Scuba diving is one of the most enjoyable pastimes whether you are a beginner or an expert. Because of the diverse training of dive instructors, it is also an activity that allows divers to grow as their experience and depth levels do. There are critical components to diving that every scuba diver must possess, so here are seven expert tips that you will want to know.
1. Do Not Overextend Diving Experience
The experts at the Best Scuba Diving Kauai establishment note that it is important never to overextend your diving experience if you experience anxiety. If you have not been in the water in a while, it is advisable to start out in a more relaxed diving environment to give yourself time to adjust to the changes in currents and dive patterns.
2. Perform a Buoyancy Check
The experts at Sport Diver advise their readers to perform a buoyancy check before diving as a miscalculation will make for a tougher dive experience. To perform this check, you will first need to calculate your body and equipment weight. Add weight until you float at eye level. Take and hold a deep breath to confirm it. As you will want to aim for a controlled ascent, your goal is to maintain neutral buoyancy.
3. Research Each Diving Site
Each diving site has its own challenges and thrills. They also have a number of dangers that make a dive riskier than others. While instructor-led dives are more controlled and adapted to the diver’s skill sets, you need to do your homework to find the reputable scuba diving companies that employ experienced dive masters that know local areas.
4. Always Dive with Others
Diving is a sport best done with others since there is any number of issues that arise underwater. Making it a habit to the only dive with teammates will make for a much safer dive experience. Experts advise that you remain in proximity of fewer than 2 meters. You also will feel more secure knowing you have an extra set of eyes.
5. Use Hand Signals to Communicate with Divers
Just as you need to communicate face-to-face, you need to implement a set of hand signals that allow divers to communicate with one another. ThoughtCo offers 20 common hand signals that all divers should know. Doing a quick check with other divers will ensure that each person is familiar with the ins and outs of signaling.
6. Check Hair and Mask Before Diving
With longer hair, you must secure it before diving as it will interfere with the parameters of your mask and lead to seal breakage and leakage. You must also spit on the interior of your mask to reduce fogging so that you have clear visibility underwater.
7. Clean Your Ears
If you clean your ears, it will allow for an effortless dive experience as you will be able to equalize the pressure instead of experiencing a punctured eardrum.
When you follow these seven diving tips, you will have a far more enjoyable experience as you will be able to take in the beautiful underwater landscape and marine life ecosystems.