Four days ago a large group came in to the shop enquiring for all sorts of things, from refreshers to resort dives. EVENTUALLY the two families decided to sort of start the open water course with the option just to do a resort dive.
Day1.
Was a busy one with a mixture of nerves, fear and excitement in the air. As a surprise to all the skills in the shallow water went extremely well with an element of shock by most. The first dive in the afternoon although was a bit tough for most at first , but after a while they settled down a bit and after 45 min’s everyone had enjoyed the experience in some way or form !
The class left in the afternoon for a well deserved siesta.
As instructors we expected at least 50% of the class not to return on the second day, especially as a large groups of students with various little problem, mostly with the question running around inside them: WHAT IF ……………………??
Day 2.
5 out of 7 returned, a little tired but ready to tackle the rest of the course with a dive buzz beginning to build. After another knowledge review back up to 6 students, unfortunately one has an equalization problem so there is not much we can do about that for now. That day Andrea and I filled them with a lot more confidence by completing the rest of the confined water session and catching up on some dive theory. We all had a lot of fun splashing around and laughing a lot on the surface.
Day 3.
Some dive theory and two dives today. The Dive tables caused a little confusion as usual at this stage, but went well. The next two dives were great, this is where the adventure begins. To see everyone nervously gearing up for the first dive after the skills day was great. Entering the water and completing some surface skills it was time to descend. What a dive!! After the first shaky dive and a full day of skills and theory this dive went fantastically. For just there second dive everyone was with a buddy and almost neutrally buoyant. We saw a huge Barracuda, Hog Fish and a cool Green Turtle with a Ramora stuck on top… Although a large group with 6 students, 2 instructors and 1 Snorkeler, but with the addition of one more dive that day, which went just as well, they were getting better and better. A great 3rd day.
Day 4
This morning was for a little recap on theory and the final exam. 11am, theory finished, it was time for the final certifying dive.
The whole group was excited about this dive, more comfortable in the water, full of dive theory but still a little dubious about the last time for mask removal. Skills complete like pro’s, time to dive. This time on Half Moon Bay Wall. Another great dive with at least 90 ft visibility. Lots of fish and after a perfect safety stop, 6 certified open water divers surfaced.

We always say that we have a good time here but this week was a lot of fun also. A great class, good weather and fantastic diving. We managed to squeeze in a couple of dives at the end of their week including Spooky Channel as the last dive.
Thanks guys…

You can do it too…….