Parwich artist Esther Tyson is working on a project to immortalise the seahorses of Dorset in art – but first of all, she has to learn to swim underwater. Esther’s project diary continues below…
I have not been under water for six weeks, due to an inner ear infection. But now, rested, all is set!
The plan is to wade through the PADI Open Water Manual (along with DVDs), which will guide me through the theory of scuba diving and the safety aspects. Throughout this book there are mini-quizzes and knowledge reviews, all of which are to be completed by the start of the course.
Lou, who will be my instructor, has filled me in with the basic plan. The initial dives will be in the local pool, to learn a variety of scuba diving skills. These are called ‘Confined Dives’. They will last from four to six hours daily, over four days. The following two days will be open water sea dives. All the skills learned and practised in the pool will be assessed in the open water environment during these dives.
The first two open water dives will be at Swanage Pier (with a very early start!) These will take us to a depth of three to four metres. The last two open water dives will be in Vobster Quay in Somerset. This is an inland quarry with a depth of 37 metres (121 feet).
If all goes well, the following week will be down to Studland… and drawing seahorses!
PARWICH.ORG 
Good luck and hope all goes well.
Your conquering of your fear of being underwater inspired me to sort out my fears. I can now go underwater without my mask on and can almost touch the bottom of the swimming pool.
Thanks Gill and VERY well done on the underwater front, a real achievement!
Enjoy Swanage – it is actually one of the classic UK dives with loads to see with especially colourful tompot blennies to seek out.
Glad to know the ear problem has been sorted too and don’t worry, you will fly through the course!
Keep us posted 🙂
Well Esther, you’ve nearly made it now. You have worked so hard to overcome your very real fears and the bit you enjoy- your drawing- is within grasp. Have a great time and we all look forward to seeing the finished results. Perhaps an exhibition in the Memorial Hall?
Matt, it sounds like a popular classic dive too with a 06.15 start, just to get a parking space!! Thanks for all the encouragement! I need it after looking at the first two sections in the dive manual!
Thankyou Patti! Yes, an exhibition in the Memorial Hall sounds like a good idea.