Whilst still in South Africa, I was writing for a local quad bike magazine. In that magazine, there was a “Frikkie’s Column,” and Frikkie used to write about many “things.” Mostly about his own life experiences, but in such a way that I regularly had to stop reading as I was laughing out loud! One month Frikkie, wrote about the reason many parents buy computer games. (I think Frikkie blamed everything, from child obesity, diabetes, eye problems and misbehaviour, on computer games.)
It was clear that Frikkie was hinting to all the lazy parents out there that they buy these games only to “benefit” from the negative effects of them. Once bought, the parents have more free time as their children slowly become vegetables as their dependence on computer games increase.
That article made a lasting impression and even though both our sons have the full monty regarding electronic gadgets, there is a healthy balance. (As we call it: “Digital and Analogue days”) Apart from always being an outdoors person, Frikkie’s column is still a constant reminder that we (parents) should spend more time outdoors with our children. We should focus on outdoor activities and motivate them to do more “analogue” things. Thus, no need to expand any further on the reason why John-John “had to” do his Junior Divers course at the earliest possible age. The Junior Open Water Diver is the certification you can obtain at the age of ten to twelve years. It limits you to a diving depth of 12m and always with adult supervision.As mentioned in my article in the July issue, John-John was already booked for his Junior Divers course and anxiously awaiting our summer getaway to start this new “scuba adventure.” I am not sure how to diplomatically express myself regarding the course that was “presented.” Let’s just say that they gave a new meaning to the term “self-study.”
My recommendation, to any person wanting to use the dive centre at Snoopy Rock, would be to ensure and not assume, that the school’s only instructor will at least be present every day. Fortunately, I was with him and we changed the chalet’s living room into our own classroom for two to three hours daily between the pool and open water session. Most of these sessions John-John did with the “dive masters.”
From the initial pool sessions, JJ was very comfortable with all the scuba gear and completed all the skill tests on his first attempt. This led to two pool sessions and an open water dive on day one, followed by two 50-minute open water dives the following day. It was during the first dive on day two that JJ had some initial problems to compensate in one ear, but after a couple of attempts, he managed to clear the “blocking” and could enjoy the dive. Day three, Jeffery had returned from Dubai and we were scheduled for the two boat dives to complete the open water skills test and then enjoy one dive after the “test.”
Again, JJ had problems with his right ear and suffered severe pain from about one metre under the surface. This Jeffery handled very well; after several attempts we surfaced and he assisted JJ with trying to clear his sinuses/Eustachian tube. He also took the time to complete all the surface skills tests as not to waste time. Once these skills were completed, they again attempted to go down and this time all was okay. The visibility was not the greatest, as we had strong winds the previous day, and I would reckon about five, maximum six metres.
The experience of diving down to several metres and being able to spent as much time as you like “exploring” the depths of the ocean was incredible, and JJ truly enjoyed every second. Seeing a lionfish and stonefish in the “flesh” (or shall we say “in scales”) was the highlight of his dives as he has seen and heard a lot about these fishes on National Geographic and similar other programs.
Now JJ will have to wait for brother Jihan to reach ten so we can book him for his Junior Diver and at the same time book JJ for the Open Water II certification. Then hopefully, our “babysitting” days will be over and the whole family will be able to dive together!
Scuba diving has always been popular, but never before has it been so accessible and affordable to the average person. It is offered all over the world and can really add to your travel experience when visiting other countries. It is safe and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here in the UAE, it gives you an excellent opportunity to enjoy summer. All the hotels and resorts have great accommodation offers during summer to attract visitors, and at least the temperature on the east coast (Fujairah) is a couple of degrees cooler than Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
So, if you are looking for some new adventure and are not yet scuba qualified, give it a go!
Dive safe and go for gold.
Regards
John Basson
