Discover a whole new world while scuba diving. The earth’s surface is made up of 71% water, it allows you to explore areas you would otherwise have been unable to see. When you’re first getting started as a scuba diver, be passionate. Learn about the different agencies and courses, decide where and when you want to take your course. Ask any friends about their experience so you have a better understanding of what to expect.
Diving, like any sport, has some inherent risks, but these risks can be managed as divers from the very beginning learn how to check and use their gear, practice what to do in emergency situations, follow buddy practices and safety guidelines. Most dive centers offer ‘try dives’ or Discover Scuba Dives for people who don’t want to invest in learning the theory but want to give scuba diving a go in a pool or confined water. A beginner course teaches divers to dive with other certified divers up to a depth of 18 or 20 meters depending on the organization.
The ISDO Diver Level 1 or equivalent Open Water certifications consist of five confined skill practice sessions, four open water dives and theory. Before getting wet, a large component of learning how to dive is the theory part of the course. Be patient. To be safe when diving, a person must understand how to use their gear, perform the skills and know the steps to take if an emergency were to occur.
Be sure to ask questions! Your instructor is here to guide you. Learning to dive requires mastering skills in shallow or confined water such as clearing water from your mask or regulator. The skills also include running out of air, free-flow regulator breathing or swimming without a mask, to teach new divers how to handle emergency situations. Be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Develop your skill-set during the course. Once these skills are mastered, you can go on your four dives where you will demonstrate these skills.
A diver requires a full set of well-maintained and properly fitting scuba gear. Most dive course prices include gear rental so it is not necessary to purchase a full set immediately. Over time, you will want to invest in your own gear ensuring it fits, you know how to work the equipment and it has routine maintenance.
Diving comes second nature to some while others face immense challenges performing basic skills. Take it at your own pace. Talk to your instructor! They are here to guide you and make the whole process a fun and exciting experience.