“Do not wait any longer. Dive in the ocean, Leave and let the sea be you.” – Rumi
Scuba Diving is popular along many people. However, there are many myths about scuba diving that forms the basis of reluctance in many people towards this sport. It is high time to burst this bubble and let people know the reality and promote the sport.
Myth 1: You Can Dive Only If You Are A Good Swimmer
The truth is that you do not swim underwater like you would at the surface. Arms are useless while diving and the only propaganda you get is from the legs. You definitely do not need any swimming degree to make that gentle kick with the fins which would be enough.
Myth 2: Diving Is Only For The People Who Live In Tropics
Nothing could beat the feeling of being suspended weightlessly in clear, warm tropical water while you float along a coral reef effortlessly. But this does not mean, you could have a diver only if live in these areas. The truth is, it does not matter where you are, there would always be a popular dive site somewhere nearby. Ask anyone with the diver flag on his car and your half work is done.
Myth 3: There Is A Dangerous World Undersea
Sharks are the main reason that people are scared to be a diver at the first place. There are two important rules in scuba diving, the first one is the rule of 3Ts “Do not Touch, Take or Tease” and the second one is “never hold your breath”. Follow these rules and you would be fine, however there are 2 fish that can still be aggressive: the trigger fish and clownfish. Both are extremely territorial and would protect their eggs at any cost. The trick with them is swim away but not towards the surface always keeping an eye on them.
Myth 4: I Would Need To Buy Ton Of Gear Only To Learn
Scuba Diving is a gear intensive sport, but in order to start your lessons, you only need some basics that is a mask, a pair of fins and a snorkel. All other items are easily available on rent and hence do not include much cost.
Myth 5: Nitrogen Narcosis Is Dangerous
There are no consequences as such but there can be some if its not taken seriously. At a particular depth, nitrogen becomes toxic to us. This could happen due to stress, temperature, current, visibility etc. As a beginner, you may not be able to recognize the symptoms that are where your instructor or diving buddy comes into play. But, with more and more experience, you would be able to notice the symptoms and act upon it before anything happens.
Myth 6: Scuba Diving Is Not Female Friendly
Remember Katrina Kaif in Zindagi na milegi Dobara. A female divemaster. Although men have always participated in the sport more than women, but the gap is narrowing down fast. And there’s no glass ceiling to this sport. Everyone is equally capable of participating in the sport.
Myth 7: It Would Hurt My Ears
This one is true only if you do not equalize the pressure in your ears as you descend. That is the first lesson every diver is taught. It’s called the Valsalva maneuver: You need to pinch your nose and blow gently against your nostrils until you feel relief.
Myth 8: Certification Would Cost Me A Fortune
It is comparable to what a lavish dinner, a few drinks and a movie would cost you. So making it about the money is a real myth, many people have in their mind. Compare the cost of scuba lessons to almost anything and you’ll see it’s a bargain, especially compared to lift tickets, greens fees, and the cost of that home gym collecting dust in your guest room.
Myth 9: It Is Difficult To Learn
With the professional diving instructors, all the learning materials and proven strategies, it is now very easy and simple to learn scuba diving. It is now more fun to learn than it ever was. You will be breathing under water before you even realize it making use of all the cool diving toys which would make your diving easier than you could imagine.
Myth 10: You Need To Be In Top Physical Condition
A physically fit person is a happy person. Every sport demands a physically fit body. Similarly, diving would be more fun if you are physically fit. But this is not a prerequisite. You can dive anywhere in a pool, in sea, in lake, in pond etc. So depending on your physical strength, choose a spot and go diving.