WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO?People look at me like I am from outer space when I tell them that I have a scuba diving instruction and travel business in Memphis. They seem to think I must have a little water on the brain to pick such a landlocked area for a business that revolves around water, and I must admit I can see their point. As the least likely student to even complete my Memphis State Scuba class, the idea of becoming self employed as a scuba instructor was the furthest thing from my mind as I completed my degree in International Business. I had it all planned out (or so I thought), I would work for a big multinational corporation, have a fine selection of dress for success suits, and travel the world over making my mark. Curiously enough, the universe has a fine sense of humor! I have what I call a multi-dollar company, own a fine selection of swimsuits, wetsuits, and dry suits and do get to travel the world over with a fine group of diving adventurers in tow. This is not exactly what I had planned, but it is ten times better than what I would have ever visualized for myself. My friends, students, and clients seem to think I have the best job in the world and I don’t argue with that. Imagine the pleasure I get from teaching people how to play, interact and explore the exotic arena of the underwater realm. It is exciting and liberating that first time you put on scuba gear and head to the bottom of the pool, and it is my good fortune to be your guide as you make this great discovery. It is a mind and body sensory experience that is unlike anything else. With appropriate training, practice, and a healthy dose of good judgment, diving can be a great recreation for young and old, male and female, singles and families. The only requirement (besides the ability to swim and be comfortable in the water) is that people have a sense of wonder and adventure. An unexpected benefit to this compelling hobby is that divers are equal opportunity people. They don’t care who you are, what your occupation is, or how much money you make, if you share the passion of diving you are automatically welcomed into the worldwide diving community. Nothing breaks the ice more quickly than being exposed to wild array of people who all share a passion for the underwater world. No one stays a stranger long once the topic of diving comes up. Diving is not as expensive as you may think! Just like ski equipment, dive equipment is easily rented with proof of scuba certification. I advise my students to purchase their own mask, fins and snorkel so they can get a personal fit and be more comfortable during their training. I suggest that they wait to get some experience before purchasing the higher dollar items. Good professional dive gear lasts a long time and with the great variety of choices, it may not be immediately apparent which gear selections are most appropriate for your needs. I also suggest establishing a relationship with a diving professional before investing in any scuba equipment. All gear is not created equal, and you deserve to get the best value, performance and safety for your money. Knowledge is definitely power when it comes to making good consumer choices in dive gear. Once you decide to become a diver, you need to find the perfect instructor. Visit the local shops and diver training agencies and find a diving professional who truly wants your business. Good customer service, personal rapport and a professional attitude, should be your most important guidelines. Look for a business that will provide continued dive training, social activities, and supervised travel so that your opportunity to learn, sharpen your skills, and gain experience and confidence as a diver, does not end with the issuing of your certification card. There are all types of diving adventures to be had. You can stay close to home and visit the rock quarries of Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee or the gorgeous lakes of Arkansas and fresh water springs of Florida. Of course, you don’t have a hundred feet of visibility here, but you DO have the challenge of fine tuning your navigation skills, the thrill of exploring underwater forests, exploring sunken buildings, shipwrecks, and airplanes, and occasionally being eye to eye with a 4 foot prehistoric Mississippi Spoonbill Paddlefish. Add to that, the fun, camaraderie, and relaxation that trips seem to create, and you can see that an airplane ride and ocean are not always essential for diving fun. With that said, I must confess that to be a scuba diver and not spend some time on a boat in saltwater, would be missing some of the most spiritual experiences a diver can have. There is nothing in life that compares with the absolute perfection, the perfect harmony, and the uninhibited display of wild color and texture that is to be found in this pristine environment. Monthly trips to all sorts of tropical diving destinations led by a travel agent/dive instructor, can make your travel effortless and easy. The most common comment that I hear from people that I meet, is that scuba diving is something that they have always wanted to try. Why not now? At Easy Divers we offer a $15 introductory scuba experience. You will spend underwater time with a PADI Instructor in the lovely 86 degree heated pool at Club SIX50 Sportsplex. Bring yourself, a bathing suit, and a towel and come see for yourself what you have been missing. You may reserve your spot by calling us at 901-753-2926 or by emailing me: SaralynnT@aol.com. We want you to be part of the adventure!
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