SmartShanghai | [Wellbeing] Scuba Diving

[Wellbeing] Scuba Diving

By Lenny Utama, Oct 28th, 2008 | In Wellbeing

Spielberg and his mechanical sharks failed in all their attempts to drive you out of the open water, the problem is you live in Shanghai, where the closest natural body of water is the murky Huangpu River. This lack of exposure to the life aquatic has led you to believe that a "Manta Ray" is an American artist best known for his modernist works.

Here comes Big Blue Scuba Diving to the rescue. With diving classes, trips, and everything else in between, these guys are ridiculously passionate about everything underwater and we heard "oceanophilia" is highly contagious.

Big Blue's diving courses (in Chinese and English) range from beginners to Divemaster and are taught by certified and experienced instructors who will guide you through that seemingly daunting transition from the pool to the ocean. Comprehensive lessons cover everything from theory to confined water training. All you need is 200rmb, a little bit of chutzpah and preferably the ability to not drown, and before you know it, you've got your very own PADI or NAUI license in time for that much-needed holiday.

If you're too busy to plan your own, Big Blue organizes regular diving trips to exotic locales such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Expect to get up close and personal with the likes of Thresher sharks, Hammerheads and Sunfish, as well as spectacular undersea panoramas better than the ones you've seen in any IMAX theatre.

Of course, the motherland also offers a series of equally exciting dives if you do not wish to stray too far. In particular, Big Blue organizes a trip to an underwater portion of the Great Wall in Beijing, which sounds quite fascinating. At least, it would make for a far more unique experience than seeing the Wall at Badaling.

For more information on course offerings, divers meetings and BBQs, and scuba diving trips, head over to their webpage here: www.big-blue.cn.

Tagged: Sports Healthy Activities