When we visited Cancun one holiday when I was about 10 I recall jumping in the pool with a BCD and regulator and swimming around. When I got out I overheard the dive master speaking with my parents. I didn’t hear the entire conversation, but one part that I did hear was “She’s a natural."
For my 16th birthday present my parents handed me a dense packet of papers enclosed inside a waterproof bag. I remember looking at it and immediately recognizing the PADI logo and jumping up in excitement. For years prior, I had listened to my mother’s stories about diving in exotic locations around the world and the adventures that had happened as a result of that hobby. I had spent as much of my time as possible in the water growing up and knew that the idea of breathing underwater didn’t scare me.
As I stumbled down the steps of Breakwater (Monterey, CA) for my first checkout dive I recall having mixed feelings on why I was beginning such a gear-intensive and difficult hobby (California diving is hella freezing). Then, as soon as I submerged myself under the water the doubts vanished and were replaced with chasing mini octopi around in the sand.
1. It gives reasons to travel
And gives you something to do on vacation besides get sun burnt by the pool.
2. You meet tons of new people that you have common interests with
Generally there’s more than just diving
3. It’s a great workout
You’re swimming around and generally there's some sort of current.
4. It’s hella cool underwater
I’ve seen the craziest stuff underwater from 10 foot wide manta rays to plate coral 20 feet in diameter it’s a whole other world.
5. It’s straight up awesome
Diving has been compared to flying in the sense that you’re weightless. It’s also kind of like the little mermaid under the water (No? Maybe it’s just me…).
man running in forestPhoto by 
