SCUBA
In February of 2009, my partner Randy and I decided to take SCUBA lessons. That was the start of an obsession that has emptied my wallet, but given me back more joy than I could have imagined.
I currently hold the following certifications:
SSI Open Water Certification-February 2009
NAUI Nitrox Certification-July 2009
NAUI Advanced Open Water Certification-August 2009
My plans are to get certified as a Rescue Diver and then Divemaster, and then work on becoming a Dive Instructor. If it weren’t for the great folks at Duggan Diving, and particularly the encouragement of the shop manager Art Jennings, I don’t think I would be this far towards my goals so early on.
Once my middle niece Paige found out that I had started diving she decided that she too wanted to become a SCUBA diver. Paige came out to San Antonio for the month of July and began her certification at age 11. Though she had a rough start and needed a little extra encouragement along the way, she passed her certification and on July 19th, 2009 became a PADI certified Jr. Open Water Diver. We took her to Balmorhea State Park for her first dive trip. If Randy and I hadn’t run out of air cylinders I don’t think we would have ever gotten her away from there. She really enjoyed the crystal clear water and her first night dive was a magical experience that I don’t think she will ever forget. Paige even made a couple more dives on the Comal River before she had to go home. I’m really looking forward to more trips with my newest dive buddy Paige.
Most Thursday nights and Sunday mornings you’ll find me in the Comal River looking for valuables that the toobers drop (and cleaning up some of the piles of aluminum cans and plastic bottles they also drop in the river). It’s a great way to keep in practice and it’s a lot of fun too.
If you are interested in learning how to SCUBA dive, contact Art Jennings at Duggan Diving and he will be happy to get you all the information you need. Duggan Diving Ent. 928 Coronodo Blvd., Universal City, TX 78148 210-658-7495 Website: www.duggandiving.com