I am going to try and dispel some myths surrounding scuba diving I have heard over the past few months.
The most popular reason I hear for not taking up diving is the fear of being eaten by a shark. Well, don´t believe what you see in Hollywood movies. Sharks are generally harmless and are non-aggressive. In fact, they are intimidated by divers and often flee when they see divers and the bubbles created by their equipment. Sharks generally attack when they feel threatened, so as long as you keep your distance there really is nothing to worry about. They really don´t like the taste of humans but rather much prefer eating fish. Seeing sharks in their natural environment is a rare and special site. We need to protect these wonderful creatures for the future.
Another reason I often hear is it´s way too expensive. It costs no more than most sports do, and remember that once you get certified, you’ll get an unlimited pass to the amazing underwater world. The total cost of getting a certification which will allow you to dive anywhere in the world is $400USD. After this, you can either rent all of the equipment you need or buy your own set, which will cost around $800. This way, you can dive off the beach anywhere in the world for free with no annual membership fees. The certification never expires either.
So, you have to be an athlete to be able to dive? Not really. You need to be able to swim, but not like Ian Thorpe. Comfort in water is the most important factor in diving. There are few disabilities that exclude you. You can only imagine the joy and freedom diving gives to disabled people. It really is a sport that most of us can do from the age of 10 onwards.
So, scuba diving is a dangerous sport? Diving can be dangerous if safety precautions are not followed. Like any other sport, diving needs training so you can understand the dangers and prevent them from happening. Furthermore, modern dive equipment makes scuba diving one of the safest sports you can do. More people die from 10 pin bowling per year and from coconuts falling on their heads!
“I am claustrophobic”. Well, claustrophobic people actually find scuba diving an enjoyable sport. With the openness of the ocean, clear water, and the fantastic marine life, they are able to overcome their fears and realize that it’s such a liberating experience.
So, there really are no valid reasons to avoid diving, unless of course, you only have a head! It is a safe and sexy sport that is a ton of fun for all of the family.
The most popular reason I hear for not taking up diving is the fear of being eaten by a shark. Well, don´t believe what you see in Hollywood movies. Sharks are generally harmless and are non-aggressive. In fact, they are intimidated by divers and often flee when they see divers and the bubbles created by their equipment. Sharks generally attack when they feel threatened, so as long as you keep your distance there really is nothing to worry about. They really don´t like the taste of humans but rather much prefer eating fish. Seeing sharks in their natural environment is a rare and special site. We need to protect these wonderful creatures for the future.
Another reason I often hear is it´s way too expensive. It costs no more than most sports do, and remember that once you get certified, you’ll get an unlimited pass to the amazing underwater world. The total cost of getting a certification which will allow you to dive anywhere in the world is $400USD. After this, you can either rent all of the equipment you need or buy your own set, which will cost around $800. This way, you can dive off the beach anywhere in the world for free with no annual membership fees. The certification never expires either.
So, you have to be an athlete to be able to dive? Not really. You need to be able to swim, but not like Ian Thorpe. Comfort in water is the most important factor in diving. There are few disabilities that exclude you. You can only imagine the joy and freedom diving gives to disabled people. It really is a sport that most of us can do from the age of 10 onwards.
So, scuba diving is a dangerous sport? Diving can be dangerous if safety precautions are not followed. Like any other sport, diving needs training so you can understand the dangers and prevent them from happening. Furthermore, modern dive equipment makes scuba diving one of the safest sports you can do. More people die from 10 pin bowling per year and from coconuts falling on their heads!
“I am claustrophobic”. Well, claustrophobic people actually find scuba diving an enjoyable sport. With the openness of the ocean, clear water, and the fantastic marine life, they are able to overcome their fears and realize that it’s such a liberating experience.
So, there really are no valid reasons to avoid diving, unless of course, you only have a head! It is a safe and sexy sport that is a ton of fun for all of the family.
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