If you are keen to try something new and broaden your horizons then you should consider scuba diving. This fascinating sport will open up a whole new world for you and allow you to interact with a totally new underwater environment.
Who Can Scuba Dive?
As long as you are in good health and have a good level of fitness you will be able to enjoy scuba diving. You may be asked to take a health assessment test before you learn to dive on official courses. This is just a quick check that will ensure you are fit enough to take part in this energetic sport. Scuba diving may not be suitable if you have existing respiratory conditions, heart problems, high blood pressure or are taking certain prescriptions medications.
You can start learning to scuba dive from the age of 10 years and upwards. You will be limited on the depths you can dive until you have reached 18 years old though.
Where to Start
Scuba diving involves breathing underwater using specialist diving gear. You will need to be trained how to use this scuba diving equipment and this means taking a proper course. If you are not sure if you want to learn to dive then a good place to start is with snorkelling.
Snorkelling gear is quite basic and all you will need is a mask, snorkel and some fins. You can try snorkelling out in a pool environment or a sheltered area of shallow open water. Snorkelling is a great way to start as this will get you used to swimming underwater and regulating your breathing.
Discover Diving
If you find you enjoy snorkelling then you could move on to a Discover Diving course. This is an official PADI program that will be offered by diving centres. It provides an introduction to scuba and the associated diving equipment. This course is ideal for families interested in diving as children over the age of 10 can enrol.
The Discover course provides you with basic diving training and will familiarise you with the safe usage of scuba diving equipment. This is a great way to try out scuba diving and see if you like it. Once you have completed the course you will be able to move straight onto the Open Water course if you want to. This will qualify you to dive in entry level open water conditions all around the world.
Scuba Diving Equipment
You will need some basic diving gear to get started in this activity. You can buy scuba gear online and this is a fast and easy way to find what you need. Diving courses will teach you more about scuba diving equipment and the basic requirements are:
Mask
Fins
Scuba Unit
Dive watch/computer
Weights belt
BCD
Wetsuit
Snorkelling gear is a great way to get started with scuba diving . When you have got used to this you can then take a proper course and invest in the scuba diving equipment you need. You can buy scuba gear online and this is a fast way to make sure you have the right diving gear to get started.
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