The pool is closing soon, and that means Dive With Frank is officially wrapping up pool season.
Sure, there are still dives ahead: an Oyster Dive this weekend, another in November, a ZAD course later this month, and then a group trip to Florida for checkout dives. But this week’s pool session? Yeah, that was probably the last one of the season.
The pool season might be over, unless I stumble onto an indoor spot that doesn’t mind a little winter bubble action.
And honestly, what a way to close it out.
This round featured two brand-new divers, siblings, ages 10 and 15. That’s young. Usually that means a little extra coaching, a little more patience, and a lot of energy spent helping them find their rhythm underwater.
Not this time.
These two came in ready. Motivated. Focused. Sarcasm dialed up to 11. From the very first descent, their buoyancy was spot on. No flailing, no foot-first chaos, just calm, balanced, beautiful control.
We had some early hiccups with mask skills, as every diver does, but that’s where the fun starts. We tried a few different techniques, kept it light, and before long they were clearing masks like they’d been doing it for years. By the end of class, I didn’t even have to say a word. They just did it—confident, controlled, smiling underwater. That’s the moment every instructor waits for.
Dad was poolside the whole time, keeping it chill, letting DWF work his brand of underwater sorcery. He watched his kids go from “what is this rat’s nest of hoses and weird gear?” to confidently assembling their kits like seasoned pros.
That transformation never gets old. You see it happen again and again. The lightbulb moment when something that looked impossible suddenly clicks. It’s like watching someone giant-stride straight into confidence.
These two reminded me that diving isn’t just about air, depth, or bottom time. It’s about growth, about trust, about seeing someone become who they didn’t think they could be.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a DWF pool session without some weather drama. The pool’s heated (thank Neptune for that), but you can’t heat the wind. Tuesday was a comfortable 81. Yesterday, 71 with gusts. Today, 63 and breezy enough to make your wetsuit question your life choices. Good timing on DWF’s part.
Still, cold air or not, those two were unstoppable. Focused, relaxed, cracking jokes between dives. The kind of energy that reminds you why this sport hooks people for life.
Next stop: open water. Whether it’s Lake Phoenix in the next few weeks or Blue Grotto down in Florida, they’re going to earn their fins soon. That’s when the real adventure begins.
For me, there’s no better way to wrap a season. Watching new divers grow, seeing their confidence bloom, and knowing I had a small hand in it—that’s what makes all the chilly mornings and fogged masks worth it.
So, congrats to my two new divers. You absolutely crushed it.
Enjoy the ride, and welcome to the tribe.