MegDesk – The Blog

Well, technically he’s just certified!

Lucas has spent the last two weekends getting his PADI scuba certification in preparation for our trip to Mozambique. Back in Austin, this would be no big deal, but we’re in Norway. And this is “open-water” diving!

Yes, that means that his certification dives were in the Oslofjord. Swimming in the fjord is shockingly cold even in the hottest summer weather, so the idea of going in the water in February/March sounds insane to me. Even some of the Norwegians were surprised to find out that they offer dive courses at this time of year!

Of course the divers wear dry suits, but can you imagine getting in the water when it’s -10°C outside? Even just the thought of standing around on shore in a dry suit and a few layers of wool underwear makes me shiver. I guess the perk of getting a scuba certification in Norway is that you get your dry-suit diving certification by default at the same time. (If you can call that a perk. I personally don’t think I have any desire to get a dry-suit certification!)

But Lucas and his classmates survived, and I’m very proud of him for making it through the ordeal! And I’m sure he’ll be excited to dive in Africa, where hopefully the water will be a little warmer.

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