Scuba Diving For Beginners: Your Gateway To The Underwater World

If you’ve ever traveled, you know the liberation that comes from exploring unique environments. This sense of adventure can be applied to scuba diving, too. Everyone, even veteran divers, has to learn both in the classroom and in the water. Thankfully, Gangga Divers uses the PADI eLearning system to allow you to complete this knowledge development online.

Equipment

Scuba diving isn’t cheap but the good news is that you don’t have to buy all your gear at the start; many dive centers will rent out equipment so that you can try it before buying. It’s also important to get a mask and snorkel that fit well. You should also look into whether to opt for heel strap fins with boots or just regular paddle fins; it’s worth doing some research here too. You’ll also learn how to use a buoyancy device (or BC); this is what will help you rise and fall. This is a vital piece of kit, as too much of a sudden ascent can lead to decompression sickness, which isn’t nice! You’ll also learn how to use scuba air tanks and a dive computer. This is a great investment, as it will take all the calculations off your hands and allow you to dive safer; it's definitely worth investing in a decent, beginner-friendly one like this from Suunto.

Training

Scuba diving is a safe, relaxing and exciting activity. But it requires training and practice to become fully certified. A professional dive instructor will teach you how to properly use equipment, plan a dive and respond in an emergency. Most scuba certification courses start with knowledge development, which can be completed at home on Gangga Divers PADI eLearning or in a classroom with an instructor. Some dive centers also offer traditional books and class sessions. After completing knowledge development, your instructor will take you into the water to make confined and open water dives. The confined dives will give you the chance to practice skills in an indoor pool or a small section of the ocean, while the open-water dives will allow you to dive with your instructor by your side. Choose a course that offers enough time for in-water training so you can learn, practice, and reliably ingrain your skills. A fast-track course will likely leave you with weaker skills and less confidence after your certification.

Practice

Learn to scuba dive safely by practicing in and out of water. This takes time and mistakes, but the more you practice, the safer your dives will be. In addition to practicing diving skills, you will need to acclimate to the underwater environment. This can be a difficult adjustment for first-time divers, as the ocean’s fullness is unlike anything you have ever experienced before. It can also be a bit intimidating to be weightless while gliding through beautiful seascapes and exploring marine life that is in a constant state of flux. Many dive centers and schools offer online learning options for scuba certification, while others still use the traditional method of knowledge development with scheduled classroom sessions. Regardless of the learning style you prefer, you should consider a private class if possible, as this will allow you to tackle new skills without having to worry about strangers in close proximity.

Safety

During your initial lessons in the water, you’ll practice various diving skills until they become second nature. This helps to build your confidence and ensure that you can handle any dive situation safely. Maintaining physical fitness is also crucial, as scuba diving can be physically challenging. Stay within several meters of your diving buddy to minimize risk and increase your safety in the event of an out-of-air emergency. Keeping your eyes and ears open to your environment is also essential to avoiding any accidents. Avoid any marine creatures that have the potential to bite. Touching marine life is not recommended, as certain species secrete protective mucus that can be disrupted when touched. In addition, it is important to follow the 'rule of thirds', which states that you should use one third of your air for diving, a third for ascent, and the remainder in reserve. This will help you reduce the risk of decompression sickness and maximize your diving enjoyment.