Quick guide to be a scuba diver

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1559548753424{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

This article was updated on June 3, 2019

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1556942518873{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_column_text]Like us on Facebook to pimp your social feed[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”7/12″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Are you thinking of taking the plunge to be a scuba diver?

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Asking a scuba diver about diving is like asking a grandparent about their grandchildren. Be prepared… the response you get could go on for hours, but you’ll always hear the same thing… it’s exhilarating, alluring, addictive and unlike any other experience. =)

If you love the outdoors, the sun, the sea, we highly recommend that you give scuba diving a shot. Diving allows you to venture into a whole new world… kinda like Aladdin gliding on a magic carpet ride over Agrabah. The only difference is that it’s for real! – you’ll be coasting along the reefs discovering and experiencing events that the vast majority of land-locked mammals do not get to experience in their lifetime.

In fact, the ability to breathe continuously with control of your movements underwater is a unique experience in itself. Therefore the risk of drowning is greatly minimized as long as you dive within your training limits.

 

Myth: I’ve got to be a good swimmer to be a diver

Not entirely true. What’s important is your ability to be relaxed above and under water, meaning, be water confident. Remember, scuba diving is a relaxed sport and not a race. Most diving agencies and instructors would incorporate some form of surface exercises to further boost your confidence. So you need not worry too much.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10203″ img_size=”500×271″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Myth: Scuba diving is so dangerous!

We’re not going to sugar coat things as all sports have their inherent dangers. But with proper training and education, risks can be mitigated. Scuba diving is not hazardous compared to some other activities that we do without hesitation like crossing the road. Statistically, scuba diving is safer than driving, riding a bicycle, skydiving, or even running a marathon (it’s true!). Don’t believe us? Read this article.

Remember: Scuba diving is not dangerous as long as the certified diver seeks thorough training from a reputable organization, follow safe diving guidelines, uses proper gear, and dives within her/her experience level.

 

Myth: Snorkeling is just as good as scuba diving

Lol, sure. Don’t get us wrong, we do enjoy the occasional snorkel, floating around the surface peering down at the action below. But just as good? Absolutely not.

Snorkeling is like watching a concert from a mile away up high above at the top of the arena. Whereas scuba diving is getting that stage side pass putting you right in front of the action, minus the crowd. How cool is that? And if you already enjoying snorkeling, that would probably mean you are water confident, why not give scuba diving a go? Once you have taken the leap, you would have wished you done it sooner. You can thank us later. :)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10204″ img_size=”500×375″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]

Myth: You can’t dive if you don’t have friends who dive

Scuba diving is one of those incredible sports that brings people together from all walks of life. If you want to dive, but your friends, family, partner have no interest, don’t worry! You will always find a dive buddy in the scuba diving community. Whenever you meet a fellow scuba diver, there is some kind of unspoken bond that only those involved in scuba diving will understand.

Divers in general love to socialize and share their experiences. And it’s also not surprising to find solo divers traveling around the region hanging around the dive resort as if they’re part of the crew. How amazing is that?

 

Myth: Scuba diving certification is so so so expensive

How do you put a price on an unforgettable, lifelong, enriching experience?  Compared to other sports, getting scuba certified is actually pretty reasonable. And in some cases, it’s even cheaper than getting a driver’s license. In return, you will get an international scuba diving license that allows you to dive anywhere in the world. You will also get an all-access pass to a world of aquatic adventures, get to expand your social network, and not to mention a great new lifestyle that you can brag about at work.

If you are looking for tips to getting cheaper scuba diving courses, check out our previous article here.

 

Right… so why do I need to get a certification to dive?

One word: Safety. Ok, it’s also an industry standard to enhance safety and education. You wouldn’t want to be driving a stick-shift vehicle on a busy highway without prior training and education now would you?

Scuba diving has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 1950’s. Modern day training requirements are strict (but fun), and honestly, it’s not that difficult. It is important to remember that by attending a certified diving course, you will be acquiring all the knowledge you need in order to dive safely. The more education you receive, the more experienced you become, and the more comfortable you will be in the water.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Take baby steps

Scuba diving is a lifelong fulfilling journey, and not an overnight zero to hero qualification. While there are slight variations in training (depending on the dive agencies), there are 3 common elements that the open water course features:

Knowledge development: This portion covers scuba diving theory including the understanding of physics and the effects on one’s physiology. Do not let this scare you, the materials are presented in a straightforward manner so even a 10-year-old can understand (yes, you can start diving as young as the age of 10).

Confined water training: Typically conducted in a swimming pool or an equally calm and shallow area of the open water. This is where you will be introduced to essential scuba diving skills related to your equipment and being underwater, including emergency procedures to ensure your safety. It may be a little daunting at first, but with practice, it will become second nature, just like putting on your favorite pair of sneakers and going for a stroll in the park.

Open water training: This is where the real fun begins. Putting what you have learned to the test in a natural open water environment, and of course under the guidance, supervision, and safety of your instructor. When you pass with flying colors, your enriching scuba diving journey begins – a whole new exciting world awaits you.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”9212″ img_size=”500×375″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]Keen on taking the plunge? Have more queries? Don’t be shy… talk to us today. Unleash the inner explorer in you and let us take you on a new adventure![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]