Going Scuba Diving for the First Time? Here Are Some Tips You Must Keep in Mind

Scuba diving is a thrilling method of experiencing the underwater world, as it provides the opportunity to observe colorful marine organisms and fantastic scenery that few people have the opportunity to observe. However, when you first go there, it is a bit overwhelming.

It can be a life-changing experience to scuba dive first time. A few basic things to remember when going in there can help you make the most of your stay and can even help keep you safe in the process.

Check out these tips to prepare yourself for your underwater adventure –

1. Choose the Right Dive School

The school of diving that you attend will have a significant effect on your first experience with diving. You need to find a good, reputable dive instructor who has been rated by certified instructors, preferably a school that has good reviews and has worked with beginners. You will be taken through each stage of your diving by certified instructors who will make sure that you are comfortable and ready to take the plunge.

2. Get Familiar with the Equipment

There is certain equipment used in scuba diving, and understanding how it functions will make you feel safe in the water. You should also take some time with the instructor to learn all the equipment involved, including your mask and your buoyancy control device (BCD). Know how to verify the functionality of the gear, in particular, your breathing regulator. Get used to breathing using a regulator first in shallow water or at the pool so that you can be comfortable in open water.

3. Practice Breathing Techniques

It may seem unnatural to breathe underwater in the beginning, but you can fix this by paying attention to slow and deep breathing. It is important in scuba diving to breathe properly as this makes you calm, conserves air, and also increases your diving period. You should not hold your breath because it may cause problems such as lung swelling. You should instead breathe slowly and evenly through your mouth using the regulator.

4. Equalize Your Ears Frequently

When you submerge, the pressure builds up, and it may cause pain in your ears. You can prevent pain or possible injury by practicing to equalize your ears often. The simplest trick is to pinch your nose, which is slightly near the mouth, and then blow. The most important thing to remember when descending is to equalize every couple of feet, as neglecting ear pressure may cause severe pain and even injury. 

5. Maintain a Good Buoyancy

Neutral buoyancy enables you to fly in water without any effort. Good buoyancy control makes your experience much better, consuming less energy and causing no damage to coral and marine creatures. Together with your instructor, begin working on your weights and fine-tuning your buoyancy with the use of the BCD. A beginner may need to experiment a couple of times before he or she gets the correct balance, but with practice, you will be gliding on the water with ease.

6. Respect the Marine Environment

The underwater environment is sensitive and, more importantly, you admire it as you swim. Never touch or disturb marine life, and be cautious of your fins and equipment to avoid breaking coral reefs or stirring up sand. Simple steps, such as avoiding holding onto coral or feeding fish, can conserve marine ecosystems so that they can be enjoyed by the visiting diver.