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Diving

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When I started taking courses for my open water certification, I must admit, I was a little anxious. I had never done anything like this in my life, where screwing up could be life threatening. It's a little intimidating at first, but when you begin to understand the physics, and begin to relax and become accustomed to the gear, it's a blast. There's nothing like being under the water, where only the fish can go, and just being able to hang out. The dangers are real, but when you are well trained, follow safe diving guidelines, and remain aware of your situation (air, no-deco time, bouyancy, etc.) as well as that of fellow divers, I find that the sense of danger subsides.

I have been certified since '99, but have had very few opportunities to go diving. It is, in fact quite expensive to get started, and if you don't have your own gear, you can easily shell out well over $50 per dive. And that's just local shore diving. To charter a dive boat at the ocean is, I'm sure, way more. I've got my own gear, now, and plan on diving much more, especially now that we've found some good spots to dive.

Around here, there are many lakes and rivers, but visibility is poor (6' on a good day) in the lakes, and rivers aren't ideal for diving. We have found the best places to dive in Tennessee, however; Rock Quarries. Rock quarries are created by companies that dig out rock for gravel, among other things, and when they are finished, a nice round hole approx. 100' deep is left. This enormous stone cavity then fills up with beautiful, crystal-clear water. There is little mud to get stirred up (unless you drag the bottom), so visibility is great; easily 30' or better. They are usually stocked with Bluegill or other small fish, and have easy entry & exit spots. It's the best diving around here, period. The water is really, REALLY cold, however. You will need gloves, a hood and at least a 5mil suit.