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How to scuba dive? Read this ultimate guide for scuba diving

Scuba Diving

If you want to learn a little bit more before you hit the water then this post has you covered.

Scuba diving gives you the opportunity to dive with marine creatures, encountering animals like sea turtles and even sharks depending on where you are snorkelling. Additionally, you will be able to see coral reefs up close and personal; there is truly no other sport like scuba diving.

Contrary to common belief you do not need special skills to go snorkelling, you just need to be a competent and confident swimmer. Your instructor will tell you everything you need to know on the day of your trip. If you want to learn a little bit more before you hit the water then this post has you covered.

Swimming lessons
In order to scuba dive, you must be able to swim. There is absolutely no way that you will be able to achieve success snorkelling until you are a confident swimmer. Fortunately, swimming is not as challenging to learn as many people make it out to be. Most public swimming pools hold classes. The vast majority of these classes are free to attend. Take lessons even if you can just about swim but are not confident in the water.

Qualified instructor
Once you have taken swimming classes or if you are already a confident swimmer, you can begin looking for a scuba diving instructor to learn from. Unless you live in a landlocked state, finding a snorkelling instructor should not be too tricky. If you are in a landlocked state or do not have easy access to the ocean, you might be able to find an instructor who takes people diving in lakes. Ideally, though, you should find an instructor who can take you out to sea so you get real scuba experiences.

Buying equipment
Equipment is the most expensive part of taking up scuba diving. If you are going to be pursuing it as a hobby then you will need your own gear. The TUSA TM-5700 Liberator Plus Mask is one of the best scuba masks on the market today. Another worth looking into is the Cressi Nano Mask. While most scuba instructors will provide students with equipment, used equipment is not sanitary. Turning up with your own gear will show your teacher that you are committed, determined, and truly passionate about scuba diving. It will also save you money since more often than not scuba instructors charge for equipment rental.

Boat investment
When learning to scuba dive you will have access to your instructor’s boat and even their equipment should you choose not to buy your own. However, as you become more skilled you will no doubt want to go out on your own. When you reach the stage where you are able to go out scuba diving independently a boat will come in handy. You do not need a large boat or even a powerful one. It is theoretically possible to use a rowing boat to get you far enough out to sea to go snorkelling.

Tropical vacations
Most snorkellers are not enthusiasts. The vast majority just look at it as a fun day out or a one-time activity. Because of how popular it is with families and people who’re interested in trying scuba diving, most holiday resorts have snorkelling classes and facilities available. While some parts of America, like Florida for example, are fantastic for snorkelling, others are not. In places like the Caribbean however, there are some fantastic scuba diving locations. Going away on vacation to a tropical island is a great way to have fun scuba diving and even take classes.

Ocean exploration
Most of the ocean is unexplored. Scientists say humans have only investigated 80% of the world’s oceans. Owning your own boat and scuba diving equipment will mean you are able to go out and explore, anywhere in the world. If you intend on going scuba diving in tropical or foreign waters, sharks pose a threat to you. It is essential that you take classes with an instructor who knows about shark safety. Behaving the wrong way can make you a target to predatory fish. Sharks are not the only thing you need to worry about either, some parts of the world have poisonous fish that can kill you with a single string.

Teaching others
Once you have got a little experience scuba diving you could teach others. Teaching people to snorkel is a fantastic way of making some money on the side. A cost of living crisis sweeping the globe right now, so there has never been a better time to find a side hustle. Snorkel classes are only really profitable in the summer or if you live in a warm state, again, like Florida. You may need to get licensed as a snorkel instructor in order to teach others, depending on where you live in the United States.

Considering costs
The costs of scuba diving equipment vary depending on the quality of the gear that individuals pick up. You can save yourself money by buying your gear second-hand, using e-commerce sites like eBay and Amazon. When buying second-hand equipment it is important that you check purchases over thoroughly before taking them out and using them. If you are new to scuba diving then you might want to bring your gear to your instructor and ask them to tell you whether or not it is safe to use. Only buy from highly rated, vetted sellers. A seller’s star rating should be immediately visible on their profile. Never shop on unpopular or little-known e-commerce sites.

Following instructions
Most beginners will have to take three or four classes before they are safe enough to go out on their own. Some people require even more than three or four classes, however. Do not put a limit on the number of classes you plan on taking. Take as many as you need, regardless of cost. Scuba diving has the potential to be very dangerous if you attempt it and are not confident underwater. When you first start going out alone make sure you go with other people just in case you get into trouble. A good way of keeping yourself out of trouble on diving trips is to go with other experienced divers.

Snorkelling is an exercise many regard as exclusive or obscenely expensive but it is neither. Anybody can go snorkelling, as long as they are confident swimmers and have access to large bodies of water or the open ocean. In order to take it up lessons must be taken. Other than that, not much is required of you. You can buy your own equipment or you can rent it from your instructor. For the reasons specified above, buying your own equipment is advised.

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