Myths vs the reality of scuba diving.
Myth No. 1: Diving is too dangerous.
Reality: For an ‘extreme’ sport, scuba diving has an excellent safety record.There are many rules and guidelines to help divers stay within the safe limits. If you follow these guidelines the chances of coming into harm are very small. If your unsure about any of these guidelines information is easily available and the community of divers are always around to help. Once certified, many people dive from a dive shop or club which makes the trip safer as there is more experience and knowledge within the group.
Myth No. 2: You need to live near tropical waters.
Reality: The world we live on is 75% water and you can explore most of it! The amount of dive sites around the globe are countless where you can dive under ice, in fresh water lakes and in the tropics. You just have to make sure you consider the extra equipment requirements including exposure suits or dry suits, anti freeze regulators and so on. In cooler water you generally get good visability where the wildlife is very different to the tropics. In the northern hemisphere there are many wold war wrecks to be discovered in the cooler climates too! On the other hand, if you don’t fancy diving in cold water, its always an excuse to escape to the wonderful tropics for a holiday!
Anemone Fish
Myth No. 3: Diving is too expensive.
Reality: To get certified it is an outright cost; just like getting a drivers license that doesn’t expire. For the training your getting and the opening up of a new world for you to discover it is well worth it. You don’t have to buy your own equipment, for the extra cost and hassle free travel it is very easy to hire equipment when you would like to dive. Depending on which country and the standard of the dive shop depends on the cost of the dive trip.
Myth No. 4: You have to spend lots on equipment.
Reality: Dive equipment is usually a once in a lifetime investment. If you look after your equipment properly, it will last for years. The other option is to hire equipment, easily done most dive shops just add on a small extra cost to hire, but it makes it hassle free for you!
Green Sea Turtle
Myth No. 5: You have to be young and really fit to dive.
Reality: When it comes to fitness and diving, obviously the fitter you are the better. This shouldn’t deter anyone who isn’t an Olympian. As long as you don’t have any diving related medical conditions you should be ok to start your diving adventure! It is advisable to do moderate exercise on a frequent basis however, if your in doubt see a doctor and get a medical done! Easy peasy!
Diving with a Minke Whale
Myth No. 6: Animals in the ocean are dangerous.
Reality: I blame Hollywood for the scary stereotype of our amazing animals underwater. Most people are scared of sharks and big fish but most of them do no harm! Divers often go on dives to find sharks and when we see them its very exciting – not scary. All animals need to be treated with care and respect, as a dive you should understand that we are in their world. Most acts from marine life are defensive or inquisitive so act accordingly!
Myth No. 7: It takes forever to get certified.
Reality: There are many routes towards getting certified. Most open water courses take 4 days, (can be split over many weekends) but they can be changed to cater for you! You can read more about getting certified < here >.
Myth No. 8: Diving theory is hard.
Reality: Most diving theory can be applied practically so if physics is not your speciality it can be made very simple. There are also many resources to help you through your dive theory. Technical diving is a different course so for recreational diving we touch on the basics of theory.
Magnificent Sea Anemone
Myth No. 9: You’ll feel claustrophobic.
Reality: It is understandable that many first time divers think they will feel slightly claustrophobic underwater, when in reality its the opposite – you have the whole open ocean. When you do your open water qualification your instructor is there to help you work through your fears and soon you will realise how relaxing it truly can be. Its does take a little time to get used to, but just be patient!
Myth No. 10: Diving is a stressful, adrenalin fueled sport.
Reality: Recreational diving is mostly quite the opposite. I call diving a form of meditation. It is such a relaxing experience where you can let your mind drift off to the wanders of the underwater world. You can read more about diving for healing/meditation < here >.
Zenobia Wreck Dive
Kelissa Brockett 