One of the things I`ve realized in life it that there`s more to people than what meets the eye. Recently during a big office meeting, the speaker - a firm member - didn`t know many in the audience, and asked everyone to introduce themselves and say a word about what they are "passionate" about. Although I knew most of the people in the room, I quickly realized I didn`t know much ABOUT them, and was surprised by many of the responses! As I am sure a few were surprised about mine!
For most of us here, the answer is obvious - DIVING. What`s not obvious are the reasons for doing it, or what about it makes us passionate about it.
For me, I started as a competitive swimmer at age 7, and was always in the water. My father`s pool complex hosted a scuba shop in the summers before openning, and I got to hang out with them. I was a strong enough swimmer to get certified at 13, but since my parents were teachers, we couldn`t afford the sport or trips to warm destinations. But I was fascinated by what was under the water. I was fascinated by the equipment, by the physics, by the incomprehensible biodiversity. I was lured by the physical sport of it, by the danger, by the freedom from gravity, by the 3D movement. And I was intrigued by the history, from ancient coral reefs millions of years old to wrecks, and how relatively few eyes have gazed upon all of it. Now that I`m older (and can afford it!), I can`t get enough!
My favorite line is that there are 6.5 billion people living on 1/3 of our planet, and only 20 million of us dare to venture into the rest! What makes you passionate about diving? And what else are you passionate about outside of diving?