The day began with a briefing and introduction to the equipment followed by the first practical session in the shallow pool, here we practiced skills in preparation for moving into the deep pool. Once in the deeper water we spent the rest of the day improving the skills and working on balance. Both guys did well and mastered all of the skills that were required of them. By the end of the day everyone was exhausted, but eager to get into open water to use what they had learned.

 

 

 

On Sunday the 22nd of Feb 2015 the guys completed their first two open water dives in the Swan River at Bicton Baths, whilst the day offered some excellent weather the river offered some challenging conditions. Facing low visibility and strong currents both members performed valiantly, tackling the currents and braving the low visibility to complete all their skills and return to shore. By the end of the second dive we even had trouble getting them to leave. 

 

 

 

 

The last 2 dives took place on the 7th of March 2015 at the Rockingham Wreck Trail, we met early and starting with the briefing for the final dives. Once in the water the initial surface swim was challenging as the usual descent point is a buoy located over 100 metres from the shore. This largely due to the fact that the water is no more than 2 metres deep up until that point! Once at the buoy we descended to a depth of 9 meters where we completed the required skills before going for a 40-minute exploration dive with maximum depth of 15 metres. This process was repeated for the final certification dive to complete the course. Yet again the visibility wasn’t great but we saw lionfish, western king wrasse, goatfish, damselfish and a few others.

 

For Phelim Scuba Diving was a chance to try something new, and not let his accident hold him back, this is what he had to say about his experience in the pool;

 

 

 

 

 

  

“The hardest part of my first scuba experience would have easily been the beginning with the 100m swim. Getting in the pool with a face plant and learning my body is not letting me do in the water what I used to be able too. With my scuba buddy Joel halfway down the pool I tried to kick and splash my way after him, leaving him with an impressive head start.”

 

 

For Joel the experience was also something new, as a competent swimmer Joel was comfortable in the pool, however he was quickly taken out of his comfort zone when asked to practice skills which require the removal of vital pieces of equipment underwater….his natural instinct was to NOT remove his regulator second stage! Joel quickly grew accustomed to life underwater though, and when the end of the first open water day rolled around it took some real convincing to get him out of the water.

 

 

 

 

Ash Payne, DDI Instructor 10-0346