Learning to dive – and learning to love it!

Gaining my Open Water PADI qualification through Opwall at Sodwana Bay was an experience I won’t ever forget.My time with Opwall has been the perfect balance of both structured and enjoyable, making it the perfect introduction to the world of scuba diving.

The first day began with classroom theory at the Dive Centre. We gathered outside and worked through the theory with the help of our instructor Andre who was very engaging and made the principles of diving easy to grasp. We learned everything from the basics of buoyancy to how to handle potential emergencies underwater. It was a lot to take in, but Andre was patient and encouraged us to ask questions, creating an interactive learning environment.

Photo by Toby Farman

The next day, we moved to the pool for practical skills training. This was my first time in full diving gear, and I was both nervous and excited. We practiced critical skills like clearing our masks, using our regulators and maintaining neutral buoyancy. The pool session allowed us to build confidence in a controlled environment before venturing into the ocean. Each successful dive skill made me feel more prepared for the next step.

On the third day, we finally took the plunge into the ocean for our first two dives. I remember the thrill of gearing up and stepping onto the boat, anticipation buzzing in the air. The conditions were a little rough, but as I descended into the water, I marveled at the colorful reefs and marine life. I knew if I could dive in these conditions I could dive anywhere. It was incredible to see everything we had studied come to life. The sensation of being submerged, surrounded by vibrant fish and coral, was absolutely surreal.

Photo by Robert Arthur

At the time of writing this, I still have one dive left to complete my qualification, but I’m already reflecting on what a fantastic journey it’s been so far. One of the best parts of the experience was that all our dives were in the morning, allowing us to spend our afternoons relaxing at the beach or engaging in other activities around Sodwana Bay. After a leisurely afternoon, we would return for evening lectures around 4 PM, discussing the day’s experiences and further diving concepts.

This balance of diving, relaxation, and learning made the entire process very fun and took away any nerves I had. I’m looking forward to my final two dives and the excitement they will bring as I complete my Open Water certification with Opwall!

Title photo by Brian Skerry