As a recent scuba diving enthusiast living in downtown Minneapolis, I am thrilled to share my latest diving adventure and newfound passion for this incredible sport. My journey into the underwater world has been nothing short of amazing, especially after completing my enriched air certification with an outstanding teacher this week before getting back into diving for the summer. This weekend, I took a trip up to Brainerd, MN, to a dive shop called the Minnesota School of Diving, where they host fun dives every week.
A Dive into Shangri-La Alstead Mine
At the Minnesota School of Diving, I met a lot of cool divers, many of whom had significantly more experience than I do. Their knowledge and stories were incredibly inspiring, and I learned a great deal from them. Our destination was the Shangri-La Alstead Mine, a site renowned for its unique underwater features. We did two dives, reaching depths of about 25-30 feet, and spent a total of 40 minutes exploring the underwater landscape.
As I descended into the cold waters of the mine, I was immediately struck by the clarity and stillness surrounding me. The water had a greenish/blueish hue, casting an ethereal light on the submerged rocks and aquatic plants. Moving slowly to avoid stirring up sediment, I marveled at the serenity of the underwater world. It was like being in an underwater forest, surrounded by peace and beauty.
One of the most exciting moments was encountering a school of trout. The dive master accompanying us mentioned that seeing trout during dives in this area was quite rare, making the experience even more special. Watching the trout swim gracefully through the water was mesmerizing, and it was a reminder of the hidden wonders that lie beneath the surface.
This dive also highlighted areas where I need to improve, particularly my buoyancy control and air consumption, common challenges for new divers. I found myself adjusting my air in my BCD and breathing patterns, striving for that perfect neutral buoyancy that allows for effortless movement underwater.
Post-Dive Delights
After the dives, we gathered around for a post-dive meal of cheeseburgers and brats, which was a perfect way to end the day. The camaraderie and shared excitement among the divers was amazing to be around. There’s something incredibly rewarding about sharing a meal after an exhilarating dive, recounting the sights and experiences of the day. The dive sites around Brainerd are nestled deep in the woods, providing a remote and serene setting that enhances the overall diving experience.
The drive back through the dense forest added to the adventure, as we navigated winding trails and took in the beauty of the untouched wilderness. It was a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life in Minneapolis.
Reflections on a New Hobby
Finding scuba diving as a hobby has been a fantastic journey, despite the costs associated with the sport. The sense of adventure, the learning curve, and the incredible community of divers make it all worthwhile. Each dive offers new challenges and opportunities to grow, and I am excited to continue improving my skills and exploring more dive sites.
I’ve been particularly inspired by the work of Curtis Lahr, who makes some really cool videos while diving. His ability to capture the underwater world in such detail is something I aspire to achieve. Once I become more proficient at diving, I would love to get back into taking videos and photos underwater. The idea of documenting my dives and sharing the beauty of these hidden worlds is incredibly appealing. Additionally, I’m considering exploring the possibilities of drone videos around the lakes to provide a comprehensive view of these stunning locations from above and below the surface.
Key Takeaways from My Diving Experience
- Continuous Learning: Diving is a sport where continuous improvement is essential. Each dive teaches you something new, whether it’s about managing your buoyancy or conserving air.
- Community and Camaraderie: The diving community is full of experienced and friendly individuals who are always willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Building connections with fellow divers enhances the overall experience.
- Unique Underwater Encounters: Every dive site offers something different. Encountering rare underwater wildlife, like the school of trout in Shangri-La Alstead Mine, adds a unique thrill to each dive.
- Remote and Serene Dive Sites: Diving in remote locations, such as the wooded areas around Brainerd, provides a sense of adventure and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere.
- Post-Dive Traditions: Sharing a meal and stories after a dive strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. It’s a tradition that adds to the joy of diving.
Conclusion
Scuba diving has quickly become a cherished hobby, offering a blend of adventure, learning, and community. I’m excited to continue this journey, explore more dive sites, and improve my skills. For anyone considering diving, I highly recommend diving into this incredible world—you won’t regret it!
If you have any questions or would like to share your own diving experiences, feel free to reach out to me as I always like hearing from others experiences as well. Happy diving!