My First Dive
The staff at Aussie Divers Phuket often share stories about their first diving experiences, and these tales are as diverse and fascinating as the underwater world they explore. For many of them, that first dive was a transformative moment, filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. One instructor recalls the thrill of descending into the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Koh Tao, the vibrant coral reefs and bustling marine life unveiling themselves in a breathtaking display. Another staff member describes the serene silence of the underwater environment and the sense of freedom that came with weightlessness.
These early experiences ignited a passion for diving and sparked a desire to share that same sense of wonder with others. The stories of their first dives highlight the unique journey each person takes to becoming a diver, and they serve as an inspiration for new divers embarking on their own underwater adventures. Through sharing their stories, the team at Aussie Divers Phuket hopes to convey the magic and allure of scuba diving, encouraging others to explore the depths and discover the beauty of the ocean for themselves.
Darren Gaspari
Owner, CEO and PADI Course Director at Aussie Divers Phuket.
Darren’s first dive took place around 2004 on the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Cairns, Australia. He participated in a two-dive PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience with a friend, who had suggested the adventure. The excursion was a mix of snorkelers and scuba divers, with most participants opting to snorkel.
Initially, Darren found the experience quite strange as he adjusted to breathing underwater. The first dive felt unfamiliar and a bit uncomfortable, but by the second dive, he began to acclimate to the underwater environment. He vividly remembers the vibrant colours of the coral, which were just beneath the surface, and the excellent visibility that made the dive visually stunning.
Despite the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, Darren was not immediately captivated by scuba diving. It wasn’t until 18 months later, when he completed his PADI Open Water Course in Phuket, that his passion for diving truly ignited. This second experience transformed his view on diving, setting him on a path that would lead to a fulfilling career in the dive industry.
Through Darren’s journey, we see how diving can grow from a novel experience into a lifelong passion, illustrating the unique and personal nature of each diver’s journey. His story serves as an encouragement for those considering diving to take the plunge and explore the breathtaking underwater world that awaits.
Ash Walker
General Manager and PADI Master Instructor at Aussie Divers Phuket.
My journey into the world of diving began with a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Koh Tao back in the mid to late 2000s. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as I geared up for my first dive. The warm, inviting waters of tropical Koh Tao quickly put me at ease, and as soon as I submerged, I was greeted by a vibrant underwater landscape teeming with marine life. Schools of colourful fish darted around the coral reefs, creating a mesmerizing display that captivated my senses. That dive was an exhilarating introduction to the beauty and wonder of the ocean, leaving me eager to explore more.
The first official dive that truly stands out in my memory, however, was my PADI Open Water Course at Cook Island on the Gold Coast, Australia. Cook Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity and abundant marine life, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. As I descended into the clear waters, I was immediately surrounded by an incredible array of fish, including schools of vibrant parrotfish and angelfish. The highlight of the dive was encountering graceful sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the water, alongside fascinating creatures like wobbegong and leopard sharks.
The experience of diving at Cook Island was transformative for me. Witnessing such diverse marine life in their natural habitat was not only awe-inspiring but also deeply motivating. It was during this dive that I realized my passion for diving could evolve into something more. The desire to share these incredible underwater experiences with others and to play a role in marine conservation inspired me to pursue a professional path in diving.
Becoming a PADI Pro was a natural progression from that pivotal dive at Cook Island. The abundant marine life and the sense of wonder I felt underwater fueled my determination to turn my passion into a career. Since then, I have dedicated myself to advancing my diving skills and sharing the joy of scuba diving with others, helping them discover the beauty and importance of our oceans.
Thomas Domville
PADI Instructor with Aussie Divers Phuket 2015 – 2021
Reflecting on my early diving experiences, I can’t quite recall the details of my very first dive. It was likely in Egypt, where my family and I vacationed frequently when I was around 10 years old. Egypt’s warm waters and vibrant marine life offered an enticing introduction to the underwater world, and although the memories are hazy, those early dips into the ocean undoubtedly planted the seeds for my future in diving.
The first proper dive I vividly remember was during my Open Water Course (OWC) at Capernwray Quarry in England. This dive was memorable not just for the thrill of exploring underwater but also for the biting cold. With water temperatures at a chilly 4°C (39°F), I quickly discovered the challenges of diving in such conditions. After just 20 minutes underwater, my hands were numb from the cold. This experience was a stark contrast to the warm, tropical waters of Egypt and left a lasting impression on me.
The discomfort of that dive in Capernwray Quarry was a pivotal moment in my diving journey. It made me appreciate the allure of warmer climates and ultimately influenced my decision to pursue a career in diving. The idea of diving in warm, crystal-clear waters where marine life thrived was too appealing to resist. This aspiration led me to become a PADI Instructor in Phuket, where the waters are inviting, and the underwater world is vibrant and full of life.
Diving in Phuket allowed me to fulfill my dream of sharing the beauty of the ocean with others while enjoying the comforts of a tropical paradise. This journey from the cold quarries of England to the sunlit reefs of Thailand highlights how diverse diving experiences can shape one’s path and passion for the underwater world. It’s a testament to how each dive, regardless of the conditions, can be an integral part of a diver’s story and a stepping stone to new adventures.
Martin Ruhoff
First dive, was on my first holiday in Thailand. 1.5 months into a 2 month trip, and money slowly started to run out, I thought one more adventure on this trip, while sitting in an Irish bar in Krabi. On the other side of the road was a dive center, and just went over there.
That was it. Sold. Never Looked back.
