Learning to Dive: From Panic to Passion
Leanne Clowes – SSI Instructor Trainer and Dive Centre Owner
Diving was never on my radar until boredom struck during an all-inclusive holiday. With days stretching out before me and nothing to fill the time, I decided to try a Discover Dive. Looking back, it was quite the adventure, but not the one I had hoped for.
My first dive was chaotic and overwhelming. We were quickly gathered on the boat, and before I knew it, we were being tossed off the back. The instructor, holding onto the top of my tank, seemed more focused on getting us underwater than on ensuring we knew what to do. There was no real preparation or practice; we had only a quick rundown of instructions while still dry, and then we were off.
As soon as I hit the water, panic set in. Water started seeping into my mask, and despite the vibrant coral and colourful fish surrounding me, my mind spiralled. I was too focused on my discomfort to appreciate the beauty around me. In a moment of sheer panic, I shot to the surface, forgetting everything I had learned. The boat ride back was a blur; I lay down on the back, nursing a splitting headache, feeling frustrated and defeated.
For years, I carried the frustration of that experience with me, worried that I would never get the chance to dive again. It wasn’t until I found the courage to try again that my journey truly began. This time, I chose a dive centre close to home in the UK, hoping for a better experience.
I began my course with weekly sessions in the pool. While the process felt tedious and sometimes boring, I knew it was necessary. I remember the night before my mask skills session vividly; I couldn’t sleep, my mind racing with memories of that first disastrous dive. What if I panicked again? What if things went wrong?
When the time finally came, I surprised myself. As I submerged, I focused on my breath, reminding myself that I was in control. I could open my eyes in the chlorinated water, and slowly but surely, I started to gain confidence. It took a few tries to get the mask skills right, but I eventually mastered them, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for: the open water dives. I donned a bright yellow and blue dry suit that was comically oversized, and I felt like a clumsy giant as I clunked my way to the water’s edge, nerves bubbling up inside me. Peering over the edge into the water, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Over two days at a quarry, I completed four dives, repeating the skills I had practiced in the pool. The visibility was poor, and I was drenched from my ill-fitting suit, but I was thrilled. Each dive felt like a new adventure, and I found myself revelling in the experience. By the end of the weekend, I had become an open water diver, and the joy I felt was indescribable.
Diving quickly became an integral part of my life. I poured my time and resources into buying gear and traveling to dive sites, exploring the rich underwater world around the UK, which quickly became my favourite place to dive. With each dive, I developed a deeper appreciation for our oceans and the importance of conservation.
Eventually, my passion led me to work full-time at a dive centre, where I engaged in incredible projects across the UK. Reflecting on my journey, my only regret is not starting sooner. The experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met through diving have been life-changing.
My only advice to anyone who is thinking of doing it – just go for it, you will not regret it for a second!
