Whether for leisure or scientific purposes, scuba diving is the perfect way to explore what lies beneath. Here’s what you need to know before you begin your scuba diving journey.
A popular underwater diving activity, scuba diving uses specialised equipment to allow divers to breathe under the water for an extended period of time. If you’re dipping your toe into scuba diving, this is your guide to scuba gear for beginners and what you need to know.
Practised both recreationally and professionally for everything from marine exploration and tourism to scientific research and military operations, scuba diving is a popular and diverse activity embraced by people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Just beginning your scuba diving journey? Read on to discover everything you need to know about scuba diving, including the best scuba gear for beginners and tips and advice to get you started.
Starting your scuba diving journey – useful tips and advice
Scuba diving is a fun and fascinating activity that allows you the chance to explore what lies beneath the waves, observe marine life, and discover environments that are normally off-limits to humans.
However, as with any water activity, it can prove incredibly dangerous if not practised properly. So, if you’re just beginning your scuba diving journey, here are some things you should know before you dive beneath the surface.
Scuba diving requires proper training and certification to ensure safety underwater. These courses cover everything from safety in the water to essential skills and proper use of equipment.
Besides that, it’s also essential to choose a good diving spot that is suited to your skill level. Look out for calm, shallow waters with good visibility and low currents. When you go out, it’s essential to stay calm and breathe slowly and deeply to conserve air and avoid panic.
What gear you need for scuba diving – staying safe in the water
The word ‘scuba’ stands for ‘Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus’, so it should come as no surprise that one of the most important facets of starting your scuba diving journey is ensuring you have the correct equipment.
Good quality scuba gear can make or break your experience, helping you enjoy a safe and enjoyable time in the water. Here, we’ll reveal some of the essential equipment you should ensure you have before heading out for your first dive.
You’ll need a good-fitting mask that ensures clear visibility underwater. One with silicone surroundings will provide comfort, while a tempered glass lens will ensure durability.
You’ll also need a fin to help you move efficiently through the water and a durable wetsuit to maintain your body heat. A Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is essential for scuba diving as it allows you to maintain buoyancy beneath the water and provides a place to attach accessories.
Aside from that, you’ll also need a regulator that allows you to breathe from your scuba tank and a dive computer to monitor depth and dive time, as well as help with important safety measures.
Additionally, snorkels are not essential but useful for swimming and breathing close to the surface. Other useful but not essential accessories include a dive knife, light, flag, and surface signalling device.
Final things to note – staying safe in the water
Now that you know how to begin your diving journey with the right scuba gear and certifications, here are a few other useful things you should know.
When choosing your gear, make sure it fits properly and comfortably. When you’re several feet under the water, you don’t want to be distracted by trying to adjust uncomfortable equipment.
When you’re starting out, it may also be a good idea to rent or buy your gear second-hand to save some money. Once you build up your skills, you can then invest in gear that better suits your personal needs.
It’s also a good idea to continually review safety procedures. To ensure the information is fresh in your mind, we recommend familiarising yourself with safety precautions and essential signals before each dive to ensure you’re ready to respond to every situation that arises.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of scuba diving is maintaining respect for the marine life and environments you’re exploring. Observe underwater life from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing creatures and habitats.
It’s a privilege that we get to live in and explore these incredible marine ecosystems. So, make sure your diving adventures don’t cause harm to the living things that call our waters home.
