Diving

There it is.

The tank, BCD, octopus, regulators, weights, mask, and fins.

As I set the SCUBA system up, I am trying to recall what the proper steps are. Luckily, our dive master Ched is patient, and hilarious.

We load into the boat and drive for about 20 minutes out to open water. The swell was big.
I can feel my stomach in my throat, struggling to tell if I'm nervous or just stupidly excited.
As the captain ties to the buoy, I slip my fins on and put my mask around my neck. I approach my SCUBA system, pick it up, and instantly feel the rush that I love so much.
I throw it on my back and suddenly muscle memory kicks in.
I check my pressure gauge and regulator one last time before slipping my mask up over my eyes.
I gently push the air inject button on my BCD and slip the reg into my mouth. I hold the gauge in my left hand. I palm the reg, and with my index and middle finger, I push the mask gently against my face.

I lean back, and suddenly, everything goes in slow motion. I hit the water and watch it rush over my mask and all I see is bubbles.
I pop back to the surface and tap my head to Ched to give him the okay.

It's history from there.

After a couple of hours all the dives I've ever done mend into one.

It seems odd but it it's the same with paddling, snowboarding, or cross country skiing. You love it so much in the moment but afterwards, it doesn't matter if you remember the dive. What you remember is you have a passion for something that a small group of people share with you, and that's special.


Anyway I hope everyone is enjoying themselves, and hugging their loved ones as much as they can.

A