What is it like to breathe underwater for the first time? That's what our tester Hanka, together with her boyfriend Adam, got to experience for herself.
"It was absolutely awesome."
As we listened to her story, it was clear that trying scuba diving wasn't just another bucket list experience. It's a ticket to a whole other world. The test dive took place in a specially modified eight-metre deep diving pit.
No diving into the unknown
First came a leisurely introduction to the equipment. "The instructors were really nice, we felt really comfortable with them," says Hanka. And it was this feeling of confidence that she says made a huge difference. It started out easy. First the platform, then the depth. In the water on the platform at a depth of about one metre, they both tried out some basic exercises. "We touched the equipment and learned how to use the automatic breathing apparatus," laughs Hanka. Getting used to breathing underwater takes a while, she says. Once you understand that the air is flowing smoothly and that you have everything under control, curiosity sets in: what's next?
Gradually down
Then came the descent with the instructor. Slowly, safely, with regular stops. "After every bit of the descent, the instructor stopped and waited for us to show him that everything was fine." Pressure balancing? "It's fine." Concerns? "None." And then there was that moment when the space below you opens up and everything slows down. The world below the surface "It was totally cool down there," says Hank without hesitation. Because under the surface, there's no time. Just silence, lightness and a strange calm. They swam past sharks, met manta rays and enjoyed the feeling of being part of another world. "It was absolutely perfect."
And the only downside?
"The downside is that I'll want to do it again... again and again." Hank laughs, her eyes sparkling again as she leaves the pool. "Because once you take your first breath underwater, it's hard to stay with just one dive."
A taste of scuba diving is perfect for anyone who wants to find out if the world below the surface is their world too. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to try something new.
