Isak Dinesen was right, salt water is the cure for anything. This goes to show why a trip to the ocean can be so therapeutic. Humans and the ocean – an unbreakable bond that has been existing for millennia considering there are many scientific theories showing every living being on this planet originated in the very depths of the ocean. It’s an innate connection if you will, considering water is our source of life, relaxation and enjoyment. Any adventure seeker would tell you water sports have plenty of fun potential when you want to break away from the monotonous daily routine. There are of course those ocean activities that outweigh others in the joy they offer; such is the case with scuba diving.
As much as it’s meant to give you the perfect exercise, diving can be the ideal meditative activity when you want to find out more about yourself and the planet as you feel the vastness of the ocean and discover the different species (known and unknown) inhabiting it. Before you dive right in, however, you have to understand preparation is key. Along with being in the proper physical fitness, it’s advisable you talk to experienced divers and dive instructors to know everything that awaits ahead of this wonderful adventure. This also means getting the tips on all the bits and pieces of scuba equipment you have to have.
The reason owning scuba equipment is better than renting it, especially when you’re serious about taking up diving as your hobby, is because knowing your equipment and how to use it is something that’s very essential in cases of emergency. From fins, mask and wetsuit, to BCD and dive computer, you can’t exclude anything when you want to make the most of your trip through the underwater worlds knowing you’ve taken care of safety. Of course, where would all the fun be without a waterproof camera to make for memories worth a lifetime.
When you want to become a good diver, nothing could replace practice, and by practice I mean taking up a diving course to get all the details and answers to questions related to shark encounters and potential risks. Getting the specialised training through a course affiliated with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) could get you a diving certification, so you’d join the club of millions of certified divers worldwide. It’s important, though, before you sign up for a course that you know the size of a group, having in mind the smaller the group is the more time on individual training you’d get.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take a diving buddy with you, both for safety reasons and sharing all the fun with you. You can’t become an experienced diver overnight, so enjoy the process and take as long as you require, the ocean is waiting for you.
