Diving into New Depths: Embracing Adventure with PADI in My 30s

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to find comfort in routine and familiarity. However, as I entered my 30s, I felt an undeniable urge to break free, upskill, and dive into a new realm of excitement and challenge. What better way to push the boundaries of my comfort zone than by exploring the world beneath the surface? This journey led me to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, better known as PADI.

PADI isn’t just an acronym; it’s a gateway to a world of underwater wonders and self-discovery. Join me as I share my adventure of upskilling with PADI, unraveling what makes this organisation a beacon for adventure seekers, and why taking the plunge into scuba diving became a defining chapter in my 30s. It’s never too late to embrace the unknown, and PADI has guided me through an exhilarating journey of skill development, exploration, and pushing the boundaries of what I once thought possible. Let’s start from the top and dive into how PADI became my passport to a new, immersive world.

Getting my PADI Open Water certificate had always been on my list. It was something that regularly entered my mind when travelling to the likes of Thailand and Indonesia, but something held me back. Maybe it was inexperience, my acute fear of the ocean, or the fact I didn’t see myself falling in love with a sport I might not regularly partake in. How young and naive I was because cut to my 30’s, and I am 10 scuba dives into a world of adventure, and there will be no looking back for me. 

Taking the plunge in Wellington

Getting my PADI certification locally in Wellington with Dive HQ Wellington was a decision I made very quickly upon a rapidly approaching trip to Fiji, where, in turn, a select group would be learning to dive. I had the option to certify early, meaning when in Fiji, I could recreationally dive and enjoy the wonders of the underwater world there. 

The anticipation of exploring the ocean depths clashed with the reality of the initial challenges. But as the saying goes, “smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,” soon, I found myself navigating the currents of newfound knowledge and skills. Skills that one should not research before your course. I am a confessed control freak, and I thrive if I know what’s coming; however, in this scenario, the thought of taking a regulator out of my mouth and removing my mask underwater kept me up the night before my first day. 

Cut to mastering those skills in the first hour of our course, and I was away laughing. The reality of gaining your open water certification is skill mastering. Your PADI dive instructor will guide you through your training daily, skill by skill. Master one, and you move on. Simple. 

Your first day will be spent in the local pool where the aquatic wildlife for us stretched to the aqua aerobics class and midday lane swimmers. 

Day two and three, we completed a series of tasks in the open ocean and explored Wellington’s underwater playground. Taking skills from the pool to the sea and ascending on the final dive to your buddy (and dive instructor), delivering the fantastic news that you are now PADI certified! I had genuine concerns entering the training that I would not complete it, BUT to my delight, I passed, and PADI handed me my ticket to a brand new world. 

Fiji time

A short flight from Wellington transported me to the idyllic shores of Fiji, where the crystal-clear waters welcomed me into a world of vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine species. The warmth of the Fijian people and the thrill of diving in the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” made every dive an unforgettable experience.

Diving isn’t just about exploring the oceans; it’s about discovering the depths of oneself. The silence beneath the waves is a canvas for introspection, and with each dive, I unearthed a newfound appreciation for life, patience, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It’s a journey of personal transformation that transcends the physical boundaries of the underwater realm.

Seven FUN dives later at The Garden Island resort on the island of Taveuni , and I am officially hooked on Scuba diving. Every dive was magical from start to finish. Descending onto the ocean and the silence, having nothing to focus on but my breath, the silence and whatever marine life took my fancy is a world I would like to delve deeper into. The Fijian waters are like an actual fish tank full to the brim of exotic life and the most insane cabbage patch reef I have ever seen. 

The world of diving did more than give me a certification. It opened up a world to a whole new friendship group. Something is to be said about the camaraderie on a dive boat. The stoke for seeing and experiencing the same things when on the surface and the fact that without words, we can communicate our thoughts and feelings under the water… those feelings sometimes being fear when being approached by what one thought was a shark, but no, just a giant tuna. I am happy to take the brunt of jokes for the morning after that sighting. 

Encouragement for Non-Divers

To those standing on the shores, hesitant to take the plunge, I say this: the ocean is not just a place; it’s a feeling, an experience waiting to be embraced. The fear dissipates when armed with your certification, knowledge, and skillset; you will find a world that mirrors the beauty within you. Trust the process; every regulator breath echoes a tale of courage and self-discovery. One that I am so happy to have experienced in my 30’s. 

As I reflect on the chapters written underwater, my ambitions soar to new depths. The journey doesn’t end with a PADI Open Water Certification; it’s a passport to endless possibilities. The ocean’s call is strong, and I would be lying to you if I hadn’t spent my nights researching new dive sights and potential diving opportunities. So, whether I will be mastering the art of underwater navigation in the chilly waters of New Zealand or exploring exotic dive sites across the globe for my PADI Advanced Open Water certification, I am excited!

In the dance between the known and the unknown, I discovered that learning to dive is more than a skill—it’s an invitation to a world where expectations meet the unpredictable, and transformation unfolds with each dive. So, whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone contemplating the plunge, remember that the ocean is not just a destination. It is a journey that mirrors the depths of your own potential. 

Dive in, and let the adventure begin; I promise you won’t regret it. 

If you are interested in becoming a PADI open water Scuba diver or furthering your scuba skills click the link here.

BIG special Thank you GoPro for inviting me to the GoPro Creator Summit 2023 in Fiji & helping me get my PADI certification. PLUS facilitating all the adventures and opportunity. I am forever grateful and proud to fly the GoPro flag.