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| Learning to Scuba Dive
An Introduction to Scuba Diving
You don't know if it was
that trip to the Cayman Islands or the pictures your friends brought back from
their SCUBA trip to the Bahamas that put you over the edge, but you’ve finally
decided to learn how to SCUBA. The only problem is that there are so many institutions,
schools and classes out there that you might easily get confused. Learning to
SCUBA dive is almost like learning to fly.
There are good and bad schools
with different equipment, various instruction institutions and all kinds of instructors
and gear to choose from. Also, there are students who rapidly master the skills
required to be certified as a SCUBA diver and those who struggle a bit to learn
those same skills. But, all in all, beginner divers won’t leave their classes
ready to tackle a deep wreck dive on NITROX with strong current.
Anyone between 12 to 80 years old can learn to dive.
All you need
is a little bit of self-determination and good health with a minimum fitness level.
All schools are required to obtain a clean bill of health by the students from
their doctors in order to be allowed to enroll in a SCUBA class. It is a preventive
measure to detect any signs of trouble that might be dangerous or even deadly
below water. From the beginning, understand that you can not learn to SCUBA with
that friend that "has been scuba diving for years." Even though accidents
with SCUBA divers are rare, it is an activity that can be potentially dangerous
and deadly for yourself and to those around you. Knowing how to dive is very different
from knowing how to teach someone to dive plus knowing how to react during an
emergency.
Ah, the Open Water Class - the first step and first contact
of most people to SCUBA diving. Usually after a few class sessions and a few pool
sessions, you are ready for your open water skill test with your instructors.
In the Open Water Class, you will learn the basics of SCUBA diving from setting
up your dive equipment to how to react and solve basic emergencies under water.
You will also learn basic SCUBA terms such as decompression, narc and safety stop.
At the end of the class, you will be rewarded and certified to dive in open water
up to 60ft.
The hardest part isn't taking the course. It’s choosing the
right school for you. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of places
that offer the Open Water course. In Los Angeles alone, there are over 50 businesses
that offer it, without counting instructors who teach classes outside of their
regular jobs. Also, there are different certifications: NAUI, PADI, PDIC, etc.
What do they all mean? They all belong to the Recreational Scuba Training Council
(RSTC), the association responsible for setting the minimum requirement for diving
safety in the United States. So, choosing a business or instructor that is an
affiliate of any of these organizations is definitely a must.
Where
is a good place to learn SCUBA?
Well, keep in mind these few factors:
size of classes, training equipment, type of pool and location of the open water
skill test. Take all these factors into consideration when choosing the right
place for you to learn SCUBA. After all, money is not the main factor when you
encounter an emergency under water, knowledge is.
Most of the places
will require that you have the minimum set of equipment, such as a mask, snorkel,
fins, and knife. When buying these items, keep in mind that they do tend to last
for a while so purchase something that you see yourself using in regular bases
and not something that is cheap. Not that you can not buy good equipment at low
prices, but most people tend to think that they can just use any old equipment
during the class and purchase something they really like afterwards. My feeling
about this is not to do that. One of the purposes of the Open Water Class is to
familiarize yourself with your own equipment so you know how to react or solve
any problems with them while on a dive. You can’t accomplish that by discarding
the equipment you have used in the class right away. This is your basic equipment,
so comfort is fairly important.
You don't want to use a fin that is one
size smaller than your feet, or you will risk cramps. A mask that doesn't fit
you can leak. And so on. The rest of the equipment you can buy later. Those require
a substantially greater amount of investment and you might want to try different
equipment and choose the right one for yourself.
During the classes,
learn as much as you can. Don't hesitate to ask questions as they might save you
one day. Knowing the correct ascent rate or the correct procedure for air sharing
might prove important on a dive. Practice the skills you have read or learned
in class during your pool sessions. Practice makes perfection. Don't let yourself
be discouraged or mad if you are not picking up the skills as fast as your friend
or colleague. Go at your own pace. The Open Water Class is not a competition.
On your final Open Water test, ask your instructor for any last minute advice
or simply ask him if what you are doing is right. Most instructors like hearing
from you and helping you in whatever way he or she can.
You’ve gone through
the class and proudly carry your Open Water C-Card with you. Now what? Well, more
than likely your Open Water instructor did not teach you everything you should
know about SCUBA diving. Nor have you mastered all the skills you were taught.
Now, it is time for real practice. On your first dives, keep in mind everything
that has been said earlier. You are a new diver, you might be a bit anxious, but
it’s normal. After all it is an exciting sport. Just stay calm and rely on your
knowledge and skills you have learned in your class. Don't be afraid of asking
for help at a dive site. Most divers will gladly help you and share with you their
thoughts on that particular dive spot. After your Open Water certification, you
might want to move to the Advance Diver class or even go on to Rescue Diver or
Divemaster. You can never have too much knowledge while SCUBA diving, it will
only make you a better and safer diver. So go ahead, read some books, participate
in dive programs or talk to the guys at your local dive store.
SCUBA
diving is a fascinating activity, where you can meet nice people and at the same
time, open the door to a whole different world that you were not aware of. If
you are not a SCUBA diver yet, I strongly recommend it. Go ahead, and have some
fun. Be safe out there and enjoy your dives.
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