Make a Splash
BK Magazine, Issue 220, January 18, 2008.
Spots, gear and classes to pick up scuba diving.By Sabina Ahuja
“My world extends beyond the earth you walk on—it’s a world full of colorful reefs and fantastic creatures,” says Titalee Bunkoednamphon, a 25-year-old soon-to-be dive-master studying with diving center Living Sea. If you’d like your world to be a little bit less dreary and a whole lot more like an acid trip, it’s time to get into a wetsuit, strap some bottled air onto your back and sink to the ocean floor.
Getting Your Diver’s License
Most dives in and around Thailand are designed for people with a basic diving certification like the PADI Open Water or NAUI Scuba Diver. These entry-level certifications allow you to go to roughly 30 meters and see plenty of beautiful underwater flora and fauna. The PADI is usually considered more recreational than the more rigorous NAUI (particularly on theory). 
Whichever one you choose, they take a little time and some studying, so it’s not a bad idea to get that out of the way before you go on your trip. Otherwise, you’ll spend precious vacation time learning how to dive in a pool and reading books on diving theory.
“To dive is basically to sink gracefully,” says Titalee. “Therefore, you don’t have to be a very strong swimmer.” The pool is a good place to start dealing with the tricky business of “equalizing your body,” meaning to neither sink straight to the bottom, nor float back up to the surface. Titalee’s tip: “Be sure to challenge your body safely, don’t force it.” Read more…
