JC Scuba's Dive Log and Welcome to It: Giant Sponge, Cuba

Cuba is an amazing island to visit, not much fish but the reefs and sponges are pristine.

Welcome To JC's Dive Log Created for my Granddaughter Kaily

To Kaily: In the hope that one day you will dive! It is very important that you understand that there is nothing down below the water that can hurt you. Remember our trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific where Grandpa gave talks to the kids while he fed the fish underwater? Was that cool or what?

The intent of this blog will be to provide information on dive locations, dive operators, food, and the people and places I've been fortunate enough to meet along the way.

But first, some background information on me. I'm Jim Campbell, and was heard saying one day by a PADI Instructor while giving a Discover Scuba Class, " There is no way in the world I would ever do that again". After the class he approached me and asked my why I had said what I said. I told him back in the late sixty's I had a horrible experience diving with friends down in Mexico.

I had to admit my entire training at the time included

breathing on an old double hose regulator in a swimming pool. That accomplished, I was told I was "good to go" by a fraternity brother who had never dove.

We were going to hunt lobster, probably didn't have lights, and I got smashed on my first surf entry and immediately lost my buddy. It was then I exited the surf and made up my mind. This was a sport for fools.

He laughed, told me about the new safety equipment and offered me a lesson the following day. If I didn't enjoy it, it would cost me nothing. If I did, he would charge me for more pool time and an ocean dive the next afternoon.

With great fear and trepidation I showed up, listened to the brief lecture, and put on my gear. In one minute, my life changed forever. Scuba diving was for me! We went out for that ocean dive the next day, a beach dive in Kauai, saw all kinds of fish, turtles, and an octopus. I was hooked. I knew I had found my new passion.

I immediately signed up for an Open Water Class and the rest is history. The more I dove, the more I wanted to learn, the more I learned the more I wanted to dive. After some serious effort, I became a PADI Instructor, then a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. I now teach most all specialties with the exception of ice diving. I hold a Distinctive Specialty in Shark Awareness Instructor, taking divers on shark dives, and Hazardous Marine Life Injuries. I'm also an SDI instructor.

Some 5000 dives and 10 years later I will attempt to answer the question; "Hey J.C., where's the best place you have ever dove?" I've recently retired but I've got stories to tell.