In 2013, advances in technology and healthcare have made it possible for almost anyone of any age or fitness level to safely scuba dive. You might have a lifelong love of swimming and decide to try swimming underwater in the open ocean, or you may be fanatical about ocean conservation and have a burning desire to witness some of your favourite wildlife firsthand under the waves. All you need to do is take your basic swimming ability and take the right qualifications and you will be experiencing this amazing adventure in just a few months.
Train with PADI
The PADI dive certification is your gateway to diving. The Open Water Diver Certification course gives you full training to complete beginner’s open water dives. The best part about completing this certification is that it never, ever expires. You can complete it at as young as 10 years old and be set to dive for life.
Get the right equipment
1. The mask.
Make sure that it fits snugly and doesn’t let water seep in and ruin your dive!
2. The fins.
Again, the fit is extremely important as the fins control your movement and comfort in the water.
3. The suit.
Investing money in a good suit will enable you to stay warm enough to complete your dive with no ill effects.
4. The scuba regulator.
The regulator essentially depressurises the compressed air from your tank to ambient pressure in your mouth. A secondary piece of equipment named the octopus is also used, together with a computer that tracks data that you need to dive safely within your breathing limits.
5. Buoyancy control vest
This will make sure that you don’t ascend or descend too quickly through the water.
Work on your swimming stamina
You can begin learning to scuba without swimming ability – however it’s recommended that you become comfortable in the water as a swimmer first. Non swimmers are likely to experience high anxiety levels with no understanding of how to relax and/look after themselves in the water. It’s recommended that you first become a competent swimmer before you attempt diving.
Find a beginner’s dive
Some exciting dive sites for beginners to explore including Ko Tao in Thailand, which also has a scuba school of its own. Nearby famous locations include Phoket and the Similan and Surin Islands. Locations in Thailand are heavily populated by tourists, but they do offer value for money and locations for both learners and experts.
Some fun extras
Once you’ve gained your open water diving certification, you can even expand your skills by taking courses in underwater photography and underwater videography. A good underwater camera will set you back a pretty penny, but if you’re serious than investing in good equipment is the only way to go. If you’re not much of a budding artist, then you might like to purchase a luxury dive watch from a retailer such as http://www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk/. Their watches are built to last and will impress in your social life, too.
Perhaps the best part about learning to scuba dive is the friendships you will make through doing so. Nothing bonds people together like learning, helping each other and experiencing new things. Joining a scuba club or diving adventure is sure to throw you together with new people with similar interests – or even people from completely different walks of life. You should be able to find a scuba school near you (many public swimming pools run scuba sessions), or visit the PADI website to find a reputable place to learn. Investing in health checks, tutors and equipment should form the foundation of a brilliant start to your scuba diving career.
Hannah Wallace is a freelance copywriter from London. He passions include travelling, water sports and mango sorbet.
