In the United States of America, there are over 60 thousand scuba divers. It ranks #13 on a list of most popular sports and activities. Some people go diving for fun, some for fishing, and others to explore the underwater world around them. Regardless of the reason, there are certain rules and precautions you must follow. This is especially true if this will be your first time trying it out. This article provides a list for beginners to follow to ensure they have a pleasant experience with scuba diving. By reading the following points, you’ll know what is required and expected from you as a beginner and how to properly prepare yourself for this activity.

Choose the best equipment

Before you get started, it is important to know what type of equipment you will need before scuba diving because it can influence your experience of a dive. There are also many factors to consider such as special needs, cost, and how you will transport the equipment. It is best to go with tried and tested equipment in a dive shop at Salty Endeavors before you start diving. For example masks, snorkels, and diving outfits are must-haves. Your mask should fit snuggly on your face without allowing any water to leak in. The one-size-fits-all masks are not going to work for everyone so you must know what size your face is.

You can have an adjustable strap on the mask so it will be able to fit your head properly. A general rule of thumb is that your mask should be snug and not allow water to leak in. The snorkel should go deep enough into your mouth so you can keep water out while breathing normally. You would not want to get saltwater in your mouth because it could make you sick and damage the tissues inside.

The mask and snorkel should be of good quality and not easily breakable. You will also need a scuba diving outfit. You can choose from dry or wet suits to keep you warm during the dive and the fit mustn’t be too tight because it could restrict your movement. A good rule of thumb when choosing the correct size for a wet suit or dry suit is that you can go up an additional size in case it shrinks after washing.

Be properly hydrated

Another thing you need to remember is the importance of being hydrated. As with any sport, proper hydration can help you recover more quickly from strenuous activities. It will also prevent fatigue when diving underwater so you won’t tire easily after exerting yourself swimming or moving around in scuba gear. Before you jump into the water, remember to drink a glass of water or two. Once you’re underwater, try holding your nose and blowing air out of your nose so that you can feel that bubbles are coming up through your mouth as well as from your nose. This means that your Eustachian tubes have opened up properly and avoided any blockage. If you can’t feel this, spit out some of your water and try again.

Study about breathing apparatus application beforehand

You’ll be able to know how deep you can go and how long you can stay underwater. Having this knowledge will not only keep you safe but can also help you enjoy your scuba diving experience more. When you know how breathing apparatus like the scuba tank works, then you’ll be able to understand more about diving. You’ll also know that there are limits when it comes to diving. This means that you should only go as deep and stay underwater for a certain period.

Do not dive if you are sick

If your ears are clogged up or if you caught a cold, give yourself some time until the symptoms disappear. You can also use some home remedies to help relieve the pressure until you can go diving again. Going underwater while suffering from any type of sickness will only make your condition worse, increasing the risks of having an accident.

Breathing too fast or holding your breath for an extended time will put more stress on your body underwater, which could lead to something worse. If you feel like your breathing is getting too fast and you can’t properly control it anymore, stop what you’re doing and go back to the surface.

Always dive with a buddy

Many accidents happen when divers go solo. Having somebody to watch over you can prevent unnecessary incidents. If there is an emergency, they will be able to help you out of the water. Or if something went wrong in the middle of your dive, they will still be there to bring you back to the surface. Not having somebody to dive with can increase your chances of getting hurt which is why it’s important to always dive with a buddy.

Before attempting to dive, make sure you are in good physical condition. If your body is not prepared for this activity, you might get hurt or have a hard time handling the underwater pressure. Also, do not take this lightly by assuming it won’t be that difficult. Know that scuba diving will require a lot of effort and planning so try it out before going for real.