Minnesota School of Diving -
This month’s Lake Life dives right into the local lan… *ahem* waterscape of the Lakes Area as we slip below the waves of those bodies of water we play on. The thought of Lake Life instantly brings to mind activities like boating, fishing, and watersports; but with all those options (above water), we forget there’s another world beneath the surface that most of us have never seen. Yeah there’s snorkeling, but why not fully submerge into the depths of your local area and explore that underwater world in person!
Imagine sitting in a lawn chair next to a white picket fence with an old mailbox as fish swim above you, similar to your own backyard as the birds traverse the air. It’s no wonder why Bill Matties wrote the book, “One Earth, Two Worlds.” Already a diver, Bill’s family moved to the Lakes Area in 1959 and soon founded the Brainerd Skindiving Supply Company, later renamed to what we know today as the Minnesota School of Diving - which is still very active. With safety at the forefront of every step, they do like to have a little fun with it.
There’s a Foosball table at the bottom of one of the dive sites at the Huntington Pit and a pirate bartender at the bottom of the Louise Pit. With over 40 dive sites, boredom was evicted long ago and excitement along with anticipation took residence. In an October tradition like those land lubbers above, they are having their Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest on Saturday, October 28th. This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing and my curiosity has me picturing an attempt to hold a big orange hollow pumpkin, that I can only assume tries to pop to the surface like a balloon. That is - until that first incision fills it up with a little natural ballast.
Here’s a hint of what to expect: It may just become your new hobby, a check on the bucket list if you will. So how does one get involved in all of this? First, walk through the door and see all the different options they offer and get rid of any preconceived notions like I did. I thought diving certifications took months or maybe years. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) will get you ahead of that Caribbean vacation you're planning. Here, you start in your hometown with a 2-day classroom, with pool training each day. Once you pass that, you can schedule a time to finish your last two days for your “Real World” dives, which consist of two dives each day. This will ensure you are ready and have proven you can perform out there on your own.
With different options like Open Water certification to 60’ or Sport/Recreational to 100’ or Advanced below 130’ - you’ll be able to get an idea of the gear needed. Let me offer this lil’ tidbit… The thicker the wetsuit, the warmer you will be in the colder climate dives. They also offer commercial dive classes for the more ambitious divers looking into underwater careers.
To find out more, go to mndiving.com or stop in and let them get you signed up for any month of the year to get started. The Minnesota School of Diving is located at 712 Washington Street in Brainerd. Start with rentals and graduate to getting your own stylish gear that will have you living where few have gone - into the deep.
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