My Journey to Becoming a Certified Diver with Innerspace Watersports
Embarking on the adventure to become a certified diver has been an exhilarating journey, one that I recently completed through Innerspace Watersports. The entire process spanned four days, blending online learning, pool training, and open water dives, each phase packed with essential knowledge and thrilling experiences.
Day 1-2: Online PADI Course and Pool Sessions
Online PADI Course: The journey began with a comprehensive online PADI course, broken down into five sections, culminating in a final exam. The online course covered the basics of scuba gear, its maintenance, and the principles of diving safety. From understanding decompression sickness and its avoidance to recognizing and mitigating various diving risks, the course laid a strong foundation. Despite its detailed nature, I found the course to be straightforward, driven largely by common sense principles.
Pool Sessions: Passing the exam paved the way for two days of intensive pool training. Day one began with a review of major topics from the PADI course, addressing any uncertainties and questions. The hands-on training then kicked off with learning to set up our equipment meticulously. Our instructor’s patience and clarity were commendable as we mastered the proper attachment of the BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) to the tank, setting up the regulator, and ensuring everything was securely in place.
In the pool, we practiced essential skills such as mask clearing, BCD inflation, and removing and reattaching our gear underwater. The second day reinforced these skills, adding new ones like swimming without goggles and using the auxiliary regulator. The free practice time allowed us to hone our skills, ensuring we were prepared for the open water.
Day 3: Open Water Training at Ellison Provincial Park
The anticipation peaked as we reached Ellison Provincial Park for our open water training. The beautiful shores of Okanagan Lake provided the perfect backdrop for our dives. The day started with a group discussion about the skills we would practice, followed by gearing up efficiently, thanks to our thorough training.
Entering the water, we recapped essential skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, and BCD removal. The descent was mesmerizing, especially when we encountered a sunken boat at 30 feet, marking the thermocline where the water temperature sharply dropped. Reaching 40 feet, we practiced maintaining neutral buoyancy, a skill that felt like mastering zero gravity.
The second dive focused on refining our skills and getting more comfortable underwater. Practicing equalization and monitoring our buddies became second nature, enhancing our confidence and proficiency.
Day 4: Final Open Water Dives and Certification
By the fourth day, confidence and excitement were high. Another scorching 40°C day made the cool waters even more inviting. We tackled rescue scenarios, like sharing an auxiliary regulator with a buddy simulating an out-of-air situation, and executed these drills flawlessly.
Diving deeper, we reached the 60-foot depth to explore a sunken tugboat. The cold, dark waters and the eerie sight of the submerged wreck were unforgettable. The experience of swimming up to the bow and peering over into the depths was both thrilling and humbling.
Our final task was a controlled ascent without our regulators, exhaling continuously to avoid holding our breath, a critical safety measure. After completing this exercise, we enjoyed a relaxed exploration of the bay, putting our perfected skills to the test.
Conclusion
Our journey concluded with a group photo, capturing the smiles and pride of newly certified PADI divers. Thanks to the incredible instructors at Innerspace Watersports—Chad, Justin, and Brad—we not only gained our certifications but also a deep appreciation for the underwater world.
Innerspace Watersports provided an exceptional learning experience, with patient and knowledgeable instructors ensuring we understood every aspect of diving safety and skill. For anyone considering diving, I highly recommend starting your adventure with Innerspace Watersports in Vernon, BC. They offer a wealth of information, equipment, and support, including used gear and rentals, making the journey to becoming a diver accessible and enjoyable.
Cheers to new underwater adventures!
innerspacewatersports.com https://www.padi.com/
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