Life List – Things to do

By Jeff McNutt, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer

While scuba diving started off as something fun to try while I was back in college, it has turned into an exciting career for me.  It has allowed me the opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful places on this planet.  It has also allowed me the opportunity to learn about and be more amazed by the fascinating creatures that I come in contact with on a daily basis.  That is where the inspirational part comes in.  The more I learn about the ecosystems and their interactions and dependencies, the more I want to do my part to help keep them protected.  Scuba diving has broadened my horizons in all things.

Scuba diving gives me a chance to do all of that and more.  Diving allows me to get out there and experience a new world, one where cell phones aren’t ringing, email can’t be read, and traffic isn’t a problem.  This world can be found underwater and it really is an amazing place to see and experience. The best part is that almost anyone can take part in it.  Diving has evolved into a recreational activity that families can participate in together.The best part is that almost anyone can take part in it. Professional scuba instructors work very hard to make their courses both fun and educational. The main area of focus is on diving skills, of course, because that is how we all learn to dive…by actually getting out there and doing it.  Skills are practiced to ensure that a diver is comfortable with their equipment, their surroundings and themselves.

Diving gear has become safer, more comfortable and better suited to divers of all ages.  Introductory diving programs are available to let you try scuba while on vacation and show you how much fun it can be. These courses are designed to teach the basic skills needed to dive safely in shallow waters. Enjoying scuba diving is all about being comfortable in the water. For me, it is a relaxing and rewarding activity that I get to share with others. Seeing the smile on a new diver’s face is a reward in itself.  Listening to them explain to others what they saw and experienced while diving is even better.  Their enthusiasm for the sport keeps me going and excited for them.

How do you get started?  Simple.  Check with your friends, family, travel agent for recommendations on where you are going.  There are also many websites and magazines with loads of information about specific programs and packages for diving.  Call or email a dive center and ask about their dive education programs and see what they have to offer.  They will be more than happy to assist you in finding a schedule or program that will fit your needs. Next, imagine yourself sitting on the beach learning how to scuba dive in the morning and then going out with a professional instructor on a beautiful reef later that afternoon.  Can you think of a better way to spend your time on vacation?  But be careful, you just might end up catching the diving bug.  You could end up like me.  Get ting to work as a dive instructor on a beautiful island somewhere in the Caribbean. 

Lucky you

--Jeff McNutt has been diving for over 10 years and is the General Manager for Dive BVI, located on Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands. Dive BVI has several locations to dive from and all offer professionally-led dive tours and education throughout the BVI. Check out their website at www.divebvi.vom for more information.