For the travel-hungry, scuba diving can be the perfect hobby. Scuba diving makes one of the best excuses for needing to get out of town.
Scuba classes in DFW are offered either in month long courses that meet once a week to intensive weekend classes offered by diving shops. There are many in Dallas. Or you can take a more formal course without being rushed at Eastfield College through the Continuing Education department in Mesquite. During this course you train in the pool with one instructor and many assistants. The final for the course is a trip to Lake Travis to do a few dives in a natural setting and test your diving skills. www.efc.dcccd.edu/.
Regardless of where you choose to get your PADI certification (yes, it is necessary, most places will not let you dive without it-however, it is valid for life and so worth it), a better Texas locale for diving would be San Marcosor take a scuba diving class (available at Eastfield College) before making a trip to San Marcos to dive in the San Marcos River (http://www.sanmarcosriver.org/RiverInfo.htm). The San Marcos River is exceptionally beautiful and clear most days of the year because the water comes from the natural underground springs that provides most of the Hill Country with its water, the Edwards Aquifer. Here you can see wildlife not seen anywhere else in the world, wildlife local to only this area of Texas such as the Texas Blind Salamander. Visit the Dive Shop in San Marcos for equipment, rentals, or even training. http://www.divesanmarcos.com/#local%20diving.
Another unforgettable scuba trip in Texas would be to Athens Scuba Park in St. Athens, TX (www.athensscubapark.com). Athens Scuba Park is maintained and run by professional divers who made sure their lake was scuba supreme. They have set up a small airplane, and a tour bus underwater for divers to explore, as well as treasure hunts and other exciting ways to dive. They also offer training courses and rentals. You don't have to leave the state to find crystal waters and beautiful memories ready for the making.
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