of my first dive! :)

[emo-girl-gone-rogue]

Video 1 of my first open water dive! :)

[myscubadivingjourney]

Lesson 3 - In deep (literally)

So my third Ocean Diver lesson was certainly a trip and a half out of comfort zone, mentally and metaphorically speaking. Whilst I managed no mask swimming, breathing through a free flowing regulator, neutral buoyancy at depth, out of air/alternative air source air sharing (a personal favourite of mine) and a giant stride entry relatively ok. Mask clearing - partial, full and mask clear/removal was a whole other story. 

Me and my instructor performed the skill initially last week just under the surface, and whilst I managed it ok then, we did it at depth on the bottom of the pool this time. Of course being my instructor he had no issues with it (whatsoever) but I got water up my nose and panicked. I ended up going to the surface to recover and calm down. We later re-did the skill underwater but not quite so deep, and with some persistence I managed it. My persistence at the skill impressing my instructor. So good going on my part

I have also now officially signed up for the course, paid my fees and have my membership/course materials. So here’s to what the next few weeks and months will bring 

[myscubadivingjourney]

Lesson 1 - The Beginning

So tonight I took my first steps to becoming a qualified British Sub Aqua Club Ocean Diver - or in simple terms, a qualified scuba diver. My first lesson involved learning about the different pieces of equipment and the necessary pre-dive check procedures using BAR as a step by step guide. 

B - Buoyancy 

A - Air

R - Releases 

In the pool I got used to using the equipment by swimming on the surface, swimming mid depth and doing a breathing exercises on the bottom that involved lying on the bottom on my front, and letting my breathing slowly lift my body off the bottom and back down. Otherwise known as a fin pivot. 

It was great fun, and my instructor talked me through all of it. Luckily for me he's well qualified and experienced and is very patient with me. 

But what surprises me, is how calm I stayed and how well I did. Especially given my first ever experience - a try dive aged 14 was a disaster. 

I think my calmness and comfort underwater is due in part to my snorkel diver course that I began last July. It is now just under a year later and I have come far. Though I have far still to go. 

[myscubadivingjourney]

Today's the Day

It is finally here. Today is the day I sign up for and begin my ocean (open water) diver course. Watch this space for updates over the coming weeks 😊