Scuba Tips
Here are some tips from Ron, an instructor at Going Under Dive Center who has been teaching Scuba for the past twenty years and diving for thirty years. These tips will help you enjoy your first experiences underwater and guarantee your completion of the training. Take a couple minutes to read and you will enjoy a lifetime of adventure scuba diving.
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The one biggest myth of diving is that "It's easy, anyone can do it". While part of this is true, unfortunately this statement discourages many people who have difficulties that they feel are insurmountable such as clearing their ears, or breathing underwater. These people do not think it is easy at all! If we approached the subject of diving with "You can learn to dive if you are patient and take the time necessary to be comfortable" we would better represent the sport of scuba diving. We live in a fast paced society that wants the short, easy and least expensive route to everything.
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Consider the options for scuba lessons; Private Lessons, Small Group, and Large Budget Classes. Now decide if you should you take your chances on a quick budget class or one that guarantees your success.....I suggest the class that makes your dreams come true.
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The biggest misunderstanding of all divers is of pressure and equalizing their ears. Too many people, even certified divers, think that depth is relative to an ear injury/discomfort. The reality is that it is more likely that you will injure your ears in the first few feet of diving than diving to 130 feet or deeper. The second biggest misunderstanding is that injury/discomfort occurs on descent, when the occurrence is just as likely to be caused by the ascent to the surface. You must realize that pressure that goes into the ear space has to come out, and if you applied even a little force to get the ears to equalize on descent it will take effort to get the air out of the ear spaces.
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Airplane flights to diving resorts and vacation spots create much of the problem before you even get in the water. Do you recall any feeling of popping during the flight, even the smallest discomfort? If you start the vacation with even the slightest ear discomfort it will only be compounded. It is easy to solve, ask your doctor.
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All divers experience pressure change in their ears while diving. It is vital for you to understand that you may experience difficulty and some discomfort in your ears, during your training. This is not unusual, and certainly not unique to diving. Be patient and take your time! With very, very few exceptions everyone can learn to equalize while diving. The trick is to descend at a controlled slow rate, be patient and relaxed, use any equalizing technique that works for you personally, and understand that one "blanket technique" will not work for everyone. This is one of the most important reasons to learn from a professional instructor who knows how to teach correct diving techniques.
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Relax....Diving can be so soothing if you "stop and smell the coral" (take your time). So float, look around, breath slowly. It is a shame that people try so hard to relax and find that they work themselves into a frenzy. You do not need to be in a hurry underwater. If you do relax you will find that your breathing will be slower and more regular which means more time underwater. A relaxed divers body is also not tense, this means easier equalization of the ears.
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Take your time to enjoy your training . Your instructor is a friend who wants to see you succeed. After you complete your home study academics, they are here for you to answer any questions you have, plus a wealth of additional information. Now slow down and take your time in the pool. You may be scheduled for only 2 or3 sessions, however the more time you spend practicing in the pool, the more you will enjoy your open water dives. Here is the best part, you don't pay anything for extra practice before your open water dives! Take advantage of this great deal and come back for more water time.
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Open water dives are only practicing the same skills that you have demonstrated in the pool, but in a real open water environment- lake or ocean. If you take heed of the above advice, you will have plenty of practice in the pool and all you have to do is go diving with your instructor and have fun.
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Use good equipment that fits you well. Having a mask that fits you correctly can greatly reduce the opportunity for leakage. Proper fitting fins will allow you to move effortlessly and not cause foot cramps. The BCD vest holds your cylinder and allows you to adjust your trim in the water, if it fits correctly you will hardly know that you are wearing a tank at all. Breathing is important, so your regulator should be chosen for effortless use and a comfortable fit. Like any activity be it golf, or skiing having your own gear that is personally fit will make the difference in your enjoyment of the sport. We also offer you the best rebate ( free scuba lessons pt 1 ) if you purchase a personally fit system to train with - you cannot lose. If you decide to rent, be aware and do not accept shoddy rental gear. We can guarantee that you will not find newer or higher quality rental gear that what we provide during your training.
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Once you are certified, take it very slow at first. There is a whole world of exciting diving from coral reefs in the Caribbean to shipwrecks in Lake Superior. Remember your instructor is a scuba fanatic, guess what they do on their days off? Yes, they go diving, and yes they invite you to hang out and dive with them just for fun. Diving with good divers will provide good examples to follow, plus your instructor can also offer additional skills in peak buoyancy, photography.....fun stuff.
These are only a few of the things I have learned in 30 years and 4000+ dives. Please take the time to ask your instructor about more hints and suggestions. We want you to have as much fun as we do everyday, diving!
BE HAPPY, BLOW BUBBLES!
Please contact the store for upcoming class times and dates, Part I and Part II or call to schedule a private course 763-424-8717.
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