Dive into your studies

by ROBYN JUSTICE
reporter

 

A Physical Education 275: Scuba Diving student practices in the Gullickson Hall pool. Photo by Robyn Justice

The course is offered four times a semester, twice every eight weeks, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-10 p.m.

Students usually have classroom time and get their equipment ready to go into the water, Young said.

Then, the students get in the pool at about 7 and stay in until 9. The last hour is for follow-up instruction and storing equipment, he said.

Young said the course teaches the students scuba diving skills and drills, including out-of-air emergency procedures, regulator recovery and flooding, and clearing the mask.

Young, who has 12 years of experience in scuba diving and owns Dive Tech and Sports, a scuba instruction, sales, and travel center in Charleston, said he emphasizes the importance of having fun while remaining safe and learning proper techniques.

"I want the class to be personalized," he said. "I want to make it as comfortable as possible. If the students don't feel comfortable, they won't want to continue diving."

The class offers students more than a two-hour credit for their physical education requirements, Young said.

"This is a skill and a passion that will last long after the class is over," he said.

It also offers Marshall students an activity they normally would not participate in, Young said.

"Everyone doesn't get a chance to experience the underwater world," Young said.

The class has a $200 fee, but the money is for use of equipment, Young said. The students do not have to buy anything else for the class.

The only prerequisite or requirement for the class other than the $200 lab fee is basic swimming skills, Young said.

 

Assistant instructor Chris Martin readies the equipment for class. Photo by Robyn Justice

The most important thing in the water is safety, Young said. The class has tried to have one assistant to every two students while they are in the water.

The extra help allows students to take their time in learning, Young said.

Paula Lane, Huntington senior counseling major, said the individualized attention makes her feel safer in the water. There is no pressure or rush to learn, Lane said.

"The instructor and assistants want you to feel completely comfortable in the water," she said.

Bretta Gannon, senior criminal justice major from Russell Springs, Ky., said she likes the fact there are enough people to help with the class.

"There is no pressure in the class," Gannon said. "They take extra time to help students one-on-one."

Chris Martin, an assistant instructor, said he is glad to see courses like scuba diving offered to students.

"This class gives them another hobby other than the mainstream to do and see," Martin said. "It is a chance to see more nature in the water."

It is not surprising that students actually look forward to coming to class each week, Martin said.

"Everybody seems to like it," he said. "They want to come back for the next class."

Students agree.

Justin Tucker, Cincinnati junior criminal justice major, said the class is a great stress-reliever.

"This is the most relaxing class I've ever had," Tucker said. "After I get underwater, I don't think about anything except what's under water."

Bill Pugh, an Oak Hill junior pre-med major, also said the class is relaxing.

"There is not so much pressure on a grade in this class as [there is on] having fun," Pugh said.

Students in the class have an opportunity to become certified in scuba diving in Florida at the end of the course.

There is a planned trip to Florida to apply their knowledge in the ocean to receive certification, Young said.

The trip to Florida is not a requirement for the course, but it is a good opportunity for their certification and to apply their knowledge, Young said.

There are usually about 5-7 students who make the trip for their certification. The next trip is scheduled for the final weekend of spring break from March 24-26.

The students are looking forward to seeing new things underwater other than the bottom of the pool.

"I can't wait to get under water other than just the pool," said Bruce Hagley, Charleston sophomore advertising major.

Students do not have to wait for trips to the ocean to apply the skills they have learned, Young said.

The Plum Run Diving Quarry, Sutton Lake and Summersville Lake are among the nearby places to scuba dive.