Did you know in the ocean there are over 2 million different kinds of marine species known to exist?
There is so much to see and discover when you are scuba diving, it makes the experience unforgettable. Many people have reported the experience to be life-changing.
When it comes to scuba diving, it is essential to know a few crucial pieces of information before learning how to dive and buying scuba diving equipment.
We have compiled a list of five essential things to know before hopping in the water.
Keep reading to learn some tips to help you feel more comfortable when it’s your time to jump in
1. Training
When it comes to training for scuba diving, it is no laughing matter. The training is vital as it teaches you information to survive while you are diving.
It is required of you to get your scuba certification before going out. The certification is broken up into a few different sections. The first section is the knowledge portion, where you can learn some of the basics at your own pace online or in a classroom.
The second part of the certification is where you will put your knowledge into practical use in a confined water dive. You can practice and develop your skills with certified scuba diving instructors overlooking to make sure everything is going smoothly. As you learn to scuba dive, you will gain the necessary skills and confidence to move on to open waters.
The third and final phase of the certification is diving in the open water, everything you have been waiting for. You will experience something like you have never seen before. You will witness magnificent sea creatures and living organisms that can’t be found anywhere else.
Certification courses can normally be completed in 4 to 7 days but could vary depending on the individual.
2. Equipment
Typically it is not required for scuba divers to purchase their own gear. Most places will provide the equipment, but it is a good idea to invest in at least a few basics like a mask, snorkel, a wetsuit, and fins.
It is convenient to have your own equipment in the case gear is not provided to you. Some of the other reasons to own gear include:
Comfort
One of the most important things when scuba diving is making sure your equipment fits comfortably. There is nothing worse than having a mask that leaks while scuba diving. It is dangerous and can ruin your experience.
Expense
Though purchasing equipment upfront can get expensive, if you are planning on going scuba diving often, then it might be smart to purchase your own equipment, as rental equipment can add up every time you go diving.
You could also use some of your equipment for things that don’t involve scuba diving. You could use your mask and snorkel if you are going on vacation and wanted to check out what marine life they had to offer.
Familiar
Like anything, when you own it, you feel more comfortable using it. The same idea applies to scuba diving gear. You will know where everything is located and can access it quickly if needed.
Especially when it comes to certain gear like wearing a mask, knowing it will fit right will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the experience.
Other things, like dive computers, are all different and could potentially cause confusion. Learning a new dive computer is a waste of time and sometimes tricky to figure out, its easiest to just have your own.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Scuba diving, like anything else, takes time to learn. You will not be the best at first, and that’s okay. As you practice, you will get better and learn more that will make your experience unforgettable.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand some of the terminology or practices that come along with scuba diving. In the beginning, you will learn more as you go.
You must be patient when it comes to learning how to scuba dive; it is a lot of information that is being presented to you.
4. Health Conditions
Scuba diving was once reserved for people like navy seals due to the physical requirements that were associated with diving. Now, with advancements of equipment and sophisticated dive computers, almost anyone can enjoy the experience.
Certain health conditions normally wouldn’t bother someone too much in everyday life, but when they are underwater could become bothersome. Conditions including:
- Lung problems
- Ear issues
- Allergies
- and certain diseases
Medications for these conditions could potentially be dangerous when underwater. It is recommended to answer the questions honestly when taking the medical questionnaire.
5. Fitness
It is important to keep in mind the more physically fit you are before diving, the easier it will be. Carrying a 50-pound tank around isn’t the easiest task if you haven’t been taking care of your health.
There are some exercises you can do to prepare for and make your scuba diving experience more enjoyable. First, cardiovascular fitness is essential for any diver. When your body is trained to use oxygen more efficiently, the less oxygen you will be using when driving, giving you a longer dive.
To improve your oxygen consumption, any form of cardio will ultimately help. Exercises like cycling and swimming are great options. Cycling is a good low impact option, so you don’t put too much strain on your joints and tendons. Swimming is beneficial, so you can get used to being underwater and gaining experience that way.
Even just walking or running can be a good option when it comes to cardiovascular fitness.
Your heart is a muscle, and it is important to keep in shape, it is a smart idea to train all of your muscles in the body to get ready for carrying the heavy equipment and moving for long periods. Here is a list of workouts to get in shape and ready for your first dive:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Pullups
- Push-ups
- Leg raises
- Rows
- Shoulder press
- And planks
These few bodyweight exercises will give you the power and strength you need to feel comfortable when scuba diving and make your experience more enjoyable.
For More Information When Learning How to Dive
Scuba diving for many is a once in a lifetime experience. You get to enter a world that was once reserved for only sea creatures and marine life. Don’t forget these five essential tips when it comes to your time to dive.
If you are still learning how to dive and would like more information, check out our travel blog!
