The same could be said for scuba diving, one of the fastest-growing sports today.

Diving allows us to become aquatic when, really, we have no right to be. This is why, when entering the underwater world, we should always treat it with respect.

It is not our world – it is being loaned to us – but what a wondrous world it is.

Many people are, quite understandably, afraid of the thought of putting their head underwater; however, it's like anything in life that may present a psychological barrier – it is worth pushing through it.

The first time you put scuba diving equipment on it can seem heavy and cumbersome but, underwater, it weighs next to nothing.

It can take a little time to adjust to the equipment, which includes a weight belt, to help you sink, and tank, but, when you are accomplished, it just takes a few minutes.

And Lowestoft-based Learn Scuba instructors Andy Rose and Barry Lister have the patience to help you get it right.

Mr Lister (50) said: "Learning to dive is a personal challenge which can be achieved by anyone in reasonable health.

"I have been to places all around the world I never would have visited unless I had got into diving."

To prove a case in point, Mr Lister has just come back from the Maldives, reputed to be among the best places to dive in the world.

Today, though, our surroundings are a little more humble – namely a privately-owned West Dereham swimming pool where Learn Scuba have started teaching diving through local popular demand.

Diving is taught at Learn Scuba through PADI – the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Theory is included but don't think you will get bogged down by it – the idea is to get diving as soon as possible.

"We run a lot of dive trips," said Mr Rose (40) who is Learn Scuba's director and also a master instructor. "We also have a dive boat out of Lowestoft."

In order to learn to dive, there are a number of skills which have to be mastered – such as the dreaded mask removal and replace skill.

Nobody likes the idea of taking their mask off underwater – (but it is OK so long as you remember not to breathe through your nose!).

Other skills include what to do if the mouthpiece or regulator falls out during a dive and what to do if your mask floods with water.

The great thing about diving, I think, is it is great for fitness.

Lugging and putting on the gear, as well as using your fins (not flippers!) underwater is great exercise. Breathing slowly and deeply through the regulator is very calming too.

As well as discovering muscles you never knew you had, the ones you did know you had become very toned. You need to be able to swim to learn scuba, and will also be required to answer questions about your health, before training begins.

Mr Lister, who has been diving since 1999, is qualified through PADI to help other divers learn to instruct and finds his work rewarding.

"When someone first goes underwater, you see the fright in their eyes but this soon turns to a big smile afterwards," he said.

And when there are such wonderful sights as sharks, dolphins and manta rays to behold in places such as Egypt's Red Sea, the Maldives of course, and the Caribbean, who can blame them?

• Anyone wanting to know more about the Learn Scuba classes being run at West Dereham can contact the company on 01502 562135 or visit www.learnscuba.co.uk