My First Snorkeling Adventure

About twenty years ago, I visited Oahu, Hawaii for the first time.  It is truly a photographer’s paradise.  I was happily clicking away (with my trusty Nikon SLR) through gorgeous tropical gardens and other land and seascapes when I had an inspiration.  I wanted to see what the underwater world looked like, and take photos. Undeterred by the reality that I barely knew how to swim, was legally blind without my glasses, and knew nothing about snorkeling, I proposed the idea to my partner.  She had lived in the Honolulu area and suggested Haunama Bay as a good spot for  a first timer. We rented snorkels, masks, and fins.  The strongest prescription mask available provided slightly blurred vision, but it was better than totally blurred.  I put my point and shoot, orange and white creamsicle, uh, underwater camera in my right hand with wrist strap attached.  My left hand tightly gripped B.J.’s right hand as we backed slowly into the water. After two steps, I felt some strange tickling sensations on my lower legs and looked down to discover that a bunch of sardine size silvery fish were nibbling on my legs.  We turned around and paddled toward the Keyhole, a clear area close to the shore, still holding hands.  I was trying to keep the snorkel above water because I had not mastered the art of blowing water out of it without choking.  At the same time, I was attempting to move my fins without touching the coral, which was already in bad shape.  When fish swam into range, I extended my arm and took snapshots, forgetting temporarily about paddling and breathing. We floated a bit, and then B.J. started towing me again; kicking my left thigh in the process. Ow!!! When we got back to dry land, I rinsed the camera in fresh water and dried it. I rewound the film, and when I opened the camera back was surprised to find some salt water inside.  I had the film processed and amazingly I had a few keepers. (Hint: Before you take a camera underwater, ckeck for leaks in the camera and/or housing seals by submersing it in a container of fresh water and looking for bubbles.  If you see evidence of leaks, remove the camera and dry it thoroughly inside and out.)  When we returned to the beach, I was shocked to see that most of the left side and some of the top of my left thigh was one giant bruise!  I didn’t know that anyone could kick so hard under water.  I also learned that it’s a bad idea to multitask when you haven’t got any of the skills perfected.  Overall, it was an exhilarating new experience; full of novel sights and unexpected events, a real adventure.  My advice to newbies: get comfortable with your equipment and swimming and/or diving skills before adding photography to the mix.

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