From Non-Swimmer to Diver: My Unexpected Path to the Underwater World

My Diving Journey: Part 1 of 4

The Dive Begins: A Story of Overcoming Fear

I often feel my scuba diving trajectory is quite different from many divers I’ve met. I’ve heard countless stories of people immediately hooked the moment they take their first breath underwater, pouring all their energy and resources into the sport. But for me, things didn’t come so easily. I’m glad to share another possible path here – one that started with a fundamental hurdle: I couldn’t swim.

Growing up, formal swimming lessons weren’t a priority since my parents didn’t swim themselves. My early attempts at swim school quickly ended when I graduated from the kiddie pool to depths where I couldn’t touch the bottom. Even in middle school, my renewed efforts to learn were piecemeal. It felt like a minor miracle when, in high school, I barely scraped by the mandatory 50m swim requirement (a rare athletic standard for an academic school in Taiwan!). I had managed 25m with a breath, sneaked another breath at the wall, and barely made it to the finish. Despite these challenges, I always had a deep curiosity about the ocean, seeing it as another new environment to explore, much like traveling to experience different cultures and geographies.

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Dipping My Toes: Discovery Dives and Early Hesitations

Things began to change after I met Kevin, who is now my husband and dive buddy. Kevin was a strong swimmer and had been a certified diver since college. His family had a rich diving history – his dad and aunt salvaged US Navy equipment to scuba dive and spearfish in Northern Taiwan 50 years ago! Back then, BCD wasn’t even part of the essential kits. His stories intensified my curiosity.

My first scuba experiences, however, weren’t an instant love affair. I was scared. My two initial discovery scubas, one in Key Largo, FL (around 2010) and another in Honolulu (around 2013), were filled with a mix of fear and fascination. I vividly remember the patience of my Key Largo instructor, who was rigorous with pool skills and held my hand throughout the dive. The mask-clearing and regulator recovery skills felt terrifying at the time.

It wasn't love at first sight, but I distinctly remember thinking, "I'm surprised I could do this, even without knowing how to swim."

This spurred me to start practicing swimming more seriously, teaching myself breaststroke. Even then, my feet still felt like they needed to touch the bottom of the pool.

Later, in Monokini, I tried a discover scuba and snorkel combo. The scuba part was nerve-wracking, with the instructor holding my hands and I kept reminding myself to “just breathe.” But the snorkeling portion afterward, while Kevin was diving, was a turning point. Slowly, I let go of the floating board, getting more comfortable. I could see the cool fish and corals, but not clearly enough. That’s when I truly decided: I needed to overcome this unreasonable fear of sinking when I couldn’t touch the bottom. I started practicing in bigger pools, consciously pushing past the panic, remembering the time I panicked snorkeling in San Diego simply because I couldn’t see the bottom (disturbed by our entry), only to realize I could just stand up.

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Taking the Plunge: Open Water and Finding My Wreck Love

Fast forward to 2016, and I was determined. I truly wanted to dive and travel with Kevin to see the underwater world together. Knowing I’d get nervous in a group, I opted for a 1-on-1 Open Water training at my local dive shop. This was a fantastic decision; my instructor listened to my fears and guided me through them. 

Since Oregon waters are notoriously cold, I completed an Open Water referral – all the theory and pool sessions locally, then the open water dives in Cozumel, Mexico. Kevin had been to Cozumel before, and Scuba Club Cozumel (sadly now closed) was fantastic. I did a skill review upon arrival, giving me no time to worry. The open water dives went smoothly, largely because I’d meticulously practiced all mask skills while standing in the pool before my trip (a habit I maintained for years before regular local diving, almost a ritual to get into dive mode before dive vacations).

On my third open water dive – my first day as a certified diver – we visited the C53 wreck. I can still remember the coolness of the marine life contrasting with the rusted hull. Going through small doorways was nerve-wracking, but I’m glad I had good control. It was then I knew I loved wrecks, mirroring my fascination with ruins topside. There’s something compelling about the intersection of past civilizations and vibrant current life.

>> Read more: Ship Wreck C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl in Cozumel, Mexico on Maple Leaf Scuba

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A New World Awaits

Becoming an Open Water Diver was more than just a certification; it was a testament to overcoming personal fears and a gateway to an entirely new world. My journey might not have started with immediate love, but it’s been built on perseverance, curiosity, and the desire to explore. And this was just the beginning.Ready to see what happened next?

Stay tuned for my journey in Part 2: Beyond the Basics: How Rescue Diving Changed My Entire Approach to the Ocean (and Life).

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Editorial disclaimer

Please be aware that scuba diving is an inherently risky activity, even with certification and experience. The content on this blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and should not be considered instructional. Always prioritize safety, seek guidance and certification from qualified diving professionals, and carefully consider the risks involved in any dives.