January 5, 2010

Tiny Bubbles

No, not from champagne. But I want to break out the bubbly, because I’ve finished my scuba class except for the check-out dive.

Those “tiny bubbles” are the ones we are to pace as we slowly ascend from the depths, giving our bodies time to adjust to the changes in pressure. It can save our lives.

Most of the skills we are required to learn are those that we will need in an emergency. We have to be able to breathe through the regulator without a mask for one minute. (If you grow up near the ocean as I did, it becomes second nature to block water from entering your nose.) Then we must put our masks back on and fill them with air while underwater. We had to show we could breathe from a nonstop free-flowing regulator, easier than it sounds. We must learn two ways to deal with running out of air: with a buddy and without. We have to be able to shed our equipment and put it back on underwater. We had brief training on how to read a dive computer, which displays crucial information on depth, time, and pressure.

It was a blast. I can’t wait to get to the Keys and earn my certificate. I’ve been invited by my instructor to visit class one last time to refresh my skills before going down to Florida, and I’ll take him up on that.

I won’t be able to take pictures during my checkout dives because I will be busy meeting class requirements. But I’ll be glad to tell you all about it. Meanwhile, raise a glass with me and celebrate with some tiny bubbles.

9 comments:

Java said...

Congrats! When do you go to Key West?

I'm thrilled for you that you've pursued this. Reading what you have to do, I get a panicked "I don't think so" feeling. I'm not that confident in the water. But I know you really want this, and I'm pleased that you've done what it takes to make it happen.

Ur-spo said...

Congratulations!
all my brothers are scuba divers and they love it so. I hope it is an enjoyable pastime for you.

Wayward Hawaiian said...

Congratulations! Of course, why stop at Key West? Hawaii, Bermuda, Great Barrier Reef, here you come!!

Meli said...

congratulations! is father tony joining you?

Birdie said...

Meli, Tony was intrigued but couldn't find the time in his busy calendar. We'll still visit before I head down to the Keys.

dpaste said...

Very cool. Scuba diving terrifies me. I have no desire to pursue it but glad you are enjoying yourself.

Rox said...

I'm a land lubber, but you go girl! :)

THIS IS ME....ONLINE said...

YOU ARE SO VERY COOL!!!! Congrats!

Greg said...

I've always wondered about scuba. Must be so great to see a part of the world that so many can't or don't get to see. Your confidence and success encourage me - I'll add this to my "bucket" list.

: )