By Joshua Farnsworth
Many BYU students seem puzzled when they find out that the beginning scuba diving class they signed up for isn''t even at BYU, but at the University Mall in Orem. There is a good reason for the class being held at the mall.
Water World, Utah Valley''s largest scuba diving company and retailer, is based in the Orem mall. Both BYU and UVSC have chosen to use diving experts from Water World as instructors for their beginning and advanced Scuba classes. This is because Water World is a certified SSI and PADI scuba school.
Water World is also known for giving divers a great experience.
When asked why scuba diving has become so popular so far from any ocean and especially with college students in Utah Valley, BYU scuba instructor and part owner of Water World Craig Simons explained.
'Everybody enjoys the ocean and everybody, when they hear about Scuba diving says ''I''ve always wanted to try that,''' Simons said. 'In the university setting we''re able to complete the PE requirements in an environment of Scuba.'
Most places that are landlocked don''t have warm waters for certifying, but Water World runs ''The Crater'', a large underwater geothermic warm spring in Midway, which allows Scuba certification year round.
'It is even warmer than waters in California,' Simons added. 'It is clear and has warm water like the Caribbean.'
Enthusiasm for scuba diving has spread rapidly throughout both student bodies and has become popular among many different types of people. Speaking to the students you will find that there are almost as many different reasons for taking the class as there are students in the class. Some take the class because other family members are scuba certified, while others want to become marine biologists or underwater photographers.
'I''m taking it because I''m on the construction management ABC competition team, which happens to be competing in Hawaii this year, and I would love to scuba dive while I am there,' said Jodi Severson, a construction management major from Huntington Beach, Calif. 'I always like to try new things, and I love to snorkel, so I''d like to take it up a notch and get scuba certified.'
Most class members want to become scuba certified because they yearn to swim among the beautiful tropical coral reefs around the world.
After hearing positive experiences about the class, UVSC student Andrew Green said: 'I recently returned from a cruise around the Caribbean and was amazed as I snorkeled above the coral reef, but became frustrated because I couldn''t dive deeper to discover the beauty below. So now that my friend told me about the class I plan on taking it as soon as I can.'
Classes meet only once a week, but there are several different days to choose from, which means that students can take a fun class without infringing on their rigorous schedules. Pool time also provides a relaxing escape for those who find themselves stressed out by their other classes.
After taking the beginning class, students become officially scuba certified, which means that they can legally and safely dive all over the world. This certification is good for a lifetime.
The certified instructors are patient and work closely with students in small groups to ensure safety and confidence in learning the skills.
Simons explained that although you must meet certain health criteria, scuba diving isn''t just for athletes, but for people of almost every age and ability. Classes are also held for non-students.
Many scuba students feel that one of the greatest rewards for taking the class is the new friends they make throughout the course. Scuba divers must dive with a partner, so the classes are designed to build bonds of trust and friendship among students.
So whether you want to swim with whales, become a marine biologist, or just spend a week in a warm-watered paradise, the beginning Scuba class will start you on your way.