No, I didn’t fall or throw a boxing match…I went SCUBA diving, and I did it right here in the Greater Gadsden area. Glencoe, to be precise. If you’re a long-time resident, you may know it as the Blue Hole, but it’s now Dive Land Park, a safe, clear-water park with something for all skill levels, including introductory Discover Scuba experiences.
I arrive at Dive Land Park and am met by the owner, John Valdes, who will lead me through my IDEA Discover Scuba Experience.
After some brief introductions, he fits me for a buoyancy compensator (BC), some booties, fins, mask, and snorkel. Since the water is 85 degrees today, a wetsuit won’t be necessary. Side note: I’m silently relieved at this fact. Have you ever put one of those things on? It’s not easy, and you end up looking like a semi-deranged Catwoman. I knew there would be lots of pictures taken, and while Halle Berry may be able to pull that look off….me, not so much.
There’s a nice changing room available for guests by the quarry.
I change my clothes and meet John on the dock, where he will determine how much weight to put in my weight belt. He explains that the goal is to achieve zero gravity, where you can hang in the water.
We go over some basics and get ready to take our dive. About this time, there’s a big splash about 50 feet away. Errr…what was that?
“No worries,” says John, “probably just a catfish.”
Hmmm, ok, and off we go.
We follow a yellow rope, well John follows a yellow rope, and I follow him.
The water is a gorgeous turquoise, and the rocky bottom slowly falls away. I have to remind myself to slow my breathing and relax. Once I do, I fall in love with the weightless, peaceful feeling of being underwater.
John points out fish beds; we make our way to a submerged boat; there’s a statue of a captain and tons of fish. I love this, and we make our way to an underwater platform where I pose for more pics!
About this time, something hits me in the back!
I squeal as much as possible with a regulator in my mouth and then realize it was just one of the fish. He gets me a couple more times; let’s say I used to have a skin tag on my right shoulder, and now I don’t.
We glide through the water a little longer, then head back to the dock. I’m shocked to learn that we have been out for over 20 minutes. Time stood still. It seemed like 5 to 10 minutes max.
I enjoyed my IDEA Scuba Experience immensely and encourage you to give Dive Land Park a call if you’ve ever thought about SCUBA. John was patient and extremely knowledgeable. I intend to go back and obtain my certification.
Dive Land Park offers all types of courses and certifications.
Take Discover Scuba, as I did, or check out their beginning through advanced experiences for certified divers. Snorkeling is available, as is primitive camping and a wide variety of special events throughout the season.
The park is open from the first week in April through the end of October.
For more information, find Dive Land Park on Facebook, call 256-492-4455, or email divelandpark@yahoo.com.
You’ll love it!
And remember, wherever you live or wherever you are, be a tourist in your own town!
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See ya’ out there!
XOXO
