C’est la Vie

When I first learned how to SCUBA dive many years ago, I struggled with adapting to breathing under water using the regulator. It took me longer than the other people in my class but in time, I managed to get the hang of it and was able to complete a series of dives.

As part of this current dive trip, I had to take a refresher course which involved some practicing in the pool. Even in 6 feet of water, I started to have the same issues adapting to the regulator. To make a long story short, it got much worse when it came time to dive in the open water. After several unsuccessful dives, I decided it just was not working and unfortunately, I had to cancel the rest of my dives.

It started as a combination of sea sickness due to the rough waves, problems with not having enough weigh to submerge and fighting the waves on the surface but ultimately, it came down to my not being able to convince myself that breathing through a hose connected to an air tank is perfectly fine and nothing to worry about. After all the variables were reduced, it still was not enough for me to successfully make a dive.

It goes without saying, I am very disappointed and I’ve learned an expensive (literally) lesson about my future in SCUBA diving. If I am ever to do it again, I will need a lot of practice and patience before attempting any more open water dives. It is ironic that my most memorable experiences and most disappointing experiences have both involved SCUBA diving. I’ve still managed to enjoy my days in the Keys with the other guys and relax and get in some reading time. It wasn’t exactly what I planned but I’ve made the most of the situation and life goes on.

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