Ever Wondered What It’s Like to Breathe Underwater? Now’s Your Chance!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? Maybe you’ve watched a scuba diver glide effortlessly through the water and thought, “That looks amazing, but I don’t know if I could do it.” Well, guess what? You can—and you don’t have to commit to a full course to find out! That’s where the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience comes in.

This program is designed to give you a taste of the underwater world without the time and cost commitment of a full certification course. Think of it as a test dive—a chance to dip your toes (and the rest of you!) into the scuba experience in a safe, controlled, and fun way. If you've ever been curious about diving, this is your golden opportunity.

What is Discover Scuba Diving?

Discover Scuba Diving is a beginner-friendly, no-experience-necessary introduction to the underwater world. It’s not a certification course, but rather a one-time experience where you learn the basics of scuba diving and get to try it out under the direct supervision of a professional instructor.

The program is designed to be stress-free, fun, and safe. You’ll be introduced to the essential skills and equipment used in scuba diving, and then you’ll take your first breath underwater—an unforgettable moment!

Most DSD experiences take place in a swimming pool or confined water (like a calm, shallow bay), ensuring a comfortable environment where you can relax and focus on the fun part: diving!

Why Take a Discover Scuba Diving Experience?.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to give scuba diving a try before committing to a full certification. Here are just a few:

1. You’re Curious About Diving

Maybe you’ve always wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater, but you’re not sure if you’ll enjoy it. DSD lets you find out risk-free—before you sign up for a full Open Water Diver course.

2. You’re Planning a Tropical Vacation

Heading to a beautiful island or beach destination? Many travelers take a DSD session so they can decide whether they want to explore the local reefs or on dive excursion.   It’s a great way to get a taste of adventure before diving into the deep end!

3. You’re Not Ready for Certification Yet

Life is busy, and not everyone has the time to commit to a full Open Water Diver course. DSD is a low-commitment way to experience scuba diving without the need for weeks of training.

4. You Want a Unique and Exciting Experience

Scuba diving is unlike anything else—it’s weightless, silent, and magical. Even if you decide not to pursue certification, just trying it once is an experience you’ll never forget.

5. It’s a Fun Activity for Friends and Family

Looking for something different to do with friends or your partner? A Discover Scuba Diving session is a fun, bonding experience that can turn into a shared passion!

What Does Discover Scuba Diving Involve?

A typical Discover Scuba Diving experience follows a simple, structured format designed to make you feel comfortable and confident before you take your first dive.

1. A Brief Introduction to Scuba Diving

Your instructor will start with a quick and easy briefing. You’ll learn some basic scuba concepts, including:.

How the scuba gear works
Basic safety rules
How to breathe properly through a regulator
How to communicate underwater using hand signals
How to handle simple underwater skills (like clearing water from your mask)

This is not a classroom session—it’s short, engaging, and designed to get you comfortable.

2. Getting Geared Up

Next, you’ll get fitted with scuba gear. Don’t worry, your instructor will help you with everything. The basic equipment includes:

Learn to dive in Edmonton Alberta
A mask (so you can see underwater)
A regulator (so you can breathe underwater)
A buoyancy control device (BCD) (to help you float or sink when needed)
A tank filled with compressed air
Fins (for efficient movement in the water)

At first, wearing the gear might feel a little weird, but you’ll get used to it quickly!

3. Your First Breath Underwater

Now for the exciting part! Once you’re geared up, you’ll enter the pool or confined water and take your first breath underwater. This is the moment most people remember forever. It feels strange, exciting, and completely surreal!

Your instructor will be right there with you, guiding you every step of the way. You’ll get used to the sensation of breathing through a regulator, and before you know it, you’ll be feeling like a natural underwater explorer.

4. Practicing Basic Skills

Before you swim around, you’ll practice a few simple skills, like:

Clearing your mask if a little water gets in
Recovering your regulator if it comes out of your mouth
Equalizing your ears to stay comfortable underwater

These skills are super easy and help build confidence. Your instructor will make sure you’re comfortable with each step.

5. Exploring Underwater!

Now that you’re comfortable, it’s time to swim around and have fun! Depending on where you do your DSD, you might explore a shallow coral reef, a dive pool, or an aquarium-like setting.

You’ll experience the magic of being weightless, moving effortlessly, and seeing the world from a whole new perspective.

What Happens After Discover Scuba Diving?

So, you’ve had your first taste of diving—now what? You’ve got a few options:

1. Sign Up for a Certification Course

If you loved the experience, the next step is the PADI Open Water Diver course, which certifies you to dive anywhere in the world! Your DSD session might even count toward your certification requirements.

2. Try Another Dive

Dive resorts and dive shops offer additional guided dives after your DSD experience, so you can get more practice before committing to a full course.

3. Just Enjoy the Memory

Even if you don’t plan to pursue certification, your Discover Scuba Diving experience is something you’ll never forget—a unique and exciting adventure you can always look back on.

Final Thoughts: Why Not Give It a Try?

Scuba diving is one of the most incredible experiences you can have, and Discover Scuba Diving is the perfect way to see if it’s right for you. It’s easy, fun, and safe, and who knows? It might just change your life.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater, why not take the plunge? Your underwater adventure starts with just one breath—are you ready?

Join us for a Discover Scuba Diving experience with Larry Wedgewood Scuba Instruction! Visit LarryWedgewoodScuba.com to book your first dive and start your underwater adventure today!


Larry Wedgewood, PADI Course Director
Larry Wedgewood, PADI Course Director

Larry is a PADI Course Director and Master Instructor with thousands of dives to his credit. Larry has worked in several dive shops around the world and co-owned and owned two PADI Dive Centre's in Phuket Thailand. Starting his scuba instructor's career in Campbell River BC, Larry has taught in cold, temperate, and tropical waters, spanning 3 continents and more than10 countries.