Long overdue, but finally now I’m certified as a PADI Open Water Diver.
Together with my family we decided to visit Kos, Greece this summer. On the resort, Kipriotis Village there was a diving school… very convenient when traveling with the family – Kos Divers (www.kosdivers.com). The course was 4 days, the first 2 days in the pool to learn the basics in confined waters. Waters skills assessments like 200m swim, 10 min floating, equipment preparation and care in and out of water.
Knowledge development and theory while in the sunbed also working on the nice tan and other family activities.
The first open water dive was a real experience unlike anything else… exercises like removing the mask under the water, snorkel/regulator exchange was way more challenging in the open water. On the forth and last day the wind was really strong and the visibility was close to zero, not the best day to certify the skills using a compass and remove/replace scuba gear on the surface, but lots of fun.
After the certification I received a temporary eCard – Qualification meets ISO 24801 Diver Level 2 – Autonomous Diver Standard. http://www.scubaearth.com/diver/diver-certifications.aspx?affiliateid=24462327
Great, now it was time to go diving for real. In Kos harbour I found Liamis Diving Centre (www.kosdiving.com) and after enlisting on the boat the adventure was on… First order of business was to explore the Thor Star Wreck. Thor Star was a cargo ship build in 1965 and now lies on the sandy bottom of the sea and is broken into three pieces. The second dive site was a cave that seemed very dark and because my fresh skills and the risk of losing buoyancy control I was recommended not to swim inside the cave… more experience needed.
Amazing, why did I not do this sooner in life…