If you have never gone scuba diving before, then it can seem like a strange and scary sort of activity. This is usually only because you have some unanswered questions about this exciting activity that you have felt shy about asking. That’s why we are going to be answering some of the most commonly asked questions about scuba diving to hopefully put your mind at ease about trying scuba diving for the very first time!
How Can I Learn to Scuba Dive?
There are a number of different ways that you can learn how to scuba dive. The recommended path is to become PADI certified. This will give you all of the knowledge and practical experience that you will need to go scuba diving safely. You can do this ahead of time with a local PADI instructor – some swimming pools offer the course or you can wait until you are going on holiday and get instruction while you are there in order to participate in dive tours. We would recommend that you contact LOS Hawaii if you are considering this particular option.
How Long Does Getting Certified Take?
Getting PADI certified seems like a lot of hard work and effort, right? Who has time for that! Well, actually – you do! Getting certified need not take as long as you think. The PADI Open Water Diver course is designed to very flexible and is performance based, so you can progress fairly quickly. If you do the theory work in advance using the PADI eLearning materials then you can complete the practical dives in 3 or 4 days. Most dive shops in vacation spots like Hawaii have fast track certification programs that can be completed in the first few days allowing you to spend more time diving towards the end of your stay.
What Sort of Gear Will I Need?
There is a great deal of gear associated with scuba diving, but as a beginner you really do not need to worry about rushing out and purchasing it all! Dive shops will loan you what you need. If you really want to start using your own gear then get the basics first – a mask, a snorkel and your fins. Later on you can add items like a scuba tank, wetsuit, and weight system and so on! It can get expensive, so shop around and just build up your kit gradually.
Do I Need To Be Able To Swim?
One of the most common concerns that people seem to have when it comes to scuba diving is regarding their swimming ability. So, do you need to be able to swim in order to go scuba diving? The answer is yes, you do. However, you do not need to be super experienced. As long as you have basic swimming ability then you are good to go. Different dive shops will have their own rules, but as a general rule of thumb if you can swim 200 metres and can float and/or tread water for about 10 minutes then you have enough skill to scuba dive safely.
Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?
When you go scuba diving you are of course at risk from injury. However, the same can be said for any sort of sport! In all honesty, if you have done the training and you listen to your guide/ instructor then your biggest risks are likely to be sunburn and dehydration both of which are preventable. Other common injuries are scrapes and minor stings, but your wetsuit should protect against those for the most part!
What If I Run Out of Air?
Don’t worry – you won’t! This is a huge fear that some new scuba divers have, but you will be trained to check your air gauge regularly and you are highly unlikely to ever run out. Dive tours will give you more air than you need for the length of the dive. In the event that you did run out for whatever reason, you would be able to share a tank with your dive partner in order to resurface by using an extra mouthpiece – something every diver carries!