Things to Keep in Mind for Your First Dive

So, after much thought, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and to learn how to scuba dive. The thought of diving head first into blue waters, however, can make scuba diving for beginners a bit of a nervous and apprehensive experience, as even the prospect of fully seeing an underwater kingdom of colorful corals and cute little rainbow fishes may not quell the fear of adventuring into the deep unknown.
Don’t let all that stop you from tons of potentially life changing fun though. Here’s a handy list of things to remember before any first open water dive — they will not only help you feel more comfortable, but totally ready to master the art of heading towards whatever sea or lake or river that sits nearby. Keep calm and adventure on!
Find a Decent Instructor
This is an absolute must, as the company and instructor you choose to dive with will go on to affect your entire diving experience. First time divers will be entrusting their lives with their teachers, so it is vital to do the necessary research, to read reviews, and to fully get to know who you will be learning from beforehand. The ideal instructor will be one who can handle nerves, put you at ease and make scuba diving for beginners an enjoyable experience.
Just Breathe
If you can do it up on land, you can do it underwater. Inhale, exhale, in and out. Focusing on breathing before and during any dive is one of the best ways to keep calm and to stop minds for wandering to the scary fact that you may be deep in almost 20 meters of murky dark waters filled with strange creatures.
So while breathing underwater may be incredibly wrong — even when it’s possible — remind yourself to just keep breathing. Let your instructor know if you even need a quick minute to catch your breath before the dive. Also, always remember the most important rule of scuba diving: never ever hold your breath!
Don’t be Scared to Ask Questions
There’s no doubt about it — there is a whole lot to learn when scuba diving, so it is more than easy to get overwhelmed. If you find that you are getting confused, don’t miss out on vital information by being afraid to just ask a question.
As they say, knowledge is power, and the better you understand the equipment and techniques involved in any dive, the more confident you will feel. You’ll likely have tons more fun as well!
Check and Double Check all Equipment
Simple as that. Make sure to be donning appropriately sized equipment at all times.
· Mask: Pay extra attention to find a mask that truly fits the face, as the mask is one of the most important pieces of dive equipment out there
· Fins: Also make sure that fins are the right size. Fins that are too tight cause cramps in your feet and legs. Likewise, fins which are too big could fall off during a dive.
· Wetsuit: Make sure your wetsuit fits snug but is not too tight around the neck — though too loose of a wetsuit around the neck will allow water to enter into the wetsuit and causing the diver to feel colder. Always opt to wear an extra layer under the wetsuit.
Practice your Skills First in a Pool or Confined Water
Practice makes perfect. With scuba diving, there is no exception. It is vital to practice all those new skills you’ll be learning in and around a shallow pool or confined water before diving in open water. It’ll make that first dive into the actual deep blue sea so much calmer, cooler, and terrific.
Go with the Flow
One of the best parts of scuba diving is the feelings of weightlessness and freedom of movement received. Swim with the current, because once already under water, it is best to use as little energy as possible. Remember, huge movements mean bigger breaths, which in turn will use up available air and causing the need to surface sooner than needed.
Simply go with the water and make teeny tiny kicks with the feet. Underwater movements, including swimming and arm motions should be slow and controlled. It is always more than fine to move slowly — just as long as the breathing matches the pacing of the movements. A diver who opts for quick movements will actually feel resistance from the water and quickly exhaust themselves.
Scuba Diving for Beginners
Signature Scuba offers some of the most useful and easy to pick up classes in and around the Inland Empire of Southern California. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is fully equipped to teach everything from Scuba Diving to CPR.
Contact us today if you are looking to explore what lies beneath the surface. The open waters await!
