Jessica’s first dive

O.K. so it’s a family holiday to Florida. The Keys to be exact, but this is just an excuse for dad to do some diving in crystal clear water for a change. There is added spice this year though, Jessica is old enough to dive in open water, she’s keen, the pool training is complete, and following some initial set backs such as ear infections and tropical storms, the day is upon us. Saturday 1st August 2009.

We load two boats at Duck Key, the Doggy family and our friends from across the pond. We head out to Coffins Patch Reef, a pretty little dive in no more than 6 metres of Floridian water, with oodles of life and no rust in sight. Usually it’s infested with pleasure boats moored all around, but today, nothing. Just us. Must be something to do with the 4 foot swells and stiff current. “Don’t worry Jessica, when you get under water you wont be aware of the sea state, all will be serene.

“Trust me, I’m your dad” We flop over the side, one man and his daughter, and also my good mate Stan. Virginia born, Florida adopted and dives like a true BSAC Brit. A good bloke to have on an iffy dive (remember the Duane Stan) and no one better to have watching your back, when you take your daughter for her first dive.

Now we are going to call Jessica “Lucky”, she dived for the first time on probably the worst conditions ever encountered on this reef. The swell was matched in strength and intensity by the surge beneath the waves; I’m sure you all know what I mean, half a yard forward, three yards back, all the time being moved left and right and up and down.

Some of this dive was in water only 3 meters deep over the reef making buoyancy a reel headache in such shallow water. The vis. was rubbish , the water full of sand and particulate, and yet for all that, she loved every minute of it. Remember those first dives, even Stoney was exciting back then, wasn’t it? Despite the poor vis, (still better than the U.K. on a good day) there were all the usual reef critters to be seen and some great corals.

I’m as proud as any dad can be. She did really well, coped with the surge, kept her buoyancy under control, and no moaning. Stan gave her the big thumbs up and he enjoyed the experience as much as I did. Well done Jessica.

And, what of the people left up top. Six miles off shore, the youngsters were all game, Molly and Evie and their friend Wednesday all snorkelled with Wednesday’s dad Travis, despite the conditions. As I broke surface everyone was back on the boat, all were visible and excited having had a great day out.

With one possible exception. Where was Mrs T? as I approached the boat there was the tell tale noise of a landlubber on board. “Euurgh!”  “ Hueeeey”.  “Dad” said Evie, “the fish are eating mum’s sick”. “Pepperoni and mustard – mayo. Sandwiches, anyone?”

I’d like to thank Stan, his wife Brenda and Travis for their hospitality, and for taking us out in their boats, making the day possible.

Doggy