After several months of pool diving with my Parisian club, I finally had the opportunity to dive in the sea. A weekend was organized as early as February for those who wished to participate, and I jumped at the chance to make my first bubbles in a marine environment.
An Unexpected Discovery
It was during a conversation with a friend that I learned a dive club was offering weekly training sessions in a pool near my home. Having grown up near Cannes, I have always been drawn to water and the Mediterranean, practicing various water sports during my childhood. At 29, however, I had never dared to try diving. My friend convinced me to join her at the pool, which allowed me to prepare for my future sea dives.
In February, after a few months of learning the basics, a diving weekend was scheduled for June. I eagerly signed up, excited to return to the sea. My instructors and club members kept telling me, “You’ll see, it will be amazing in June!” The chosen destination was Port-Cros and its surroundings. Although other trips had been organized in Brittany, I felt more comfortable in the Mediterranean, having already had the chance to explore this region while snorkeling. The closer the date approached, the more my impatience grew.
Ideal Conditions
Some club members had dived in the same spot the previous year but had faced difficult weather conditions, with wind and rain. Fortunately for me, the weekend took place under radiant sunshine and calm seas, perfect for diving. We were accommodated in a campsite, in an air-conditioned bungalow, with meals included, just a 10-minute walk from the dive center. A pool was also available for us to relax after the dives. Everything was perfectly organized, and we had planned six dives over three days, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
My friend and I, having taken the train, enjoyed the journey to discuss our aquatic experiences. We were already in “diving” mode upon arrival, ready to prepare our gear for the next day. The big day was approaching, and I was eager to put into practice everything I had learned during my pool sessions.
Briefing and Immersion
The next day, I discovered the briefings on the boat, where the instructors explained the dive sites. It was the first time I had heard this diver jargon, but these explanations were invaluable for imagining the site before we immersed ourselves. Once in the water, the difference was striking: gone were the white tiles of the pool, replaced by a vibrant world of marine life. I was fortunate to observe fish, posidonia, and a multitude of beautiful colorful nudibranchs.
This immersion opened the doors to a universe I had never known. For the first time, I was able to get up close to marine creatures and explore corners I had not seen while snorkeling. The colors underwater, revealed by the light of my lamp, were incredible. At 20 meters deep, looking up towards the surface felt surreal.
Upon exiting the water, I realized that my perception of nature had changed. I now looked at details with fresh eyes, comparing what I had seen underwater with what surrounded me on land. For example, the umbrella pines reminded me of the spirographs I had observed during my dive.
An Unforgettable Experience
In summary of this weekend: I can’t wait to dive in the sea again! Even though the three days were not yet over, I decided to plan another dive this summer, in July or August, to continue exploring and enriching my experience. I also plan to prepare for my level 2 certification for next year.
I plan to continue my pool training throughout the year to dive independently next year. My goal is to be able to manage my dives and assist other divers without constantly relying on a buddy’s help.
These three days of diving convinced me that exploring the ocean floor is truly worth it. I already feel a strong passion for diving and understand why so many people are hooked on this activity. Evolving surrounded by experienced divers, some of whom practice underwater photography, creates an atmosphere of exchange and sharing. The stories of shipwrecks, told with sparkling eyes, fuel my desire to explore longer and deeper.
I am therefore thrilled with this first diving weekend, a top-notch experience that only strengthens my passion for the underwater world.
This article, originally written by Elsa Lob for our print edition, has been adapted for the web.
Photos: Yann Valton