Imagine experiencing a weightless, silently intriguing atmosphere that takes up two-thirds of the earth and has never been explored by many people.
Scuba diving gives the opportunity to unveil underwater mysteries that cover the majority of planet earth.
"Being underwater is like flying," said David Baskin, open water instructor of Auburn University's scuba program. "You are weightless as you glide around the underwater world. The sounds of a hectic world cease. The only sounds are those of the bubbles as they race to the surface. As your body calms, and your breathing slows, you observe the life below."
Jake Kurland, a dive specialist through Scuba Schools International, said he agrees with Baskin, the experience underwater is unforgettable.
"The experience of being underwater is one of my favorite things in life," Kurland said. "Since you are naturally buoyant, it feels like you are flying almost."
Baskin said the most remarkable experience while diving was with the whale shark.
"I enjoy diving because it lets me see a world that most people only see in magazines, or in the movies," Baskin said. "It's the last great frontier on our planet, and it's nice to see what everyone else is missing."
Some may use the chance to dive as an opportunity to live on the edge, while others see it as a way to escape from today's chaotic world and relax.
"Scuba diving is very calming and serene," said Sarah Ellis, senior in history. "You can't talk to anyone, but the sounds you do hear are amplified in the water so you feel more in tune with your surroundings. Overall it's an extremely relaxing experience."
Baskin said the experience of feeding sharks is surreal.
"The thought that (sharks) could tear you up shows you that you have entered their world, and you have to respect that," Baskin said.
Kurland said his most fascinating encounter has been feeding the sharks in the Bahamas.
"We dove out of a place called Stuart's Cove," Kurland said. "We had a shark dive where they were feeding about 40, 8-to-9-foot long reef sharks about 10 feet away from me. It was kinda scary but at the same time they would just bump into you and then swim to where the food was. It was a ton of fun."
Diving is an exclusive adventure that people may not think about trying.
"My favorite part about scuba diving is knowing that not everyone gets to see the things you're seeing, to me that makes it thrilling and adventurous," Ellis said.
The effect of scuba diving creates an adrenaline rush from sheer excitement or a threat of fear.
Diving has caused Baskin injuries as well as fearful encounters.
"I was working on a dive boat in Florida, and while working I was welcomed by a 9-foot tiger shark," Baskin said.
Freak accidents can happen to anyone at anytime, as Baskin witnessed.
"I went to jump off of the boat, while working, and jumped in head first," Baskin said. "When I hit the water, my mask was at just the right angle and the glass shattered, sending a half-inch shard of glass into my eye ... and thus sealing my fate as forever being known as Face."
Scuba diving can offer an opportunity to reach outside one's comfort zone, Ellis said.
"Relax," Ellis said. "The calmer you are the easier it is to learn. Humans weren't meant to breathe underwater so if you are anxious or can't get the hang of something the first time, it's OK. You'll get it soon enough."
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