For our Divemaster class (as well as our upcoming instructor classes), we have to do a lot of reading. Tonight I was reading the chemistry and physics section of the Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, and I thought the introduction was very interesting, and really highlights a key aspect of what makes diving so exciting. Since it is relatively brief, I’ll share it with you, so you can see a little bit of what makes diving so interesting that I’d change careers for it:
Few experiences compare with the thrill of exploring underwater. Why? Part of it, at least, is that you’re adopted to life on land. You’re used to the phenomena that surround you. As terrestrial organisms go, you’re pretty big, which means you can’t fly without the help of a machine, and, generally speaking, falling hurts. A temperature of 75 degrees is warm enough to go all day in shorts and a T-shirt. You can determine the direction that sound comes from, and a ripe red apple looks red whether it is 10 feet away or 100 feet away.
As a diver, though, you enter a domain with a new set of rules. Despite your size, you “fly” in three dimensions and you don’t fear falling. Without a wet suit, 75 degrees chills you quickly. Most noises sound like they are directly overhead, no matter where they really are. The colors you see vary with depth and distance.
This shows just some of the aspects that make you feel like you are exploring a different world when you are diving. And, in fact, you are. I love seeing the animals underwater — that is a huge thrill, especially seeing the bigger or more unique creatures. But what I love most about diving is the feeling that you are in a different world. There’s really just nothing else like it!
Just thought I’d share that. 