Diving deep down

When you think you’re about to snap from the pressures of life and work in the city, just remember that Danang is just over an hour away from Hanoi or Ho chi minh city When I land on Danang beach I feel as though I am already in another world.

It’s no surprise with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches that this region of Vietnam is now being discovered by dive enthusiasts from around the world. Diving Danang at Furama Resort has been open for business since March this year, making it the first dive resort in Central Vietnam.

According to Andreas Kuehl, the dive centre’s manager, who is a certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Instructor and Emergency First Response trainer, everybody is welcome to Diving Danang. It doesn’t matter whether you are a guest at the Furama or staying elsewhere, a total beginner or an experienced diver. There are tours available in the mornings and afternoons.

I opt for morning as that’s when the light is brighter and the wind is calmer. After trying on all the necessary dive equipment at the dive centre, I feel excited about my first ever dive. A jet-ski shuttles us to a larger boat that seats up to 20 explorers. The plan is to head to some newly-discovered premier diving spots along the shore of Son Tra Peninsula.

There the crystal blue waters reveal magnificent corals and an amazing variety of sub-tropical sea-life. The boat is well-designed and well-stocked. We have plenty of deck chairs, fresh water and a clean rest room. Everything one needs when out on the water! As we pull up the anchor and head out to the open sea, Kuehl goes over all the equipment I am about to use again.

We look at each part of the scuba-diving set and talk about how it all works. After a 20-minute sail to Son Tra Peninsula, we change into wetsuits. Although the water is not cold in this part of the world, a wetsuit helps offer protection against marine life and the underwater environment. Leading by example, Kuehl plunges into the water first. I am next and suddenly I get nervous.

The crew reassure me and remind me of a golden rule: “The most important rule in scuba diving is to never hold your breath.” Then, I plunge into a world I have only previously known from television. Alongside Kuehl I swim below the water’s surface. Despite the fact that my equipment is quite heavy on land, I feel weightless moving through the water.

Appreciating that I’m a novice, Kuehl never leaves my side. We spot a colourful school of Angle fish over yellow coral. A blue starfish sits on the large rock right next to a group of sea urchins. It’s a fascinating world this underwater garden, and one that seems to have a supremely calming effect on me.

Before diving I had been so nervous, but soon I forget my worries and just enjoy myself. Eventually Kuehl gives me a hand sign that means it’s time to head to the surface. As we head back to the resort for lunch I don’t feel tired, just invigorated, even inspired. It had been my first dive but I know it will not be last. 
By Natalie Tran  

Source: Timeout