After the thrill of qualifying as a PADI diver, my first experience of the ocean was in the Cayman Islands; azure skies, clear blue sea and wonderful corals. The incredible deep-sea world opened up. Exotic fish, marine animals like cartoon creatures and a changing seascape that was breath taking.
Over the next two years I explored the underwater world of the Florida Keys and ventured to dive sites in the far south west of Costa Rica. With thirty dives under my belt and the nerve to descend to a hundred feet I was discovering a whole new underwater world of adventure.
Then, overnight, and without warning, my life and travelling were stopped by ill health and immobility. I struggled with pain and disability
There was no certainty I would fully recover but one thing that helped me to get through some dark days was my personal goal – I intended to go diving again. I kept the vision in my head and I did recover. Three years later I was off the steroids and although I admit I was pretty terrified I felt ready to give diving another go.
I’d had a few ‘tame’ land trips to Portugal, Italy and Spain and, as winter approached in the UK, I decided to hop over the ‘Pond ‘to where my first ocean diving adventures had begun in the Caymans.
As part of my recovery I’d been training regularly at my local gym in Scotland and steadily building up my physical strength. Now it was time, if I was ever going to get back in the water, to go and do it. In Miami my wonderful friend and diving buddy, Merlin, was waiting for me. She is such a supportive friend and an encouraging diver. I trusted her and knew she would be alongside me in this venture. I felt my energy levels bubbling ever so slightly.
Although I knew the spectacular Cayman marine life was waiting for me, this was suddenly challenging, I was frightened and I had developed a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I felt as if I had forgotten everything I’d ever known about diving. How did the gear go on? What were the pressures for the tanks supposed to be? How would it be when I jumped in? After the horrid few years of ill health I’d experienced would I be strong enough? Would I sink or swim?
Merlin had the obvious solution- take a refresher course. And, naturally she chose a delightful young man for me!
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