If I could do this trip over again there
are a few things I would do differently: 1.) I would buy more clothes that
contain SPF in them and can dry quickly. The shirt we got for the trip was like
this and I had to wear it often, because my other shirts were not like this. If
I had more of these “fishing-sport” shirts my one SPF shirt wouldn’t have
needed to be washed so much. 2.) Exercising for this trip is so critical. I
went to the gym 5 days a week, 6 months before the trip. I’m more of a weight
lifter and less of a cardio kind of gal. The weight lifting helped me 100000%.
My leg muscles never tired or got sore. My arms never became limp from pulling
myself onto the latter of the boat. My back and core could endure the weight of
the tank and 12 pounds in my BCD. I had cardio in my regular workout (about 2-3
days of the week), but I should’ve done it every day. This would’ve helped me
consume less air, so I could dive longer. CARDIO CARDIO CARDIO. 3.) I would’ve bought
wet/dry bags to hold my clothes and stuff while we were diving whether it was a
Buddy’s, a shore dive, or boat dive.
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| One awesome crew! |
Other advice: Spend your $$$$ on a good
mask. I dropped a pretty penny for my mask but it fits perfectly and gave me
zero problems. Whenever you buy your dive stuff please do not order it online
without going to a dive shop first. This was very helpful for me because I
didn’t know that fins need to fit your feet a certain way, and wetsuits that
fit your body just right are hard to come by. Take the time to go in and get
help with your dive equipment.
Whenever
you are on the trip – unplug. I did and I am so glad I did. I didn’t have to
talk to anyone for 8 days and it was the best feeling. My family, friends, and
my job were just fine in the states without me, and I didn’t have to worry
about any of it. I got to know people in the group better and enjoy each
other’s company. Give up your phone!
When
on the trip do everything you’re comfortable with doing. Go on that fourth boat
dive even though you’re a little tired. Go caving even though it’s hot. Get up
at 5 am to go birding. Get up early on that busy day to go on a dawn dive (I
highly recommend the dawn dives). Order something you’ve never tried before at
the restaurant. Don’t push yourself into getting yourself hurt – but push
yourself to experience as much amazing stuff as you can.
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| Trying to take pictures under water is difficult |
What I’ve learned: I love diving. This
sport will become a regular hobby for me. I may even look into internships that
include diving, and I plan on getting more certifications. I had anxiety about
diving sometimes and doubted myself a little – but I want to continue to get
better. I have also learned money will come back to you but memories won’t. The
price tag on these trips are high, but it is so worth it. Pick up the extra
shifts at work, fill out the scholarship forms, and take out a loan if you need
it - because it is so worth it. Do
not miss an opportunity.