How to get started scuba diving

By: Jason Petrina



Scuba diving is one of the hobbies that demand very little and offers a lot in return. With just a few basic time and energy investments you will get access to a world that retained its beauty for millennia. But many people who want to do this have no idea how to get started scuba diving. Can anyone become a diver? What are the requirements? How much does it cost? Such questions are on every potential scuba diver’s mind and here are some answers.

In order to scuba dive you need to get and Open Water Diver Certification. You have to be at least 15 years old to do this. There are other options for various age groups. Teenagers between 12 and 14 years of age can apply for a NAUI certification and those between 10 and 14 can apply for a PADI one, thus receiving a Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Getting your certification can be done at your local dive shop, or, if you don’t have one, at a place that is convenient enough for you to make several trips for a while.

Although this might sound redundant, in order to get started scuba diving you need to be able to swim. There is no need for performance swimming, but you need to be able to manage on your own while in water. Even though the air tanks and snorkel supply the necessary air, you still have to get used to moving around underwater – otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy the beauties of scuba diving. It may be difficult at first, but you will adjust quickly. Apart from swimming skills you also have to be in a good physical shape. If you believe you are not ready to scuba dive, consult with your doctor and ask for his or her advice. If you are not in the greatest of shape, I highly recommend you not scuba dive until you are physically fit.

After you are confident you are fit to start scuba diving you should look for a qualified instructor. Search for them in nearby dive shops and ask if they offer certification. Make sure to be relaxed and confident while working with your instructor. Most professional scuba dive instructors have mastered patience and explanatory skills, so this shouldn’t be a problem. Some people are slow learners and some pick up the skill fast, so don’t freight if you don’t understand your instructor right off the bat. It is important, before you get started scuba diving, to have confidence in your own diving skills so that your hobby remains pleasant and safe.

The length of the scuba diving course is variable on the program you chose. If you are very determined and your schedule is flexible enough, it could take as little as two weeks before you get your diving certificate. On the other hand, if you are trying to take the course while also going to work, it might take anywhere from one to three months to go through all the classes and become a scuba diver. You may notice your progress is slower, but that it ok, some people learn slower than others, don’t let that lower your confidence level.

Costs are usually decent enough so that anyone can afford them. However, besides certification costs you should also take into account all the equipment costs. A course costs anywhere from $150 to $250 and usually includes all the necessary didactic material, such as rental equipment and documentation. There are several scuba diving areas you can learn about, such as underwater photography or wreck diving. In the end, scuba diving is a magnificent adventure underwater, having a chance to witness aquatic life is a fantastic experience.



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com