We all know the what: what scuba diving is. And those of us certified know the how: how to scuba dive. But how many of us have thought through the why? Have you explored the core reason why you spend the time, money, travel, and effort once certified?

The main ‘why’ for most of us is the same in the beginning, to explore the underwater world. There are several other reasons like learning a new skill, challenging yourself to overcome fear, participating with already certified family and friends or maybe furthering your marine career. But once we are certified and have 30, 50, 100 or more dives, simply exploring no longer encompasses this newfound passion.

At this stage, the ‘why’ develops into an almost zen-like euphoria every time we descend under the surface. No matter if that's in an ocean, river or lake, it is an altered state that we transcend into. No outside influences or pressures can penetrate the water’s surface. If you have witnessed a new diver after their first dive, you see this transition in the face and eyes. Every subsequent dive brings more relaxation, bigger smiles, and finally, the act of scuba diving becomes second nature. They are no longer concentrating on breathing, buoyancy or constantly watching their depth gauge out of fear. It has become second nature. The path to ‘why’ is complete.

Yes, we still get a thrill out of every underwater encounter we have, no matter how big or small the critter or how brilliant the colors of the soft coral gardens are. But now it is all taken in through our new underwater state of ‘I am’. Occasionally this state for me has been interrupted by an 8-foot tiger shark swimming close by or that very curious barracuda but the state immediately returns once that encounter is over and is logged forever in your memory bank.

For us scuba diving junkies, I am convinced we are all more productive in life and business with the clear minds we come back with from a week of scuba diving under the surface and the passion it brings with it.

I am Wayne B. Brown, and I am a Scuba Addict!