Have you ever put something off for so long that it almost becomes a rite of passage when you finally do it? That was me with scuba diving. My love affair with the ocean began in 2019 on a trip to Thailand, where I joined a scuba excursion. The class was brief, the instructor guided me through every step, and though we didn’t go deep, I was mesmerized by the coral, the schools of fish, and even a gentle sea turtle gliding past. That euphoric feeling of being enveloped by water stayed with me — so much so that I promised myself I’d get certified once I returned to West Palm Beach.

But life has a way of testing your resolve. Cold waters, busy schedules, and friends who kept postponing their own lessons made it easy to keep floating at the surface, literally and metaphorically. I snorkeled while others dove, quietly scolding myself for not taking the plunge. Eventually, I realized waiting for someone else to join me was only holding me back. I had to do it alone.

Enter Paula, an instructor at Force-E. From the moment we met, her energy was contagious. A professional instructor and globe-trotting scuba guide, she instantly put me at ease. The first hurdle was the online test — what should have taken a few hours somehow stretched into half a day. But once completed, we met in the pool to learn the basics: breathing underwater, buoyancy, and the critical safety techniques. At first, it felt unnatural — but slowly, that same calmness I’d felt in Thailand returned.

Day two brought the real ocean. Paula met me at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where we donned our gear and waded into the waves that tossed me every which way. She guided me patiently, helping me overcome my initial fear, and soon we descended. The water was shallow, just a few hundred meters from shore, but under the surface, an entirely new world unfolded. Colorful coral, darting fish, and eels on our first and second dives instantly melted away any anxiety.

South Florida’s sudden storms tested our determination — waves crashing around us, rain starting to fall. Not only did we have to swim, but we also had to navigate the crashing waves back to shore. I’m not particularly strong or athletic, yet adrenaline kept me moving, and Paula encouraged me every step of the way. As we clung to each other, I even lost a flipper — we had to swim back for it — before finally escaping the storm. What a rush!

By dive three, the weather had cleared beautifully. We explored Lighthouse Ledge, just north of Hillsboro Inlet, and I was completely hooked. The coral formations were spectacular, the marine life abundant, and my confidence soared. When seasickness threatened while waiting on the boat, Paula jumped into action, getting me back into the water as soon as possible. Immersed again, the water became the cure, and I was in my element.

Dive four took us to Sunkissed Reef, where I encountered lobsters — one of which I even caught to take home for dinner that night. In Florida, lobsters are clawless, making them a fun, safe culinary treat.

By the end of the journey, my scuba certification was on my phone, but in my hand, a tangible symbol of courage, curiosity, and perseverance.

Scuba diving isn’t just a skill — it’s a gateway to a world most people never see, and now it’s mine. I can’t wait to explore new waters, from Asia to the Caribbean, armed with both confidence and awe. To anyone hesitating, waiting for a partner, or doubting themselves: the ocean isn’t going anywhere, but your adventure shouldn’t wait.

I wish I had started sooner, but now, the sea is mine.

By Angie Myers

Photos courtesy Paula

Paula@force-e.com

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