Most Common Misconceptions About Scuba Diving

Most Common Misconceptions About Scuba Diving

Have you come across scuba diving stories and assumptions that prevent you from trying this incredible underwater activity? If you’re unsure if they are true or not, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll shed light on some of the most common scuba diving misconceptions so you can move on and enjoy the benefits of scuba diving. 

Snorkeling is just like diving

Snorkeling is a common underwater activity that many people have tried. Some non-divers think that snorkeling is basically the same as diving, but it’s not. While snorkeling is a fun activity, it only offers a glimpse of the beauty of the world that lies beneath the waves. Scuba diving enables you to see and experience much more. If you enjoy snorkeling and you’re comfortable being in the water, then you’re off to a very good start. Discover Scuba Diving is an introductory activity that enables beginners to try diving without committing to a longer certification program. 

If you enjoy your introductory diving experience and want to continue your dive journey, you can enroll in PADI Open Water to get your first certification. You can boost your knowledge and skills and take on more challenging dive sites around the world by enrolling in PADI Advanced Open Water. Becoming a certified diver will enable you to join dive trips like scuba diving Musandam.

Diving is an activity for men

Some people have this notion that diving is best-suited for men. Contrary to this assumption, scuba diving is ideal for both men and women, young and old. Although male divers seem to outnumber female divers, more and more women are getting certified. PADI organizes an annual Women’s Dive Day to celebrate women divers and encourage more women to discover the beauty of the marine world. Nemo Diving Center joins other countries by organizing Women’s Dive Day Dubai

Diving is risky 

All sports activities have certain inherent risks, but with proper training, practice, and awareness, you can minimize those risks. When it comes to diving, you can minimize the risks by getting proper training and certification from a reputable diving center. Enrolling in dive courses will not only equip you with knowledge and skills, but also develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The training will also help build your confidence, train you how to handle challenges, and teach you how to prevent underwater accidents from happening. 

Getting certified is long and tedious

If you’re a beginner, you can get your PADI Open Water course within three days. The e-Learning portion of the dive course can be done at home. You can study the theoretical part called e-Learning at your own pace and wherever you want. This kind of flexibility enables you to plan your course well. E-Learning is composed of interactive presentations such as videos, reading materials, and audio materials.

The underwater world is filled with dangerous creatures

The ocean is home to many beautiful and incredible marine creatures. In reality, these creatures have more to fear from humans because people hunt a lot of them for food and sport. Sharks are one of the most feared marine creatures but did you know that every year people kill about 100 million sharks? This is a clear example of why humans are a bigger threat to marine creatures, like sharks, and not the other way around. Keep in mind that humans are mere visitors in the underwater world and it’s only right that we respect all marine life. For the safety of both humans and marine life, divers are taught to keep a proper distance and not to touch or feed underwater creatures. Join us on our scuba diving Oman and discover the stunning marine life in the Musandam peninsula.

What does scuba diving feel like

What Does Scuba Diving Feel Like?

Scuba diving is taught step by step by certified dive instructors. You’ll learn about the theoretical aspect of diving before undergoing the in-water sessions. An important aspect of your lessons is learning the different parts and functions of your dive gear. You’ll be given time to get familiar with how every gear works and the techniques used to ensure a safe dive. The in-water sessions begin in a controlled dive site such as a pool or shallow bay. 

Essential beginner skills

The first thing that you will learn is to breathe underwater using a scuba regulator. As a new diver, your instructor will help you get accustomed to the feeling by putting the regulator in and out of your mouth. Next vital skill is clearing your mask from water. Learning how to clear your mask takes practice and patience. These required beginner skills are taught during the PADI Basic Scuba Diving and PADI Open Water Diving Dubai. These essential skills will be used throughout your dive journey. 

Keep in mind that it’s important to try on your dive mask, especially if you’re renting one to make sure that it properly fits your face. If you need help fitting your mask, you can ask the staff from the dive shop to assist you. An ill-fitting mask will be prone to leakage and prevent you from enjoying your dive. It can ruin the experience since you will have to constantly stop and clear out the water from your mask.

First time breathing underwater

Breathing underwater for the first time may feel a little strange. Once you get more comfortable and confident using your scuba regulator, it will feel more natural. Initial lessons will be done in shallow water and your instructor will gradually bring you to deeper water. 

Feeling of weightlessness

One of the amazing parts of diving is the feeling of weightlessness. It’s surreal and almost feels like flying. When you master buoyancy, you will find it easy to maneuver effortlessly in different directions – up, down, left, and right. 

Calming to the senses

Once you get more relaxed underwater, it will boost your confidence in exploring your surroundings. Going under the waves and seeing a kaleidoscope world filled with different kinds of marine life can help take away the stresses of everyday life. The sea is not only beautiful but it’s also a peaceful environment. The quiet surroundings can be very relaxing and calming to the senses. 

Feeling of freedom

When you make your descent, you tune out from the traffic and noise of the city and tune in to the quiet and serene marine world. You hear only your own breathing when you’re underwater. 

For someone who leads a hectic life, the ocean can be a great escape from the typical noises such as phones ringing, cars honking, and people talking. Under the waves, communication is only through hand signals. Enjoying this kind of peace is very liberating. 

Joy of discovering new places

There are many beautiful dive locations around the world that you can explore when you become a certified diver. Going to new places is an amazing and fulfilling experience. If you’re planning on going on a trip soon, we recommend scuba diving UAE, which is home to many amazing dive sites. May you experience all these amazing things during your dive journey. Happy diving!