Since when was the last time you challenged yourself and did something without regrets? Of course, it can be scary, yet you still go for it. Have you ever wanted to jump into the deep blue sea? Are the sights of underwater dwellers like fish and coral make for captivating moments while engulfing one in its natural atmosphere? Well, I’m guilty as charged and scuba diving is my next challenge.
Having thalassophobia has been a definite struggle for me since the introduction of swimming and everything about the ocean or other bodies of water, even deep swimming pools. But wait, this once fearful gal starts unleashing her skills underwater.
The Interest
Well, it took me some time (5 years, to be exact) to finally face my fear and give it a try. What is it? To swim beyond my limit, which is in 4-feet deep water, and try scuba diving. It’s been a dream to explore marine life ever since.
Almost a year ago, I had a conversation with a friend about trying to dive – both scuba and free dive. Yes, I did agree, yet still overwhelmed by my fear. Several aqua adventures passed, and I even had my swimming lessons but only a few sessions due to my busy schedules.
Fast-forward, another friend tried scuba diving and eventually took her licensure training. She invited me several times to join them but declined time and again.
Just this month, another close friend came to me with her interest in scuba diving. Though I know what she’s trying to imply, it was not in my plan – to go with her for the adventure. One chat away, we were scheduled for our first discover scuba diving (DSD) training in less than a week.
Imagine that? I didn’t plan it at all but did it anyway. Funny, but the experience is more than what I’ve expected.
My Experience
I should have had this “butterflies in my stomach” feeling days or even hours before the training. Amazingly, it wasn’t, and that’s something very unusual for me. Hello! It’s scuba diving, but that day was just an ordinary outdoor adventure for me.
The accommodating and comfortable vibe of the professional divers (our instructors) might be the big plus. I may somehow have managed to find confidence in myself knowing that they are not just experts in their craft, but most importantly, they care for your safety and well-being.
I was keen on listening to the lecture and demo during the orientation. At times, there are confusions, but I tried my best to grasp everything. The instructors did know what they were doing and felt you in your shoes.
There’s a bit of hesitation along the course, but my will to really learn the skills and apply them accordingly is my priority. Feeling myself at ease underwater was the first thing I managed, which was the most important. Little by little, my confidence in just going with the flow and seeing marine beauty builds.
Back in my head, there’s still room for fear but seeing others joining me and checking on me made me want it more. I may have been doing just right during the training that they were extending congratulations. I’m so grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve received from the instructors and my friends. Truly, it boosts my confidence that I can do more and better next time.
Yes, I will start an open water training on my next dive and hopefully learn the other skills. So, wish me luck on this journey, guys.
Why Choose Pawikan Dive Center?
Several diving schools and centers in Cebu have the same services offered to divers and hopeful and fun divers alike. Rates of these services may slightly vary depending on the packages every training center provides.
Pawikan Dive Center has been on my FB news feed mainly because friends have been part of it. Apart from my friends, there are words of mouth about the training set by this company. Perhaps divers and the owner himself may not have known this, but I was researching different diving centers and spots for months already.
The divers’ haven provides diving enthusiasts with DSD and scuba diving certification courses (open water, advance, divemaster, and rescue). Its CMAS instructor courses include M1, M2, and M3. Certified professionals come in anytime and any day to tutor eager learners on all they need to know about water, breathing, and special equipment. It doesn’t stop there, though – the shop also offers excursions around coral reefs where marine life abounds by divers from near and far at a reasonable rate.
Pawikan Dive Center may not have the same luxurious perks that other centers/shops offer, yet I found solace in their way of training. It’s like I am in the right place with the right people. Hopefully, and I’m optimistic about it, that this culture remains. Your experience is worth the penny with them.
Indeed! Ocean exploration is a whole new frontier! So, have you ever wanted to get into a whole new world with scuba diving? Scuba diving can give you that rush of adrenaline. Learning to dive means you’ll never have to come up for air again. There’s an entire underwater expanse filled with flora and fauna waiting to be explored. Hell, yeah, to more underwater adventures.
Watch video here:
*some photos credit to the rightful owners (Pearl Seno Fernandez, Pawikan Dive Center, and friends)