Over 40 students took a dive into the Calvin swimming pool with the help of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Scuba Diving team on last Tuesday night. Students learned the basics skills of scuba diving in these short sessions taught by professor Renard Tubergen and Mike Palmer (the owner of American Dive Zone and a PADI Scuba instructor) and his team.

Tubergen runs the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) club and wanted to find a new event that would allow students to build community and try something new. Tubergen, being an avid scuba diver himself, decided to bring this exciting opportunity to the Calvin student body as a way for individuals to “test the waters” before fully committing to scuba training. To become certified for scuba diving, the average cost for lessons and diving can be around $300.

“Although this lesson may not end with a certification, it helps a lot of students overcome fears and try a new experience, one that they may find they really enjoy,” explained Tubergen. “If you’re going to be successful in life, you’re going to have to overcome fears. Scuba diving is a great way to engage in a stressful environment and overcome anxieties.”

Tubergen admitted that he was afraid of the water before scuba diving. “I have gone from 15 foot dives to now doing 165 foot dives when I scuba. It’s all about making a slow progression little by little, and that started here for 40 students tonight” said Tubergen.

The students practiced putting on the gear and going underwater for several minutes, and they were instructed on the different calculations and necessary knowledge to know for future dives. The event allowed for students from all different disciplines to engage in a new and unique activity.

Tubergen added, “My life has been blessed by scuba diving and I wanted to bring it to Calvin to share that blessing with others.”

For those of you who did not have the chance to participate in this week’s scuba diving session, have hope. Tubergen and ASME student leader Andrew Bouma have hinted at providing the same opportunity next year as well. Bouma admits, “I think, as more students hear how much fun it is, ASME leadership will have to provide this opportunity next year.”