Since 1993 Linda and I have been Scuba Divers. Our enthusiasm for the sport has led us to become instructors and, in that capacity, we have been fortunate to have taught hundreds to dive. Through our association with Annapolis Scuba Center we've had the unique privilege to have taught recreational diving at the United States Naval Academy. Many times while giving music lessons my students have asked me what does it take to learn to scuba dive, therefore I've posted the following explanation;

Could I become a Scuba Diver? You really don't have to be an extraordinary individual to become a scuba diver. You have to be in a reasonably good state of fitness and health and be willing to undergo the required training. The secret to being safe while scuba diving is to be in possession of the knowledge and skills of safe diving and to put them into practice. This is what you will learn in the basic open water diving course. Today diving education is presented in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that helps you through any anxiety you may have. You will, during the course, be required to demonstrate proficiency in every skill but modern scuba instruction is structured to help you acquire mastery rather than "weed you out" if you don't measure up. There is perhaps a greater time commitment in learning to dive when you compare it to other activities but for most people the fun starts right from the start.

One of the important safety rules you will learn during the open water diver course is to always dive within your limitations. Going beyond the limits of your training, experience, and comfort can get you in serious trouble. Scuba diving is not an activity that should be learned through "trial & error." For this reason the training agencies have developed a curricula of continuing education. As your interest in diving grows it is highly recommended that you avail yourself of this continuing education. Not only will it increase your safety but it will increase your fun by allowing you to safely extend your range of diving activities.

Scuba Diving is a conveyance to a variety of underwater activities. Along with with the thrill of touring a completely alien ecosystem you can engage in a variety of underwater activities from photography, search and recovery, research diving, and many others. There is no reason to become bored with scuba diving.

If I've peaked you're interest the place to go is your local dive center and find out for yourself why I'm so enthusiastic about this sport. I've been a member of PADI for many years and am very proud of the PADI System of Diver Education. I don't think you could go wrong by starting your diving career at a PADI dive center.

This is a photo I took of Linda diving in St. Lucia

Most of the photos are scans of the original slides. The slides are excellent but scans leave a little to be desired. My camera is a Sea & Sea Motomarine II with both a normal and wide angle lens.

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