I would never have believed it 4 weeks ago, when we signed up for SCUBA certification classes, that one could be taught SCUBA in 12 or so hours of self-study and four class days (two in a pool and two in a lake). Up front, it seemed unrealistic. The other side of the coin, it that most people do not have large quantities of spare time to take a 8 or 12 week course.

Having said that, we had an excellent instructor (and dive masters) and I more than understand how it can be done--safely and correctly. L and I are official NAUI C-Card holders (Certified SCUBA divers). I must now say that NAUI rules and PADI drools!

I am most disappointed that I waited till I was over-40 before I achieved this. Being a Swimming Instructor and Life Guard trainer, a competitive swimmer, novice sailor, snorkeler, and part time beach bum I would have expected to that I would have done this earlier.

I am most IMPRESSED with my wife, L, for having completed this class--especially after the first day in class. She really worked hard to overcome the anxiety of breathing underwater and performing skills like removing her mask at depth, making emergency swimming accents, and other complex skills.

Yap is on the horizon. We will likely visit the SCUBA shop and use their equipment and free air to practice our skills a few more times before we leave.

Picture are coming soon....

This is interesting. Continental Airlines called to tell us about a schedule change. Evidently there was not enough interest in the afternoon flight from Houston to Dallas. So they have put us on a flight 2 hours earlier!

Not bad, but I doubt that we can clear customs and make it to the Dallas flight in 30 minutes. Maybe the flight from Japan will arrive early so we have enough time. Currently the only other flight would be 2 hours later (4 total layover) and would arrive at DFW rather than Love Field.

Hummmm, maybe we can get them to book us on Southwest, give us a free hotel night and the first flight the next day, or pay for a cab/towncar to take us from DFW to Love (or home).

We are well on our way to empty wallets and SCUBA certifications. By the time you pay for classes, basic gear, and open water park entry fees, its a whole vacation budget in one swing.
However, when you have a wonderful Brother-in-law to visit who offers his and his wife's home and frequent flyer miles for airfare it evens out.

I can not imagine visiting Yap, FSM with out diving. I have read too much about it. The first half of our lessons were this past weekend. I survived the first day with just a little trepidation, however could not sleep that evening as images of the bends, burst lungs, and other unknowns rambled through my brain.

L slept well, but had a more traumatic day. She descended faster than she expected and that frightened her quite a bit. She later descended and practiced all the skills with great success. However, she felt bad at the end, believing that she would not pass or get certified.

The next day we returned for the second day of closed water classes. We had quite a few skills to accomplish that day. After a snorkeling lesson, we had to remove and put back on our gear at depth. At the end of that exercise we were to practice hovering. When she surfaced, she had the biggest Cheshire Grin!

I think she will do fine and my paranoia/hypochondria is fading so by the end of next weekend, we should be certified.

-q