Filed under: Activities & Attractions, Destination Camping & RV Resorts, Family Weekend Trips, Nature & Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation & Hiking, Uncategorized

Scuba-Certified in One Weekend?!

Have you ever felt the jaw-dropping sensation of fear and excitement at the same time?  Ever dream of what it would feel like to swim with sharks?  If you are one of those people who is always up for a new adventure, try getting your Scuba Diving Certification!  It is something that you can do over a period of time or you may opt to clump the classes and dives into one thrilling, action-packed weekend and just go for it!  I, of course, chose the latter option.

For my husband’s birthday, I decided to surprise him with a weekend away for the two of us to get scuba-certified together (something we have both always talked about doing one day).  I found a great deal online (http://www.yelp.com/biz/badass-diving-rancho-cucamonga) and was able to get private lessons with a skilled PADI Scuba Dive Master for us.  Just a short, picturesque drive away from one the best dive spots in California is the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, where you can park your RV at one of their premier waterfront spots (http://www.newportdunes.com/siteViews.html) and enjoy the gorgeous views.

After purchasing the PADI Open Water Crew Pack online ahead of time, my husband and I read through the book, did the homework, and showed up to take our quizzes/final exam on Friday.  A few hours later, after discussing our answers with our knowledgeable instructor, Brian Anderson (http://badassdiving.com/Home_Page.php), and passing our final exam, we were ready for our first test-run with all of our diving equipment on, in the pool.

We got all sized and suited up, then proceeded to jump into the pool for some underwater practice of our newly-learned skills.  Afterwards, we were ready for a delicious dinner and happened upon a local favorite, home of the ultimate taco and most crunchy, mouth-watering Carne Asada Tostada I have ever tasted, at Chronic Tacos (http://www.eatchronictacos.com/).  Full to the brim and exhausted beyond belief, we waddled to our beds on the eve of our first two open water dives in the ocean.

Early the next morning, we headed down to Shaw’s Cove, one of the most popular dive spots in California.  Shaw’s Cove is located in beautiful Laguna Beach, and is an ideal location, especially for beginning divers.  With its sandy entry, protected cove, and colorful fish to see all around the reef, you’ll immediately see why so many divers come from far and wide to dive here.  Additionally, the spot is known for having great visibility underwater and boasts a multitude of marine life to view, including lobster, octopus, and moray eels, to name just a few.

After two more open water dives practicing more of our skills in the water on Sunday, we were officially scuba-certified!   It was quite the accomplishment and a fun way to experience this gorgeous coastline while learning an exciting new skill with my favorite person on his birthday.

Last 5 posts by Cynthia Baum

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