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Since I was a little kid, I have been obsessed with the ocean. My dream was to one day dive below the waves and see a world that I have only dreamed about. A few weeks ago, I was down in Roatan, Honduras, and had the chance to go on a beginners dive with my friends with Island Diving Center. I am not a certified diver, yet so I went with the PADI Discover Dive. This dive gives you a quick introduction to diving before you commit to the full open water class.
This experience, which lasts about 4 hours total, gives you some classroom time to learn about the equipment and how to properly use it. After that, I got to head into the shallow water to get a feel for the gear and some basic techniques before heading out into the ocean. Before we go any further, I need to say something. This is something that I have always wanted to do, but once I got into the water, my brain went into a full panic. Something told me, this is not normal and to get the hell out of the water! Luckily, the instructors at Island Diving Center took their time with me, got me comfortable, and calmed me down. Once I told myself that this was going to be worth it, I was able to enjoy the beauty even in the shallow water!
In the shallow water, I saw some small fish, some corals, and even a barracuda! Once I forgot that I was underwater, a sense of peace came over me unlike I have ever felt before! I was exploring a whole new world that I have always dreamt of, and I wasn’t even in the open ocean yet!
After some basic practice like hand signals, learning how to clear your goggles if water got in them, and taking your rebreather out of your mouth and back in, it was time to get on the boat and head out to the ocean! Unlike before, I was a bit nervous but super excited to see the corals and hopefully some turtles!
My guide, photographer, and I got into the water and explored the depths of the ocean! I cannot believe that I was SCUBA DIVING in Honduras! Honduras is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second largest reef in the world! Once we were down, I was guided to explore this amazing reef where I saw some beautiful coral, fish, and an awesome sea turtle that went on the journey with me! Make sure you check out the video below to get a glimpse of what we saw!
I want to take a minute to thank the owner and staff at Island Diving Center for what they did for me that day. For them, they took another guy out for a 4-hour dive. For me, it changed my entire life! It not only fulfilled my childhood dream but taught me a life lesson that I carry every day! We are faced with scary things daily but with determination and persistence, we can overcome the fear and thrive! Thank you for showing me that I had the power to overcome my own mind guys! I won’t forget that day, your words, and that moment for the rest of my life!
Next up, PADI certification and the Great Barrier Reef in 2024!
