Scuba diving is an exciting and adventurous activity that allows you to explore the underwater world and take your first breaths underwater. Whether you’re a beginner or simply interested in exploring this world, we know it can be daunting to know where to start. Here are 10 scuba diving tips to help you get started:
1. Get Certified
Although this may seem like an obvious step, getting certified is important. The Open Water Diver Course (OWDC) will teach you the basics of scuba diving, which includes safety procedures, how to use the equipment, underwater communication, and more. We offer a range of PADI courses but as a beginner, you would most likely be starting with the OWDC.
We would first like to introduce you to the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program. While not a scuba certification course, the DSD is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world. During this, you learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive, while under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. After discussing the basic rules and skills, you will start by practicing these in the pool. Following this you will make an open-water dive, taking your first breaths underwater! Book your DSD with us, and experience this incredible adventure.
If you want to become PADI certified, then the Open Water Diver Course (OWDC) is for you, the world’s most popular and widely recognized scuba course. The PADI OWDC is made up of four main parts: academics, equipment, pool training, and open water training. PADI’s open water diver manual is designed so that you can learn the academics at your own pace when it is convenient for you.
Five chapters cover all of the theory you’ll need to know to prepare yourself for your final exam. You will not only learn how to use your basic scuba gear, but at the end of your course, you will be able to assemble and disassemble your scuba equipment properly and understand the importance of the equipment. You will get hands-on training and practice skills such as equalizing, clearing your mask, sharing air, and much more. After you’ve become comfortable with the skills, get ready to experience everything with the freedom of open water. Experience the reefs of Bonaire while you learn to scuba dive. The PADI Open Water Diver certification is recognized worldwide so your diving experiences will be limitless! Book your OWDC with us!
We promise that whether you’re with us for a DSD or your PADI OWDC (or anything else), you’re in good hands.
2. Choose the right gear
The gear must fit you well, while still being comfortable. This includes: a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), regulator, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. Beyond the Corals has all equipment necessary to dive (and more) available for rental and also has various diving materials to be purchased (which could be useful if you plan to dive regularly after certification!). Our staff is happy to assist you in finding the right size gear for you.
3. Stay calm
We know scuba diving can be somewhat intimidating at first, however, it is still important to stay calm and relaxed underwater. As mentioned, the DSD and OWDC both start in the pool. This should give you the chance to feel comfortable in your gear as well as learn and practice skills. Therefore, once we take you into the ocean, you should already feel more confident in your abilities. Remember, your instructor will always be close by if you need help. If you do end up feeling anxious or uncomfortable while on your dive, take a moment to relax and breathe, and let your instructor know if you need help.
4. Breathe normally
During your DSD or OWDC, you will hear this enough, it is very important to continue breathing normally and avoid holding your breath. It’s one of the first rules you will learn, as it otherwise could be harmful to your lungs. The reason why will be explained to you during the course.
5. Equalize your ears
Another point you will be made aware of continuously throughout your course with us is to equalize your ears. As you descend, the pressure in your ears will increase, and to relieve this you need to equalize to the surrounding pressure. The most common way divers do this is by gently blowing out against pinched nostrils. Our instructors will be there to guide you throughout and teach you more tips and tricks in regards to the equalizing process.
6. Stay hydrated
It’s important to drink plenty of water before and after you go diving. The air in your tank is dry and you lose more fluid to humidify this dry air. Not only this, but if you are dehydrated, you are more likely to get muscle cramping, feel fatigued, or have an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Dehydration can also increase the risk of decompression sickness. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you more, so it is smart to avoid these before a dive.
7. Control your buoyancy
Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You will learn how to control your buoyancy during your OWDC. However, if you wanted to dedicate more time to buoyancy control, the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty is for you. This improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level. By the end of it, you’ll learn how to: streamline and save energy, use air more efficiently and move more smoothly through the water, hover effortlessly in any position, and you will have determined the exact weight you need. Look into our Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty if you’re Open Water certified and looking to perfect your buoyancy!
8. Respect marine life/environment
Scuba diving allows you to step into the underwater world and explore its surroundings. It’s very important to respect the environment as well as marine life and avoid damaging it in any way. Therefore, do not touch or disturb anything underwater.
9. Always dive with a buddy
Whether a newly certified diver or one with much experience, scuba diving is much safer when you dive with a buddy. They are an extra pair of eyes and hands. In the water, they can help remind you of the planned dive route/depth, as well as air checks throughout. They are the ones who can help in difficult situations, ranging from leg cramps to emergencies such as running out of air. Divers Paradise has so much to offer, why not share these amazing sights with someone else, they might even catch something you’ve missed!
10. Have fun!
Scuba diving is a fun and exciting activity allowing you to explore a whole new part of the world. Although you should ensure you are safe and responsible, make sure you also enjoy yourself. Take your time taking in the underwater world and enjoy everything around you! Trust us, there is so much to see.
Scuba diving is an exciting new experience, allowing you to explore environments you otherwise would have never gotten the chance to. It’s important to take it seriously, follow safety procedures and listen to your instructor. With these tips for beginners and our instructors eager to get you certified, you can start your diving journey confidently and prepared. Although there are many more tips we could write, we don’t want to spoil everything you would learn during your DSD or OWDC! If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the courses we offer get in touch with us.