Face your fears. That’s what they say, right? Well, I don’t know about you, but the idea of swimming in the ocean terrifies me. I’ll go wading near the shore, but don’t ask me to go beyond where I can touch the bottom. With my feet. Who or what is to blame for this fear? Two words: The Titanic. Enough said.
(Yours truly prepping for a “test dive”)
Prepare yourself, then, to be astonished. When vacationing recently at the Red Sea with a dear friend and avid SCUBA diver, I succumbed to some friendly peer pressure and took the plunge. Literally. I never thought you’d find me rubbing shoulders with Nemo and Dory but here I am – 12 meters down.
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(“Hanging loose” on my test dive)
SCUBA wasn’t my only “first” on that trip. Can you believe that I lived 45 years without actually snorkeling? I suppose it isn’t surprising, considering I just really don’t like to get my head wet. Well, I was like a different person on that trip. Hair and makeup? Who cares! I had my face in the water (and my booty out) for hours on end, snorkeling. And boy, did I get a huge sunburn on my backside, but it was worth it.
(Red Sea rocks)
“Pro” tips: Thanks to my diver friend, I know a little bit about the “diver life,” and I can tell you it isn’t cheap. Maybe (like me) you are on a budget. Or, maybe you aren’t eager to fully commit to a huge vacation and diver certification. I’ve got you. Here’s some tips from an observant first-timer:
- Avoid Hurghada and go straight to Al Qaseer, one hour south of Hurgahada and significantly cheaper.
- Stay at an inland Airbnb rather than a beachfront resort. We stayed here (contact Shazly Ahmed at 20 10 61001845).
- Cook your own food or eat at this deliciously affordable restaurant.
- Access the coral reef at Abu Sawaateer. It’s free, relatively free of rocks, and the reef is pristine.
- Want to SCUBA but not commit to certification? Take a “test dive.” You take a 30-minute class, test out the basic skills in a pool, and then descend up to 12 meters in the ocean with a master diver.
- Prefer to snorkel? Ditch the bikini and wear leggings, full-sleeved rashguard, and aquasocks. Go for comfort rather than fashion.
(Even my 9-year old did a test dive!)
I don’t want to hear any excuses. If I did it, you can too. And you know what? It is pretty addicting. You just may see me down in the deep blue again!
