Before scuba diving, the only way humans could explore the sea floor was by wearing astronaut suits weighed down by bowling balls or getting swallowed by giant whales while searching for their puppet son. Try a more elegant deep-sea drop with today's Groupon: for $30, you get an introductory Discover Scuba class at Lake Norman Scuba (a $75 value) in Mooresville.

Lake Norman Scuba earned its five-star instructor development center certification from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors through its commitment to training student divers in the basics and finer points of scuba using proven techniques and ultra-reliable equipment. Scubie newbies can get a taste of the life aquatic with the Discover Scuba class. Students will learn what it's like to breathe underwater using an oxygen tank and to move around in the water with basic scuba gear: mask, snorkel, fins, a buoyancy-compensating jacket and oxygen tank, scuba regulator, and a computer that monitors depth and air supply, ensuring divers' bloodstreams maintain the proper level of early-1980s soft rock.

Discover Scuba is a perfect first step toward mastery of the oceans, which cover 71% of the Earth's surface but account for just 23% of its after-tax profits, and some classes include open water dives, which can earn divers credit toward scuba certification should they choose to embark on scuba training through Lake Norman’s courses. Discover Scuba classes are held monthly, and students must bring a bathing suit.

Divers must be at least 8 years old. Parental consent required for minors.