I’m sure we’ve all had the chance to hear about it from an adventurous friend or read about it in social media – scuba diving is taking Australia by storm. It seems to me that nowadays every young and wild-at-heart individual wants to explore our country’s mysterious underwater worlds and see for themselves what the fuss is all about. Those who have finished their scuba diving training know that the whole learning experience can be rather intimidating and overwhelming, which is why I decided to gather some useful pieces of advice to help beginners master the art of scuba diving more easily. All right, let’s get started.
1. Don’t Rent, Buy.
If you truly want to commit to this unique activity, you should definitely choose to have your own scuba diving gear instead of renting all the items you need. Buying a comfortable exposure suit, a durable mask, a snorkel, and a scuba unit (a scuba unit consists of a tank, a regulator, and a buoyancy control device) as four of the most important items of scuba diving gear is a wonderful way to prove to yourself that you are serious and you can do it. Plus, you’ll dive peacefully knowing that the gear you’re wearing is clean. Hygiene enthusiasts know what I’m talking about.
2. Check Your Dive Equipment Before you Immerse in the Ocean.
Better safe than sorry, remember? Every time you and your instructor plan to go for a dive, make sure your scuba diving gear is in good condition before you actually enter the water. Inspecting each and every item of your equipment is immensely important because, let’s face it, we’re not sea creatures. Some warning signs of faulty gear are broken buckles, air leaks, and odd smelling/tasting air.
3. Don’t Dive With an Underwater Camera.
Every new scuba diver wants to capture the wonders they encounter while underwater. However, photographing can be really distracting, often causing beginning divers to ascend without realizing.
4. Stay Close to Your Guide/instructor and Don’t be Ashamed to Ask Them Questions.
When underwater, make sure not to lose sight of your instructor no matter what the rest of the group chooses to do. Once your diving session ends, ask your instructor about everything that troubles or confuses you. That’s how you’ll learn and improve your performance.
5. Keep a Record of Your Underwater Experiences.
Writing down all the significant details about your dives (your weighting, gas consumption, and gear) is extremely helpful for planning your next dive, getting your weighting right, and servicing your equipment on time.
