Français
Some of you may have noticed a new signature at the bottom of the Journal de Saint Barth papers in recent weeks. It's normal - and temporary, as I'm replacing Thomas Fétrot until November 5. As a newcomer straight from Brittany, I had to try out the exotic activities that make your island so charming. In this context, I did my first dive. I'll tell you all about it here.
The first thing that strikes you is the colors. Dozens of tiny dots of yellow, blue, red, sometimes iridescent, darting in and out of view. I widen my eyes, trying to see everything. To imprint the memory on my retina forever.
On Saturday October 25 and Sunday October 26, free introductory diving courses were organized by the SBH Sub association, on the occasion of the ASP public festival. As a journalist with the Journal de Saint Barth for a few weeks, I learned of this when I received the program of festivities. I didn't think twice about it, and signed up. The idea of writing an article was born. Because why not share this crazy experience, if it might help some readers who are a little reluctant to venture too far into the ocean, to take the plunge?
I'm a bit apprehensive myself. I'm not sure I'd be very comfortable among fish. What if I panic and can't breathe through the regulator? As soon as I arrived at the activity on the afternoon of October 25, members of the association reassured me. I'll be supervised by an instructor for the ten minutes or so of my underwater adventure.
The boat sets off in good spirits. We are six novice divers. The three instructors accompanying us jokingly remind us of the safety rules, which relaxes me. Breathe slowly, don't forget to clear your ears regularly and, of course, the glamorous step of spitting into your mask before diving to avoid fogging up.
We reach the Gros Islets. This time it's done: I put on my flippers and head for the water! Instructor Cyril Lanas helps me put on the vest that holds the air tanks. The stress hasn't completely disappeared. But I can feel it slipping away as soon as I start to sink into the depths. As if expelled to the surface by the air bubbles of my breathing.
We descend to six meters. Now all I can do is observe. I discover unsuspected aquatic life. Dart fish, porcupine fish, coral, a splendid and diverse biodiversity. I'm so close I can almost touch it. As one diver said on the way back to the boat, "It's like sticking your head in an aquarium! "
A real moment suspended in time. I'll never forget it. When I return to France, I'll proudly display the diploma I obtained for my first dive in a frame. It's proof that once in my life, I had the chance to contemplate the treasures of Saint Barthélémy.
