Scuba diving: a fascinating sport!

Andrew: When did you take up scuba diving? Wendy: Well, I started two summers ago so I've been doing it for nearly two and a half years now. I'm a third-class diver.

Colin: I’ve only just started. I did a ten-day beginners' course in my summer holiday at a centre on the south coast.

Andrew: And do you really enjoy it?

Colin: Oh yes. Wendy: Yes, it's a fascinating sport.

Andrew: Was it difficult to learn? You have to be a very good swimmer, don’t you? Colin: When I joined the club I had to swim 300 metres. Wendy: That's right, and you must be able to float for a long time as well.

Colin: The club had a very good programme, I learned little by little in the swimming pool on Saturdays. I learned how to dive and fit the pack onto my back in the water, how to swim safely to the surface, what to do in emergencies, how to survive in cold water and so on. Then I went for a week's diving in Scotland and did my first sea dive.

Andrew: In Scotland? You must be enthusiastic, then! Have you ever got into any difficulty under water?

Wendy: No, I've never had a bad experience … no sharks or accidents yet. I always look forward to the next dive.

Andrew: But isn't it a dangerous sport? Colin: It is risky. You could run out of air. But if you are sensible and responsible you will be able to cope with anything. Of course you have to be careful when you dive and very attentive when checking your equipment.

Andrew: Is the equipment expensive?

Wendy: Well, you need a mask, fins and a snorkel to begin with. They cost about 20 pounds altogether. Then you need a wet-suit. That's about 50 pounds. A life jacket costs about 30 pounds and double bottles back pack around 120 pounds. That comes to about 220 pounds. They will all last about five years if you take care of them. And if you join the British Sub-aqua Club it will give you information about courses, holidays and clubs. That costs another 30 pounds.