After the awesome snorkeling on the Perhentians I decided to try Pati’s recommendation. And booked a diving course with Scuba Junkies at Mabul. The first day Alison, Sasha, Stephen and I spent in the classroom. Watching theory films and doing tests. Quite annoying, when there is bright sunshine and a beautiful beach waiting outside.

The second day it was time for the first dive. Far far out of my comfort zone. Crossing the air/water layer was getting me close to panic. Well, honestly, I was panicking. Started to breathe far to fast and shallow, which did not help at all. Feeling to suffocate. So I resurfaced normally once (sometimes twice) while going down and ripped out the regulator :-(

However, I was lucky again. ‘Cause we had Rich Adams as instructor. And he was just perfect. No complaints at all about me resurfaces. He just came up and was totally relaxed. I don’t know how, but he gave me the feeling, that it is no problem at all and that I could take all the time in the world to calm down. Once I signaled I was ready to try it again, he went down with me slowly. Signaling to breathe slowly and keeping eye contact until I was fine and comfortable under water. Rich: THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your unbelievable relaxed character and your awesome instructor attitude is THE only reason, that I did not quit the course, slowly learned to control my panic at the first few decimeters, and started to enjoy diving.

I am still struggling while going down (strangely enough I feel totally fine, once I am down a few meters). But pushing me over this comfort limit is definitely worth the effort. ‘Cause diving opens a part of the world, that is amazingly beautiful! Petra, my first dive buddy after finishing the course took some pictures and allowed me to share them with you. So just have a look and be assured that is even more impressive and colorful when you see it live. Thanks Petra for the pics and for being a great first buddy!

When not diving, I had a good time with Alison & Sasha (and their friends), Stephen and Pati (who I met here again :-) Thanks to all! Alison, Sasha, Stephen: You have been great buddies for the Open Water Course! Pati: It was nice to see you again and comforting to have you behind as Rich’s support during the open water dives of the course! I am sure, you will be an awesome Dive Master!

Next plans are to dive Apo Reef on the Philippines and to come back to Mabul to dive Sipadan. Guess, I am hooked.

Greets from an amazing underwater world!
A calmly breathing ;-)
Michael