Hi, I'm Ann Hoffman and welcome to my website on Scuba Diving, Travel and joining a Network of other Scuba Diving fans. I grew up scared spit-less of the ocean. Being an Army Brat, I found myself around the ocean several times as a kid and venturing in ankle deep was really brave for me. Swimming pools and lakes were just dandy and I was a great swimmer; even had a Water Safety Instructor certification. But the ocean, that was a whole different ballgame.
Then I grew up and headed to Martinique for vacation. How can one resist the glorious color and the warmth of the water around that beautiful island? So, out I went on a snorkeling boat… absolutely terrified. Everyone else was into the water lickety-split and I was still on the boat asking endless questions of the crew about what exactly I was supposed to do when I got into the water.
Petrified, now there’s a word. Finally, they said, “Just get in the water, you’ll be fine.” Realizing that it was either get in on my own or they’d toss me in, I gingerly climbed down the ladder and into the ocean. Then, I put my face down on the surface very slowly and the most magical place I never imagined appeared. All my fear just oozed out of me and I’ve never looked back. This is where I belonged and where I am most at home.
However, that isn’t the end of the story, because that was just snorkeling. As a swimmer I had trouble clearing my ears at 15 feet and figured I’d never be able to dive. Plus, to top it off, I’m mildly claustrophobic. What a combo. Diving was definitely out.
And then I got a job that took me to Florida. But first, I called the sales rep down there to give him a heads up I’d be there and he asked if I dived. I assured him I didn’t and he said that was too bad as he and his wife had a boat and would take me out with them. Well…who am I to turn down an opportunity like that? So I told him I’d be Certified by the time I got there – as if I even knew what that actually meant.
Off I went to dive training in California where I was currently working and my open water certification dives were in Monterey Bay. No ear problems as I finally learned how to manage the pressure. My claustrophobia disappeared when I went below the surface of the water and I felt right at home from my very first dive.
Now I’m back in Colorado, home of the most divers per capita in the US. Nothing like being landlocked to get one yearning for the ocean.
So if you are a diver, have ever thought of taking up the sport of scuba diving, or are an armchair enthusiast, please join me and the other members you’ll meet through this network on a continuing adventure in the open waters of the biggest ponds on the planet.
Welcome! and I look forward to getting to know you better.
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