It’s been a long time since I’ve written a post, but spring has brought with it a newfound urge to get back to writing! While running my own local SEO business occupies most of my time, I miss writing just for the fun of it, so I thought I’d share something fun that I’m working towards–PADI Open Water Certification.
As a young child, I wanted to be a marine biologist. My idol was Eugenie Clark, an American ichthyologist (shark scientist) who is often referred to as the “Shark Lady.” I was obsessed and loved anything shark-related (I still do). Obviously, my career path took a different direction, but I never stopped loving the ocean and learning to dive has been something that has been on my to-do list for as long as I can remember.
This spring, I decided to finally commit to PADI Open Water Certification so that I’ll be ready to start diving on our next trip to Hawaii in August and hopefully on a December 15-year anniversary trip somewhere warm!
What I’ve Added to My Dive Kit
Diving can be a somewhat expensive hobby, so I got just what I need for now with the idea that if I continue I can always invest in more gear down the line.
In order to complete my open water certification, I needed to purchase a few items including a mask, snorkel, fins and booties. Since we always snorkel in Maui too, it was important to me to choose fins that would work well for snorkeling and diving AND are lighter-weight for travel, so with the assistance of a local dive shop, I opted for the Scuba Pro Seawing Nova fins.
The mask is probably the most important piece of equipment for me, and it’s one that you definitely want to have fitted correctly! Turns out that I have a pretty narrow face and that’s likely why I’ve always had challenges with rental masks leaking (not a good enough seal for my face!). After trying on about 10 different masks (including a child’s size), I settled on the Scubapro D-Mask. Not only was it the most comfortable, but I like that it’s ComfortStrap doesn’t pull on my hair and the UV+400cut™ lens technology filters out HEV and UV light (without affecting how colors appear). Not going to lie, it’s pricey– but having a comfortable mask that fits well is at the top of my list gear-wise.
- Scuba Pro Seawing Nova Fins (in turquoise)
- Aqualung Impulse 3 Snorkel
- Scubapro Delta 5mm Booties
- Scubapro D-Mask (love the comfort strap– no more hair stuck in the strap!)
- Akona Deluxe Duffel Backpack
How and Where I’m Doing My PADI Open Water Certification
Thankfully PADI now offers e-learning so I could do the classroom work at home and then I’ll have 2 days of pool training with Dive On It Scuba of Cumberland, Rhode Island before doing the Open Water referral dives in Maui. I’m hoping I might convince my soon-to-be teenager to get certified too so I’ll have a built-in dive buddy!
It feels so good to finally work towards something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I’m already planning where I want to go diving after I get that PADI certification card! ❤️
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