1. Understand Recreational Diving
Recreational diving or scuba diving is a sport where a person remains underwater for an extended period of time. Divers swim using a tank of compressed air, that is carried on their backs. The divers are able to stay underwater due to this connection to air, accessed through a rebreather. The diver inhales through their mouths, accessing the air in the tank. The air is exhaled through the nose. Divers attach fins to the feet to improve propulsion in the water. A flutter or dolphin kick is used to maximize the distance traveled and minimize the effort required.
2. Training for Scuba Diving
To train for scuba diving, basic swimming skills are required. You must be comfortable in the water and able to move about easily. Take a introductory swimming class and learn how to tread water, float, flutter kick and dolphin kick. Practice these skills until you have mastered them. Scuba diving requires muscular strength and cardio fitness. Add a cardio workout to your fitness routine. Improved cardio fitness reduces the risk of injury and increases your enjoyment when scuba diving. Practice your skill with diving equipment before going diving.
3. Risk of Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an exciting recreational activity, but is there are some health risks with scuba diving. Barotrauma or pressure injuries are very painful and can cause permanent damage in sever cases. To avoid these types of injuries, it is critical for the diver to ensure the pressure in all the air spaces in the surrounding water is equalized when the water depth changes. The middle ear and sinus can be equalized by clearing the ears. This is most commonly done by yawning, swallowing or using the valsalva maneuver. This technique is to pinch the nose, close the mouth and breathing out the nose.
4. Certificates in Scuba Diving
Recreational diving is not organized as one certificating body. Instead, there are a wide variety of associations and clubs that provide training courses and certificates. In order to rent scuba diving equipment, all divers are required to provide proof of certification or attend a three-hour course to become certified. Once this is requirement is completed, the diver can rent the required equipment and participate in local and off boat dives.
5. Diving Suits
There are many different types and styles of diving suits available. Wet, dry and semi dry suits are available and the correct selection depends on the temperature of the water. Deep water is cold and conducts heat away from the body at a rate 25 times faster than air. Protect yourself by purchasing the correct suit and wearing it at all times. A wetsuit allows a small amount of water to enter the suit. It is warmed by the body and acts as insulation against the cold. A dry suit doesn't allow any water in, and clothes are usually worm underneath.
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