CALYPS³O 2008 Journal
Indiana School for the Deaf
Indian Creek High School

Open Water Certification Dives, Blue Springs, May 17 & 18


Tom Atnip (ICHS)     

We arrived early in the afternoon ..... Nice sunny weather! We set out a tarp and put together our gear. We stood and waited anxiously to jump in and get cooled off from wearing the hot, thick wet suits. We stood and waited with our dive buddies, did a final check, got on our fins, made sure it was clear to jump in, and stood on the edge of the dock. 3.... 2.... 1.... Jumped in and experienced the shock of our lives .... water that was colder than any of us expected!!!! We practiced our surface skills then went down to do an underwater tour of parts of the quarry. Oh, no!!! Where was my buddy???? Oh there she was, right beside me and I didn't even see her!!! After the tour we got out and dried off. We tried to mentally prepare for another trip to the icy water below. The second time in, maybe it won't be as cold as the first ..... never mind, it is!!! After both dives were completed, a parent of an ISD graduate brought his grill and made hot dogs and hamburgers for our lunch!

Colin Analco (ISD) 

The second day we were aware and more prepared for the coldness of the water. Imagine swimming in water that was 44 degrees at a depth of 20 feet!!!! Before we entered the freezing water, we had to learn how to use a compass for underwater navigation. We put a stone on the ground and worked with our buddy. We had to take turns putting a towel over our heads and walk a specific direction, turn around, and then walk back to find our original position. After we were comfortable with using the compass, we had to suit up and get in the water. Our first dive, we had to practice fin pivots, mask removal, and controlled emergency ascents. We also had to do weight belt and BCD removal at the surface. After the first dive, some of us played tag, running to keep warm. In between dives, Mrs. Huckleberry made hot chocolate to help warm us up. It was time to face the cruel, freezing last dive. We had to do hovering and underwater navigation. When we completed the second dive and came to the surface, we had passed all of our skills tests and were officially declared PADI open water certified divers. We were DONE with the cold water ...... Florida, here we come!!!!