WHY DO WE SCUBA DIVE?

Ask any scuba diver and they will give a number of reasons. Each will be unique as each diver has their own way to explain it.

For me, it’s about being in the water, being free & at peace. Seeing aquatic life makes me smile and every dive will offer something special no matter where you are.

My Journey

I have always been fascinated by the ocean. I grew up in Dunedin, a coastal town on the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. I learned to surf & spent time around the coast as I grew up. Later on in life, I was traveling around & meeting people who had been diving,  saw their gear & listened to their stories. Surfing around Dunedin we saw sharks (quite a lot actually but up until that time only every one shark attack, with more damage down to the surfboard than the person) dolphins, seals & penguins. A wide & healthy population of marine wildlife. It was this that sparked my interest & I had the opportunity to learn to dive in Egypt. I was hooked & went through the ranks to become an instructor, & have continued to teach for over 18 years.

For me its about sharing that underwater world & showcasing the amazing marine wildlife we have. 

Your journey?

As I mentioned earlier everyone is different. I would love if everyone tried to snorkel & dive at least once in their life. This would give them an idea of what's under the ocean, the diversity & the life that's there. I realise this is a big ask as there will be fears of medical issues & lacking of interest but it is a wish.

Current numbers & projections

If you are interested I hope the instructor is good, in the sense, that he or she takes their time,  explains things clearly & shows wildlife as well as explains what's happening in the environment you are diving in. With patience & explanation, your diving experience will be elevated.

“Estimated 6,000,000 active divers”

With an estimated 6,000,000 active divers (this is a guestimate as there are no real industry figures, only speculation) the attraction to go underwater is ever increasing. With certification agencies like PADI, SSI, NAUI, RAID to mention a few, the attraction to dive will continue and hopefully increase.

Why will and should it increase? I enjoy the underwater environment and I not only want to share it with others I want more people to be aware of it. Today’s society is fast-paced & this has an impact on the environment. If more awareness of what the world’s oceans offer, in terms of life, hopefully, more people will be aware of the harm activities do to it. 

Everyone is different; each diver wants to discover or experience something unique or amazing. It could be broken down into recreational or technical diving if you wish, but at the core scuba diving offers everyone something on a personal level.

Jacques Cousteau once stated, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

I came across a video the other day which I believe sums it up beautifully. No words are needed and the music fits well, but if you’re like me, you can mute it and feel like you are there.

© 2014 Lee Burghard - Wild Shutter Imaging. All rights reserved

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I hope you enjoy it & I hope to see you out diving!

Terry