Scuba diving: A whole new world
The desire to enter unknown territory unmarked by man may not be out of reach for students willing to take the plunge.
A unique elective offered to NDSU students four times a year is an interactive scuba diving class where students learn the ins and outs of safe underwater adventures.
“ The scuba classes give students an opportunity to try something different. It’s an activity that may not be offered at home and is something students can do forever,” Mick’s Scuba President Duane Kashmark said.
Students spend half a semester becoming familiar with underwater life and how to properly operate in a world where oxygen must be provided through an awkward machine.
Students become certified through the course, which includes work in the classroom, pool and a water test.
Although scuba classes may require some classroom work, the experience below the surface is where most students develop a love affair with water and what lies beneath.
“ Scuba diving is a fun experience like nothing else or like any other class offered,” Kashmark said.
“ The best part of scuba diving is going down and seeing everything in its natural environment,” sophomore Adrian Baldwin said.
Unlike football, wrestling or virtually any other sport, once a student has been certified in scuba diving, the opportunities for an underwater adventure are endless.
“ It is a unique experience and an activity students can do for the rest of their lives; once you’ve got it, you’ve got it forever,” Kashmark said.
Scuba diving is a sport with the potential of becoming a favorite for families.
“ My dad is a rescue diver, and I’m not necessarily saying I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but I wanted to try it out,” Baldwin said. “My family has a cabin in Minnesota at East Battle Lake. I often go there, but I would eventually like to get out. I would really love to go to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.”
Although many college students may dream of tearing apart Mexico during spring break, once a student has completed scuba classes, the doors to an underwater spring break open.
“ We try to do a trip around spring break. It’s a different spring break atmosphere, where you actually do something productive,” Kashmark said.
College may be the prime time to overload with knowledge, but it can also be a time to develop an interest in a pastime geared toward the future.
“ The scuba class is a great experience for students. NDSU offers a large number of electives and scuba may not necessarily be the best class offered, but I would say it’s up there,” Baldwin said.