Are you a beginner scuba diver? Instead of feeling nervous, you can be 100% confident! The key – dive with a qualified instructor that can guide you through the first dive experience.
By working with a professional instructor, all of your questions will be answered and your fears set aside. To scuba dive, you want to be in good physical condition and use the right equipment for your body and skill level. If you feel afraid to take your first dive, consider scheduling time with a diving instructor to talk about your specific fears. Many times, just being educated is enough to overcome anxiety. In other words, the greatest fear is the fear of the unknown. Therefore, learn all you can about diving so you are not diving blindly but with valuable information to rely on.
This multifaceted sport is something most people can enjoy. As a beginner, you first need to learn the “Five W’s” of diving, which include who, what, where, when, and why.
For “who”, remind yourself that this activity knows no boundaries when it comes to gender, race, color, familial status, national origin, or disability. While there are some limitations regarding age, and restrictions on certain health issues, scuba diving is something that most people can experience. To become a certified Open Water Diver, you would need to be a minimum of 15 years old but for children between the ages of 10 through 14, they can become certified as a Junior Open Water Diver, upgrading at the age of 15.
Next is “what”, which relates to the fascinating world below the sea. With scuba diving, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to explore different aspects of the underwater world, learning about hundreds of fish species, exploring plants, and corals, and seeing colors, shapes, and textures never before imaginable.
For “where”, you will have the opportunity to dive in the ocean, lakes, rivers, waterways, springs, quarries, minds, missile silos, caves, shipwrecks, and abandoned oil rigs.
The “when” is the time of year when you can dive. Although most people dive in warm weather, you can dive in colder water, as long as you wear the appropriate gear and are specially trained for cold water diving.
Finally, the last of the “Five W’s” is “why”. Although each person dives for his or her own reason, most people dive because it is exciting and fun. Some divers will dive because they love the color and life found under the water, some dive because they support a healthy ecosystem, and other people dive simply to become better divers. No matter the reason, everyone agrees that scuba diving is something to try, at least once. Chances are you will be hooked, eager to dive again and again!