Interest deepens for diving

PROVO — Cruises to tropical islands aren't just for the rich and famous anymore. These days,the lure of diving into the surf from white, sandy beaches beckon to such middle-class folks as Joni and B.J. Stanley.

And that's made life good for many Utah scuba diving instructors.

The Stanleys and Drew Armstrong recently jumped into the warm, turquoise-colored water inside the volcanic crater at the Homestead in Midway to learn how to live under the sea, albeit just for a little while.

"I went on a cruise and did some scuba diving, and it was really fun. I had a blast," said Armstrong. "So, my wife bought me lessons for Christmas."

Armstrong's wife was going to join him — but backed out in fear at last minute.

Of the Stanleys, however, Joni is the braver diver.

"She's a swimmer — I'm a sinker," says B.J. Stanley, "but I'm good as long as my nose plug stays on."

Diving instructor Doren Prue says most have a positive experience when they take the lessons, even if they have to take it slow.

Students who sign up for the Water World diving classes start with class work, learning about body chemistry and water pressure and the basics of keeping safe underwater. They practice at a public pool in Provo and learn to understand and rely on the equipment.

"You panic for about the first 3 minutes of the first lesson but after that it feels like you're flying," Armstrong said. "The best part is seeing all the fish."

In the Homestead crater, there are no live fish, only a plastic shark and a few plastic sea turtles tethered 65 feet down on the bottom.

But it's a great place to practice, say divers.

The water is warm, clear and there's no danger of being swept out to sea.

"I'm hooked now," Armstrong said. "I'm going cruising."

Richard Rice and Scott Kinzie help tourists at the Homestead resort try it out.

Reactions are mixed. Take, for example, the Payne family.

"I'm excited; not scared," said 15-year-old Aaron Payne.

"It looks pretty fun," said his 11-year-old brother, Jake.

"I'm nervous," said their mother, Lori.

Craig Simons, the owner of Water World Diving, said interest is definitely up.