Open Water

Day One: After dancing til dawn at the Full Moon party I then got up after about a hour of sleep to get the boat to Ko Tao. Turned out to be a very good idea as I missed the rush and actually managed to start the dive course this afternoon. The class consisted of a video which I am sure lasted about three hours...a bit of a mission after very little sleep! First dive tomorrow!

Day Two: Had such a good sleep last night :D Started the class this morning reviewing the theory we learnt last night. Most of it is common sense actually. This afternoon we went into the pool which was a bit scary but then again you always know that if something does go wrong you are just a metre from the surface! Tomorrow we have our first open water dive.

Day Three: Very early start this morning as we got the boat at 7:30. We went out to the dive sight where we set up our equipment, did our buddy checks (my buddy is Julie from New York City) and then got in the water. I was actually terrified but I am so proud of myself now. Getting in the water is called a giant's stride. Basically holding onto your weight belt, mask and regulator you take a huge step off the side of the boat and just drop! I think for me that is actually one of the scariest parts! Both times I did it I lost my fins, regulator and mask! Even the second dive was better than the first as I relaxed, controlled my breathing better (so I wasn't going up and down like a cork) and we saw some amazing marine life like moray eels, stingrays and so many different fish!. This afternoon we had our final theory class and then the exam which I passed with 98%. All that is left to do are the skills tomorrow then then I get my certificate.

Tonight we went to a drag cabaret (where the picture is from). I am not really sure how to describe it but it was incredible. I think the pictures will tell the best story when I can upload them! Definitely worth a visit!!

Day Four: Early start again today as we set off for our final two dives. These were a lot more fun than yesterday as we basically just swam about looking at all the marine life as the skills were completed yesterday. Once again I have not managed the entry and lost all of my equipment! At least it is good practice for clearing my mask. It's amazing, I am so much more comfortable in the water now (although those first few breaths still terrify me!) and even on the surface I am a lot better. I am quite surprised that I am having some trouble with my ears as they never pop when I fly but I think with practice I will get better at equalizing. Today we got filmed as well so that should be interesting...hopefully they got my underwater somersault!

Tomorrow I start the advanced course which allows me to go down to 30 metres rather than just 18 so hopefully I will be able to dive some wrecks in the future...no rest for the wicked!