Getting Started In Scuba Diving

Exploring different parts of the world is educational, fun, and fascinating. If you’ve traveled extensively, are looking for new things to see, and have a spirit of adventure, there is an entire world for you to check out. A whole new ecosystem with entirely different types of life lies underwater.

You can dive in the world’s oceans, see wrecks in the Caribbean, or check out marine life in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Scuba diving is a popular activity that can be done by anyone in good health who is a confident swimmer. It does take training and equipment.

Research Diving

Before you run out and buy diving gear, do some research. Learn about the history of diving and check out photos of the adventures of famous aquanauts, such as Jaques Cousteau. Learn about the type of equipment divers use and how it works.

Find Your Local Dive Shop

Once you’ve decided that you want to learn diving, it’s time to find a nearby dive shop. You can do this with the Internet. In addition to being able to buy or rent gear, you can chat with experts and learn more about what you’re getting into. Most dive shops also have instructors or can guide you to one. Now you can set about signing up for an open water dive course.

Sign Up For A Course

Before you can dive, you need to take a course and become certified. When choosing a class, pick one that is certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. PADI is the most highly-recognized diving instructor organization in the world and has 29 certifications.

Beginners start with an open water course. This takes 4-5 days and is taught by an experienced diver and instructor. You’ll learn what each piece of gear is, how it works, and how to use it. The instructor will start the class out in a pool to get you comfortable with maneuvering in scuba gear. Then, you will take lessons in the ocean or a lake if you are not near a coastal area.

When you complete the course, you will be certified and able to scuba dive on your own. There are more advanced classes you can take as you become more experienced. Each offers new experiences underwater.

Buy Diving Gears

Once you are certified and know you want to continue this incredible activity, you will want to buy your own gear. Go to your dive shop and talk to the experts. They will set you up with a mask, fins, a regulator, tanks, and everything else you will need. You’ll also need a dive computer that calculates how much time you have left with your oxygen supply. Divers used to do this with dive watches, and some still wear one as a backup and a nod to the history of diving.

Enjoy Your New Hobby

Once you are certified and have your gear, you can enjoy diving vacations to watery places all over the world. Always dive with a buddy and follow all safety rules while having a lot of fun.