The idea of breathing underwater used to terrify me and lowkey still kind of does. Before getting scuba certified, the ocean was something I admired from the surface. I love boats, beaches, snorkeling and even a bit of free diving, but the thought of descending deeper, relying on equipment, and trusting myself in an unfamiliar environment felt intimidating. Still, something in me kept feeling called to try. Especially when a friend thoroughly convinced me it was something I needed to do. So before I knew it, I found myself signing up for a scuba diving course with Islamorada Dive Center.
The Part No One Talks About: The Online Course
Before I ever put on a wetsuit or stepped onto a boat, there was the online coursework. I’ll admit, I wasn’t fully prepared for how detailed it would be. I naively thought it would be a quick overview of hand signals and gear names. Like trainings I have previously taken, I assumed the course could run in the background while I simultaneously worked on other tasks. Instead, I found myself deep dividing (pun intended) into physics, physiology, equipment, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and dive planning.
At first, it felt intimidating. One wrong move and I could die! There were modules about how pressure affects the body; how nitrogen absorption works; what happens if you ascend too quickly; how to use dive tables; how to plan for depth limits. It wasn’t light reading and honestly, I’m glad it wasn’t. The ocean isn’t casual, and contrary to my initial thoughts, scuba diving isn’t something you “just wing.”
The material demanded my attention. There were moments I had to reread sections. Moments I paused the videos and thought, Wait, do I really understand this? Wait, do I really want to do this? Moments where I realized this wasn’t only about adventure and exploration, it was about responsibility. About being accountable for my safety and my dive buddy’s safety. That realization shifted my perspective. The online course wasn’t there to scare me. It was there to prepare me.
Taking the Leap: Getting Scuba Certified at Islamorada Dive Center
From the moment I arrived at Islamorada Dive Center, I felt supported. There was no pressure to be fearless or perfect, just encouragement to go at my own pace. The instructor took the time to explain everything clearly, answer every question (even the ones I was a little embarrassed to ask), and remind me that nerves were completely normal.
The certification process itself was a mix of learning, practice, and pushing past mental blocks. I had to learn how my body reacts underwater (surprising since I’m in water all the time); how to stay calm when something feels unfamiliar; and how to trust both my gear and myself. The confined water sessions were where it really hit me. Larissa scuba diving became reality; I was actually doing it!
Then came the open water dives. That first descent was surreal. I had a panic attack at the surface of the water. Regulator in my mouth, bouncing against the waves, gasping for air, I thought, If I can’t breathe at the top of the water, I certainly won’t be able to breathe under. I immediately signaled to my instructor something was wrong and thankfully she was able to calm me down and get me underwater.
Equalizing as I descended, scanning the ocean floor, it was both so loud and so quiet in a way I’d never experienced before. Looking around, I thought, Okay… I’m really here. Fish swam past as if I didn’t exist. The water embraced me in her home. And I was having a full “Finding Nemo” moment, seeing how vibrant and active the ocean floor is.
The Moment Everything Shifted
There’s a moment in scuba diving where you stop focusing on what you’re doing and start noticing where you are. When that moment hit for me, it felt emotional in a way I didn’t expect.
I wasn’t thinking about my to-do list, my phone, or what was waiting for me back on land. I was present. Fully. Floating weightless, breathing slowly, watching marine life move effortlessly around me. To fully recognize a whole entire ecosystem exists here and I have the opportunity, and now the ability, to see it up close and personal proved incredible.
Diving After Certification: Building Confidence One Dive at a Time
After earning my Open Water certification, I quickly realized the importance of maintaining the habit of diving at least once a year. The skills learned through the course rapidly float away if not used. So now, when I’m thinking of trips I want to take during the year, I make sure to choose at least one spot where I can continue to grow my scuba diving technique. Each successful dive makes me feel a little braver, a little more capable, and a lot more curious about what else is out there. PS – so far, seeing sea turtles is my favorite!
Looking Ahead: A Lifelong Relationship With the Ocean
Getting scuba certified at Islamorada Dive Center gave me more than I expected. It taught me how to stay calm in unfamiliar situations, how to respect the ocean rather than fear it, and how powerful it can be to try something even when you’re not sure you’re ready.
I know now that this is just the beginning. There are reefs, wrecks, currents, and creatures I haven’t met yet. There are advanced certifications I need to earn. I’m excited, and lowkey still a bit nervous, to slowly, intentionally work my way toward them.
If you’ve ever felt curious about scuba diving but held yourself back because of fear or doubt, I hope this reminds you that you don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing to start. The ocean will meet you where you are.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this post and support Life with Larissa! If you have any questions about scuba diving, I’m happy to share even more about my experience. Have you been scuba diving before? If not, would you consider doing it?