As you descend to the depths below, you feel a rush of water run up your neoprene suit. You’ve checked your weights, gauges, buoyancy compressor, regulator, and you’re ready to see a whole new world. What world might you ask? The underwater world of scuba diving. Here at North Platte High School there are a few students who have taken the plunge.

“My grandpa took a lot of beautiful pictures of reefs, coral, and tropical fish from Cozumel. I was hooked from there,” said sophomore Annie Schlaefli. The idea of being able to breath in an underwater environment is captivating for some. “When you start to go down, the realization that you’re actually breathing under {water} hits and you’re just kind of in awe at everything,” said junior Zak Folchert.

What does it take to become a certified scuba diver? Well it’ll all depend on where you get your certs. Here in North Platte, the only shop in town is Water Sports Unlimited. Going through Water Sports Unlimited allows you to get certified as Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) diver. PADI is one of the world’s biggest diving agencies. “You have to read a book, and learn about all the gear. I didn’t think it was possible,” said senior Erin Weaver. The class also consists of a few practice dives in a pool, and an open-water dive. “In my open water dive, I got to see a huge flat head fish,” said Weaver.

An open-water certification can only go so far, and for Schlaefli, not far enough. “ I have my advanced open water diver certification. I had to read another book, and do a night dive.” She said. “Some wildlife are more active at night “It’s amazing but completely different,” said Schaefli. With this upgraded title, an individual can dive much deeper ranging from around 60-130ft. Schaefli plans to go on with her diving career and obtain her Master Diver certificate, with that she will be the first female dive-master in North Platte.

What can you do with these certifications. Nebraska is in the center of the United States of America; how are you supposed to dive with no oceans? Lake McConaughy is a hot destination for most. Big Mac has a variety of interesting places to dive. Many divers visit the remains of the now underwater town Lemoyne, which was purposely flooded when the reservoir was built. There is also an old highway bridge that was ran over by a nearby river. Besides Lake Mac there is a variety of Interstate lakes with some visibility. “ You feel like you’re in a documentary, and it’s just so surreal.” Folchert said.