My first experience scuba diving was awesome. Breathing underwater is a very unique sensation, especially the first time!

Bud, the instructor, Bob, his brother, Gail, Bob's wife, and my Dad helped me during this first lesson. Before I got into the water I had to read the first of five sections of the instruction manual, watch a video, discuss what I had read and watched with Bud, and take a quiz. All this preparation is definitely worthwhile because it helps familiarize you with all of the equipment and explains the different objectives you will work on in the water.

Bud provided all of the equipment, which included a wetsuit, a mask, a buoyancy control device or BCD (a vest that helps you float), a cylinder (the tank of air), and a regulator (this includes the mouthpiece that you breathe out of). There are a variety of wetsuits, masks, and BCDs so there is some trial and error when it comes to picking out what works best for each person.

After I took the quiz Bud got all of the equipment that he, Bob, Gail, and I would use. He then gave me a brief overview and tested the cylinder and regulator. Next I had to get into the wetsuit. I wore bike shorts so that they would not bunch as the snug wetsuit was put on. In order to get into the wetsuit a couple people helped me get onto two mats that were on the floor. Then a couple people helped me put it on.

The next step involved getting situated beside the pool and strapping on the rest of the gear. Once everybody was suited up I got in position seated on the poolside with my feet in the water. With two people in the water and one person behind me, I put my hands over the mouthpiece, leaned forward leading with my right shoulder, and SPLASH! I was in the water.

I spent the next two hours learning how to clear water out of my mouthpiece, retrieve my regulator, clear water out of my mask, and use an alternate air supply (a breathing hose and mouthpiece attached to another diver’s cylinder) while staying submerged. I also got to do a little bit of swimming. At this point I am FAR from graceful underwater. This will improve as we figure out which equipment works best for me and use weights to help me stay more horizontal, right now my hips are asymmetrical and my feet float. I am sure my swimming will also improve as I become stronger and more comfortable with the equipment.

Most everything went really well. Next time I am going to do a few things differently. I plan on using the restroom BEFORE I put on the bike shorts, I am going to try staying in my chair while getting into the wetsuit, and I will put on my dry shorts while I am situated on the ground  poolside rather than once I am back in my chair.