Recreational scuba diving has been a favorite among outdoor adventure seekers for years and it continues to be one of the most unique and interesting leisure time activities. In fact, the activity has become so popular that currently there are more than 10 million certified divers in the US alone. But, some people claim it to be a fussy activity with all the equipment and training required.
Therefore, they often end up disobeying the safety regulations and end up in a scuba diving accident. It is true that handling the equipment can get difficult at times, but at the end of the day it is always worth the effort. Regardless, if you want to avoid a scuba diving accident, it is imperative that you prepare well for this year’s diving season. So, make sure to follow these important tips provided by professionals:
Get Your Body in Diving Shape
Different sports and activities make specific demands of your body, so it pays to know which muscles you will need when diving and how to get them stronger long before you leave home. Not to mention, as with any recreational activity, fitness is imperative. Therefore, since diving requires good cardiovascular health and strength conditioning, it is important that you get your body in scuba diving shape beforehand.
This means you have to perform numerous exercises to increase overall body strength, so that carrying equipment from the shore or to a dive boat won’t be a problem. Additionally, this also means you have to improve your cardiovascular health, which in turn will allow your body to stay underwater for extended periods of time, thus providing an optimal underwater experience.
If you feel your body isn’t exactly in top scuba shape, you can consider contact a PADI dive center. This is because the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) has recently launched a new training program that helps beginner divers emphasize and work on their fitness. The program stresses on training, nutrition, and preparation required for diving.
Get Your Equipment in Scuba Shape
As you would know, scuba diving is somewhat of an equipment-intensive activity. This means that without the equipment, it is next to impossible to even go underwater, let alone enjoy the experience. Therefore, when it comes to preparing for this year’s scuba diving season, it is important to get your equipment ready and in top shape.
Keep in mind that you can’t just use the same equipment which was lying in storage the whole winter. If you attempt to get the equipment in the water right away during the summer or spring, the consequences could be dangerous. Therefore, similar to any other activity, make sure to have your equipment checked and serviced before the diving season.
Besides, these checks are inexpensive and it won’t take you too much time to get them done, so why risk all for a few dollars? Therefore, before going scuba diving, it is recommended to have your equipment checked. Scuba diving equipment include wetsuits (for protection of the skin) oxygen tank (to provide oxygen for breathing) and dive masks (for protection of the nose, eyes, and ears).
Get Your Mind Ready for the Dive
Of course, being physically prepared for scuba diving is important, but if you are really looking to enjoy the underwater experience, you have to be mentally prepared as well. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the diving site, such as the exit and entry points, visibility, tide, depth and terrain and all the safety regulations. Additionally, also make sure to look at the weather forecast.
This way, you will know exactly what to expect during your dive and the things you need to look out for. If you are going with a group, make sure each and every member is aware of their duties and responsibilities. Not to mention, you should also create a communication signal to warn other divers of potential risks in a certain spot.
Keep in mind that if you aren’t ready mentally, there can be complications. You may not be able to use or assemble the equipment correctly and may even panic underwater. To prevent this, it is advised that you keep training yourself and evaluating your diving skills. Additionally, if you haven’t been underwater for some time, refresh your skills beforehand.
So, now that you are familiar with the tips mentioned above, preparing yourself for this year’s diving season won’t be a problem. However, if you still face any issues, consider contacting a diving instructor to gain information regarding new diving sites and what skills are required to enjoy a scuba diving experience that you will remember for years to come.
