INDEPENDENT ADVENTURES

     I recently became certified in scuba diving. It is something I always thought would be interesting, but I never thought it would impact my life the way it has. I was certified by Claire and right away I felt a connection with this bubbly, passionate, full of life woman. I remember during my open water pool sessions, I became very nervous about taking my mask off underwater and having to put it back on due to water going in my nose. Sure enough…water went in my nose and I panicked. I stood up (as we were in the shallow end) and started hyperventilating. Claire came over to me and held my hands and told me to breathe and to calm down and that I was ok and I was safe. She genuinely cared and didn’t get annoyed by me slowing the pace of the class down. I overcame my fear and passed that portion all thanks to Claire. She is not only a wonderful instructor, but just a pleasure to be around in general. 

 

After my open water experience, I decided to go to Cozumel, Mexico with the local dive group. Claire was leading the trip and had planned the entire thing. It was one of the best trips I have been on. It was so helpful to have everything planned out with lodging, food, diving, and other fun activities. While in Mexico, I became close with a few of the other divers. I feel like Claire and scuba diving has created a whole new “travel family” for me. I look forward to many more years of trips and new experiences with Claire and our dive family.