9:08 pm
I woke up really excited at 7 this morning for our first open water dive. After a quick bowl of cereal, we were picked up by Kay and the dive team and headed out for our first session of dives. We also picked up a young girl who was crew on a local sailboat and would also be working on her certification this morning. I was nervous and excited to begin our descent. The dive went smoothly and the skills I needed to demonstrate today were quite simple-- just clearing your mask of water and doing the simplest level of out of air drills with a buddy. During these, all you need to do is notify your buddy that you are "out of air" and begin breathing with their respirator. Afterwards, you ascend to the surface and have to blow up your BCD (buoyancy control device) manually. Today, we dove first at Seal Dog Rock, and then at "the Chimney." The Chimney was super cool because you had to swim through this arch of coral and then through a tiny crack, called the chimney. However, the marine life at the first dive location was much better, and we even got to see a sleeping nurse shark. Our dive instructors are required by the government to carry a spear gun with them while they dive and to kill any lionfish they see while diving. Lionfish are really incredible with all these striped tendrils poking out, but are very poisonous and are also extremely invasive to the area. Today we saw three and watched our instructor, Ben, take out his spear gun and kill one. It was quite an experience. In the afternoon, I worked through more of my book and passed out for a much needed nap. I also worked on some pieces of certifications I would need for my summer job. I went for a great paddle board with my dad against the wind this evening.
I woke up really excited at 7 this morning for our first open water dive. After a quick bowl of cereal, we were picked up by Kay and the dive team and headed out for our first session of dives. We also picked up a young girl who was crew on a local sailboat and would also be working on her certification this morning. I was nervous and excited to begin our descent. The dive went smoothly and the skills I needed to demonstrate today were quite simple-- just clearing your mask of water and doing the simplest level of out of air drills with a buddy. During these, all you need to do is notify your buddy that you are "out of air" and begin breathing with their respirator. Afterwards, you ascend to the surface and have to blow up your BCD (buoyancy control device) manually. Today, we dove first at Seal Dog Rock, and then at "the Chimney." The Chimney was super cool because you had to swim through this arch of coral and then through a tiny crack, called the chimney. However, the marine life at the first dive location was much better, and we even got to see a sleeping nurse shark. Our dive instructors are required by the government to carry a spear gun with them while they dive and to kill any lionfish they see while diving. Lionfish are really incredible with all these striped tendrils poking out, but are very poisonous and are also extremely invasive to the area. Today we saw three and watched our instructor, Ben, take out his spear gun and kill one. It was quite an experience. In the afternoon, I worked through more of my book and passed out for a much needed nap. I also worked on some pieces of certifications I would need for my summer job. I went for a great paddle board with my dad against the wind this evening.
Hours today: 4.5
Hours total: 21.5
Sounds like a full day & exciting to be diving! What are you reading now? I sent you an email as well... :) p.
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