The Dolphins, the Shark, and the Evil Sea Monkeys : Part I
Posted By Todd Storey on 10 October 2006
Every so often you hear talk of "The Experience of a Lifetime", and wonder just what constitutes such an experience. Well, after surviving the past week I can now tell you exactly what makes up once such life-changing event. You see, I was lucky enough to attend one of the great courses run by the gang known as Performance Freediving International, and the memories made in those four days are going to last me a lifetime.
Well Suited to Miami
Arrival at my hotel in Miami was an event in itself. I was anxiously hoping to receive a certain package at check-in. My brand-new freediving wetsuit (a limited edition silver/gold Sink Faze model from PFI ) had gotten snagged in Customs...for about three weeks...but a great rep at FedEx named Leslie worked very hard to it to me in time for the course. It had it arrived in Columbus, OH a day too late to deliver it to me at home, so the last-minute solution was to express it straight to my hotel in Miami.
I was relieved to see it had arrived. I tore into the box, pulled out my spankin' new suit, and marvelled at it's appearance and at the soft, supple feel of the Yamamoto neoprene. I'd never felt a wetsuit so soft and flexible - but it only then dawned on me that the hour was late and I'd have no opportunity to try it on before using it ! This, however, proved to be a good thing. I was to learn there's was a trick to getting into it.
I followed the directions to make The Lube for the suit with hair conditioner and water, made sure all my gear was ready to go for the first day of class, and then took a drive up to Florida International University to make sure I wouldn't get lost the next day. Returned to my hotel a bundle of nerves and excitement, took a quick dip in the ocean, settled into the strangel bed and tried to sleep.
DAY ONE
I arrived early for class. None of my fellow students in sight. Soon afterward, I was approached by guy who'd noticed my Cressi Gara 3000 LD fins and reckoned I was there for the same reason he was. After a quick introduction, we left our gear in the classroom and he went off to wander while I lounged just outside of the building.
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