Learn to Dive Tips Every New Diver Should Know

learn to dive

Diving can be an exhilarating and mind-expanding way to explore the world just beneath the ocean’s surface. However, whether or not you’ve earned a license to go diving, there are still more lessons to learn. Here are just a few things you want to keep in mind.

Listen to your diving instructor above all else

No matter how experienced you might be, remember that your diving instructor is there to help you have a safe dive, first and foremost. If you’re taking learn to dive courses, then you should be certain to pay the utmost attention to what they are saying.

Think as a member of a team

In most cases, diving is going to be done alone, and most instructors would recommend you don’t do it alone. In these cases, every diver is going to have their own responsibilities for the rest of the team, whether it’s carrying safety equipment, emergency breathing gas, and entering, exiting, and navigating dive sites. You have to keep your responsibilities for the team in mind, know where your teammates are, and pay attention to signs that they might want to surface or may need assistance.

Don’t bring too many distractions

We know that when you go diving, it’s natural to want to save some memories of your experiences and to look back fondly on them. However, as a new diver, it’s recommended you try and eliminate distractions from the dive as much as possible so you can focus on the dive itself, and doing it safely as you can. For that reason, you might want to reconsider whether your focus should be on underwater photography. When you’re more experienced and confident, perhaps then you can flash a picture or two.

Don’t think with your hands

Like many physical activities, a lot of diving is down to muscle memory. However, it’s important to keep those lessons in mind so that you’re able to remember them when you’re out in the waters, as well. At your learn to dive courses, you will learn the best diving form for navigating the waters but one thing you should always keep in mind is that swimming your hands is not as effective underwater as it is on the surface. Those big fins on your feet are there to add all the propulsion you need while using as little energy as possible. Swimming with your hands makes you tired, which can affect both your breath and buoyancy.

Call a dive as soon as you feel like it

You or the people diving with you can call the dive as soon as they want for any reason whatsoever. If you’re tired, scared, feeling physical pressure or pain, make sure that you know you can call the dive and, if you need assistance, make sure your team can help you. Talk with the other people diving with you to make sure that everyone is crystal clear on the fact they can stop the dive whenever they need to and will get help doing so if it’s necessary.

Consider some strength training

The water might be helping you fight against the forces of gravity some, but don’t underestimate just how heavy you diving equip can be. We can be talking up to 50lbs of equipment on a regular basis. In order to avoid musculoskeletal injuries before you even get in the water, it’s a good idea to consider what your fitness levels are and, if you plan on making a hobby of diving, consider strength training to get you used to carrying that load on a regular basis. Careful footing when you’re standing on deck or land is vital for preventing injury, too.

Ask any questions that you need to

There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to diving. So long as it helps you be safe and confident in going down, you should make sure that your instructor on your learn to dive courses knows what is on your mind. If you’re not with an instructor and you see another dive who seems experienced, practiced, and like they know what they’re doing, there’s no harm in asking them if you have any questions on your mind, either. Everyone is new at some point, and most divers will understand that and help.

With learn to dive courses, you can make sure you’re ready for everything murky and puzzling under the oceans. Be sure to get the practice and tips you need for the next time you head down.

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