I’ve always wanted to learn to dive. Like white water rafting and mastering the art of Spanish, it’s been a fixture on my ‘to do’ list for a while.

So I finally decided to do something about it!

Over the weekend, my boyfriend Ash and I became one step closer to becoming certified recreational divers by starting a SSI (Scuba Schools International) course at Adventure Water Sports in Manukau.

It’s interesting to note in the lead-up to our dive course, most people referred to it as a PADI (Professional Academy of Diving Instructors) – a blanket term many are familiar with but one that’s theoretically incorrect. Although SSI and PADI are essentially one in the same, they aren’t the same. When I asked the course instructor to explain the difference between the two, he likened them to Holden and Ford – both good car brands, but each unique in a number of ways. He also mentioned another course called NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), reputable and internationally recognised as well, but different again. I recommend doing your research and figuring out what your needs are before settling on a course provider.

I’m not going to lie – I was very nervous the night before we kicked off. Although I’ve been around the water most of my life, the thought of descending into the depths of the ocean made me uneasy. I had a lot of questions I felt I needed answers to before I could fully relax. Admittedly, most of these queries revolved around the topic of man-eating sea life.

After quizzing the instructor (at length) about sharks – how many he’d seen, whether he knew any divers who’d had unfortunate encounters with them, what the most dangerous breeds are and where they’re found etc – I managed to collect my cool. Unsurprisingly, without any further burning shark questions, focusing on the task at hand became much easier.

As soon as we got underway in the classroom, it became pretty clear why doing the theory work prior to the course starting is recommended. Seriously – you’re only making life hard for yourself if you turn up not having done it. Like the scholarship students I resented at high school, Ash and I turned up with the readings completed and the homework exercises done. Although doing this was hard to squeeze into a hectic working week, it meant we had a leg up on those who hadn’t opened the prescribed book or switched on the DVD.

A solid amount of bookwork and a few dry dives later, we were finally ready to hit the water.

First of all, I’d just like to say that until you’ve spent three hours diving around the bottom of a public swimming pool, there is no way you can comprehend how many ‘things’ inhabit one. From clumps of hair, old sticky plasters and rusty hair clips to pieces of toilet paper and abandoned goggles… There was a lot to see.

I loved the time spent in the water. Putting everything we’d learnt into action was a great feeling and being at the pool made me excited for the next step towards getting certified, our open water dives!

Boating adventure: water-skiing at Manly Beach, Whangaparaoa
My mission: to master the art of water-skiing
My goal: to avoid getting hurt!

Armed with a full-body wetsuit, I made my way down to the beach to meet my water-ski instructor, Pete. I’d never been brave enough to don a pair of water skis before and I was excited to finally have the chance to give it a go.

The teaching began on land, holding more than a little potential for acute embarrassment.

As I bent my knees and held my arms out straight, Pete got me to hold a handle while he jiggled the rope it was attached to. His plan was to simulate what water-skiing would feel like out on the water, with the boat pulling on the rope.

I’m not sure exactly what it looked like to the dog walkers and morning runners, but I felt like a total goose. I definitely would have laughed at myself if I’d been walking past; maybe even recorded a video on my phone to show my flatmates.

Once Pete deemed I was ready, it was time for the real deal.

I slipped into my skis in the shallows, gripped the handle and braced myself for lift-off.

As soon as the boat started revving, I was away! My maiden voyage saw me stand up and stay up for 200m – not bad for my first go. The second time around was even better – I didn’t bail at all!

If you’re thinking about giving water-skiing a shot, here are my three top tips for successful skiing:

• Water-ski tip 1 – keep your knees bent! Seriously. Learn from my experience if you don’t want a face full of salt water.
• Water-ski tip 2 – don’t let go of the handle. Obviously. But no matter how obvious it may seem, there’s a reason I’m reminding you …
• Water-ski tip 3 – No matter what happens, look like you know what you’re doing! It’s a grunty water sport that looks super-impressive. I figured shouting and “whoop, whoop, whooping” made me look even cooler… but I may have been wrong.

The bottom line is, jump in and give it a go if you get the chance. Water skiing and wake boarding are a truckload of fun whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner.

Head to www.discoverboating.co.nz to see what else you can get up to on a boat and where you can find all the best water-skiing, wake boarding and other recreational gear.

Boating adventure: ladies’ night yacht racing on the Hauraki Gulf
My mission: to experience yacht racing first-hand (and fulfil my wannabe America’s Cup dream)
My goal: not to fall out

I had no idea what to expect before I set off for my first real sailing experience – all I knew was I was heading out on a boat called ‘Outrageous Fortune’ with a crew of 10 women called the Hoochie Mamas.

My apprehension increased a notch when, within seconds of stepping foot on Outrageous Fortune, I was told several times, “Don’t fall out”. Little did the Hoochie Mamas know I was “that” girl – you know, that kid at school who would find a way to be injured in even the safest activity. I was also no stranger to being hit on the head by a sailing boom, thanks to Milford Primary School’s Waterwise programme (I hadn’t been near a sail boat since).

The Hoochie Mamas are a mixed bunch, ranging in age from their late 20s to early 50s. All of them work and all of them have families – for many, this is their “time out”. I can see why – in the heat of a sailing race, thoughts of everything else just fall from your mind, especially if, you’re concentrating on not falling out.

Before the race kicked off, one of the Hoochie Mamas pulled me aside to give some advice. “When we’re racing we’re like chefs in a kitchen,” she said, “so don’t take any notice of us shouting and screaming at each other.”

And boy oh boy could they shout!

As soon as we got underway I understood why I’d been handed a pair of gloves before we left the pier. It was a choppy sea, and my hands would have been ripped to shreds as I tried to cling on had I not been wearing them

Let me tell you, sailing is tough! It was way more physical than I expected – these women go head-to-head with strong winds and bumpy seas. I’m not afraid to admit, a couple of times I was convinced we would capsize, but I disguised my fear with laughter – the crew probably thought I was a really happy person.

But it was also exhilarating – it almost felt as though I left the pier a girl and came back a woman (or a Hoochie Mama).

I’d blown away the cobwebs and finished what had been a draining day at work on an adrenalin high.

You can have the same experience, and you don’t have to be a die-hard boatie or have a sailing background to jump on board and get your feet wet. To find a yacht club with ladies’ racing, head to www.discoverboating.co.nz

Although I don’t own a boat – yet – I have still managed to spend a lot of time on the water. Fishing, cruising, sea biscuiting – I’ve had a stockpile of good times.

But my devil-may-care attitude and lack of preparation means I’ve learned a few things the hard way.

Learning things the hard way is not, actually, something I would recommend. So, in the interests of safe boating all summer long, here are my top tips for people who are just discovering boating.

You can’t be boat smart if you’re not sun smart

The cool sea breeze you feel out on a boat can lure you into a false sense of security, and trick you into ditching the golden slip, slop, slap and wrap routine. You’re not feeling hot and bothered, so how could you possibly get sunburned?

Very easily, actually – and a sunburned scalp is no fun, believe me. First, there’s the obvious discomfort, but then once it starts peeling, it looks like you’ve got more snow falling off your head than Mt Ruapehu mid-ski-season.

Equip yourself with a good hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sun block and some loose fitting clothes – and cover up.

Leave your designer threads on the shore

Forget your fantasies of cruising the Mediterranean in a billionaire’s boat – for most Kiwis, boating trips aren’t flash and dripping with more sophisticated bling than hip-hop music videos.

Casual gear rules the waves, and I suggest we keep it that way. Because, to be honest, boating can be a bit grubby at times. You’re exposed to things like water, wind and salt (not to mention smelly bait if you’re going fishing). Wear things you don’t mind roughing up or losing overboard.

You don’t want those $560 Prada sunnies ending up in the drink. Trust me.

Stay afloat

When you’re on a boat, the aim is to stay on it. But no one is too cool or too experienced to wear a lifejacket, because accidents can happen.
Every boat should have a suitable lifejacket for each person on board, and you should wear yours.

Learn to swim

You’re going to have the most fun on the water if you are comfortable and able to handle yourself in the environment – and handling yourself in water means knowing how to swim.

I mean, how else are you going to retrieve those $560 Prada sunnies that you just couldn’t resist wearing (despite my advice) and which are now floating away into the sunset?

If reading about my boating experiences over the past month has helped you find your sea legs, be sure to visit my blog on www.discoverboating.co.nz where I will continue to post stories about my offshore experiences.

Boating adventure: riding a personal watercraft at Takapuna Beach
My mission: to ride like the wind
My goal: to end up looking like a total pro

Jeremy Burfoot and I have a lot in common. He’s a middle-aged guy, an airline pilot and his idea of the “ultimate ride” is to travel on a personal watercraft from London to Sydney. I’m in my early 20s, work at a desk in an open-plan office and my idea of the “ultimate ride” is to chug around a sheltered North Shore beach.

Right – so perhaps we don’t have much in common after all. The point is if this was Stars Wars, Jeremy would be the Yoda of personal watercraft and I would be Luke Skywalker. However, those who know me probably think I am about as skilled at handling machinery on the water as an Ewok.

Jeremy, who’s already used a personal watercraft to circumnavigate New Zealand, is set to embark on his London-to-Sydney ride in August 2010. That’s a 28,000km trip and he expects it to take around four months. Phew!

Personal watercrafts (commonly known as jet-skis) have had a bit of a bad rap. They have appeared in the media for all the wrong reasons, so many people feel a tad uneasy about them. But when you use them correctly they’re safe, great fun and a terrific way to discover New Zealand’s coastline!

And so, for my first attempt: with my helmet fastened and lifejacket buckled, I climbed aboard and headed out to sea. Once I was far enough offshore, I cranked the accelerator and took off. As the driver of a pocket-size Holden Barina, I don’t get the opportunity to put the pedal to the metal very often, so this was a complete thrill.

Jeremy has one golden rule for using personal watercraft safely: respect your neighbours. Whether they’re swimmers, sailors, windsurfers or fishermen, avoid getting up in their grills and give them space to enjoy themselves.

I also have a key piece of advice for personal watercraft users: wear sunglasses – not just to look hot (although they will help), but also to protect your eyes. I left mine in my car and, boy oh boy, did I pay for it on the discomfort front.

Pulling back into shore, I felt like I’d earned my self-granted title of the Luke Skywalker of personal watercraft. Thanks to Jeremy, the Force was with me. I’m already looking forward to my next ride!

Head to www.discoverboating.co.nz to see what else the boating lifestyle has to offer, and for more information about Jeremy Burfoot’s ultimate ride go to http://www.london-sydney.com/

Boating adventure: Sailing a 32 foot yacht
My Mission: to sail like Dean Barker
My Goal: avoid capsizing the boat

My notions of “cruising” the gulf with a chardonnay in hand in my newly acquired sailing threads were dashed the moment I stepped aboard the French Connection

Suzanne our sailing instructor immediately handed me some oversized wet weather gear and directed me to bow of the yacht – it seemed I was here to work!

And, work it was.

Get ready to tact! Release the gib sheet! Pull the mast! Winch the sails!

Where was Barker when you needed him most?

Despite Suzanne’s assurances that a couple can easily sail a yacht the size of ‘French Connection’ on their own I remained dubious nonetheless as the five of us novices scampered off to our positions.

Once we managed to safely steer out of our berth I had a moment to take in my surroundings when it suddenly dawned on me that the whole point of the weekend was for me take over the helm of this 32-foot sailing vessel and hopefully avoid capsizing it along with its six passengers and all without…wait for it…a wheel!

According to Suzanne a tiller offers a more exciting hands-on experience. Hmmm…right. For someone who still has trouble telling right from left at times, the idea of having to direct the yacht with a mere stick opposite to the intended direction was concerning to say the least even despite Suzanne making it look second nature.

With each of us taking a turn at the helm we successfully steered our way into one of the larger marina lanes to learn how to berth the yacht ourselves. After a couple of demos I watched with growing anxiety as I waited for my name to be called.

It seemed my natural tendency towards speed behind the wheel translated to sailing vessels as well. In my overzealousness with the throttle I managed to charge the yacht full speed ahead while blowing smoke out of the tossing everyone back into the cockpit. Fortunately, all those aboard including the skipper got a good laugh out of it.

The next four hours were spent learning to sail the harbour or in the words of our skipper “to cruise”. Now, let me tell you there was little cruising involved. When the winds start howling and the waters become a bubbling cauldron, sailing can quickly shift from a sophisticated and relaxing jaunt to a tough, hard out sport.

But, boy… was the experience exhilarating!
I suddenly found my adrenaline pumping and my nerve rising to the challenge ahead of me.

I quickly learned that being fast footed, a quick thinker and having a good sense of balance goes a long in avoiding being hurled overboard in 40 knot winds.

For couples looking to sail there is no room for domestics here. It has to be a synchronized team effort or risk capsizing.

After my weekend of sailing, I certainly have a better appreciation for why yachties often live and breathe their sport.

Sailing is both fun and exhilarating and it certainly challenges the mind and body.

Despite my shredded hands, sore arms and disheveled hair I couldn’t wait for my next “cruisey” adventure on the high seas.

To find out more about learning to sail head to www.sailingaway.co.nz.

Welcome aboard! Meet Emma, our Boating Babe.

You’ll get to get to know her quite well as she writes about the thrills and spills of being on the water in her Boating Babe blog.

It’s not as if Emma is a stranger to water – but she’s much more used to being in it than on it. Introduced to the sport of surf lifesaving by her parents when she was just 6 years old, she’s still going strong at 22.

Emma spent three years teaching children about water and surf safety, has worked as a paid lifeguard and is still a volunteer lifeguard.

But her record on the water has not been as flawless.

Emma, who has lived on Auckland’s North Shore all her life, didn’t grow up with boats. She confesses that she’s always thought they’re a bit, well, blokey, really, and that you have to be rich to own one.

So, even though as a teenager she won a medal in the National K2 kayaking champs (with her friend Jodie Johnson), she wasn’t as enamoured of the sport as she was of surf lifesaving.

Actually, she found the training a bit hard, and perfected the art of capsizing her kayak whenever she wanted a rest (she’d then have to spend the rest of the practice session bailing it out – clever!)

The last time she was in a kayak she capsized it a little too well – it sank.

So Emma’s kind of excited, and kind of nervous, about being the Boating Babe. Because she’s going to have to get on the water again – which means anything could happen.

Over the coming months, Emma will be going out with experts who will be teaching her how to behave on the water: yachting, jetskiing, waterskiing, that sort of stuff. They might start out as lessons, but they’re bound to end up as adventures – and quite possibly entertainment.

And every week she’ll write about what she’s learned and the adventures and entertainment she (and everyone around her) has had along the way.

What’s she hoping to get out of this? Emma says that while intellectually she knows that boating isn’t just blokey – that New Zealand has a proud tradition of gutsy female boaties – she’s never felt the connection she has with surf lifesaving. She hopes that might change.

And she’s expecting more than a bit of fun – and is looking forward to sharing it with you.