I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean, the incredible marine life, and the sense of freedom that comes with being submerged in water. So, when I decided to take the plunge and sign up for an Open Water Dive Course, I knew it would be a life-changing experience. Little did I know just how transformative it would be. Dive HQ Christchurch helped me see the underwater world for the first time.
Here’s a recap of my first-ever Open Water Dive Course, from the initial nerves to my first deep breath underwater.
Day 1 & 2: Pool Sessions
I’ll admit, I was both excited and a little nervous as I walked into Dive HQ Christchurch for the first time. The team was welcoming, and the whole place had a relaxed but professional vibe. After filling out the necessary paperwork, we had our quick classroom session to go over our e-Learning we completed independently before the start of the course. This was great as it meant we could maximise time spent doing practical aspects of the course.
The theory part was more interesting than I anticipated. I never realized how much went into learning to dive safely—understanding the mechanics of buoyancy, how to handle pressure changes, and what to do in emergency situations. By the end of the session, I felt more confident, though still a little unsure of what to expect once I was underwater.
We all headed to the pool, where our instructor demonstrated how to set up the equipment, check everything, and then get ourselves into the water.
Strapping on the tank, mask, and fins for the first time was definitely a strange experience. It felt like there was a lot to think about, but my instructor, Jackson, was calm and patient. He guided us through each skill step by step, from clearing your mask underwater to practicing breathing through the regulator.
The first time I submerged myself fully underwater, I can’t even describe the feeling. It was surreal. There’s something magical about the sensation of breathing underwater. It was quiet, peaceful, and exhilarating all at once.
Over the next two days we worked on movement underwater, buoyancy and heaps of skills that were challenging but valuable. By the end of the pool sessions, I felt confident scuba diving in shallow waters.
Day 3: Open Water Dives
By day 3, I was beyond ready to take my skills into the open water. We drove to the dive site, which was a beautiful spot in Akaroa surrounded by rolling hills and calm waters. This was where we would do our first open water dives, and I couldn’t have been more excited.
I knew diving in the open water would be a whole new experience from the pool with the added challenges of things like current and visibility. But Jackson and the team made sure we were fully prepared. The moment I descended beneath the surface of the ocean, I was captivated. I could see fish, rocks, starfish, paua and the sandy seabed stretching out beneath me.
As we made our way through the dive site, I couldn’t help but feel like I was part of a completely different world. I had a moment in awe when I saw a school of small fish swimming in unison. Watching the marine life in their natural habitat was mesmerising.
I was also amazed at how quickly I adapted to the skills we’d practiced in the pool. Clearing my mask underwater, equalizing my ears, and communicating with my dive buddy using hand signals all felt second nature.
Day 4: The Final Dive and Certification
The final day of the course arrived, and I was filled with anticipation. We did one last dive, this time with a little more depth and a more complex dive plan. The underwater world felt so familiar now, and I was amazed by how much I had learned in just a few short days.
At the end of the dive, we surfaced and made our way back to shore. I was greeted with congratulations from my fellow divers and the instructor, and I realized just how far I’d come since that first nervous day. I was now a certified Open Water Diver, ready to explore the world beneath the waves.
Looking back, my open water course experience was great. The course was well-structured, with the right balance of theory, pool practice, and real-world diving. The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and patient, which made all the difference, especially since this was my first dive experience.
My advice for anyone wondering what it’s like to dive for the first time—don’t hesitate. You’ll never regret the experience.