what do i need to know about scuba diving?

Question

im interested about it and i would like to try it out but im not sure what else i need to do besides being a competent swimmer.

thanks ;)

Answer 1

I suggest you contact your local dive shop and see about doing a "Discover Scuba" program. That's where they basically put all the gear on you, give you a few tips about how to clear your mask, etc., and swim around with you in a confined water area such as a pool. It's a good way to get an idea as to whether or not you really want to learn to dive.

This is what I did last summer, and I had so much fun in that one hour session that I was immediately hooked. I had to wait 6 weeks until the next open water class was scheduled, but finally, on Aug. 27 I got my certification and have had a ball diving the quarries here in the midwest.

If you don't know where your local dive shop is located, go to the website below, that will help you. Click on "start diving".

Good luck! Have fun!

Answer 2

Things that can prohibit getting certified (we don't call it a diving license here in the US):
Asthma
Back trouble (herniated disc, etc)
Hiatal Hernia
Heart problems
To name a few...

In order to get certified, you'll need to take a course, teaching you all the in's and out's of diving. After the course, in order to graduate...you'll take an open water test, if done successfully, you'll get your c-card.

My recommendation is to take the course work close to home...it'll involve book/test work, and skill lessons in a pool (you'd be surprised how many people freak when they take their mask off). IF all goes well, and being as at least here in the mid-west - open water testing will now have to wait until spring - I'd take your results to an instructor in Mexico or whatever...at least warmer weather, and finish your open water work there.

Some, if not all, scuba centers offer a 'intro' course...this is really low cost (15 bucks when I was teaching)...and gives you a little time in the water with gear on, let's you see what it's like - after a small lesson in do's and don'ts.

There are a number of certification agencies out there, PADI being only one of em. You've got NAUI, and who knows what... lots.

Answer 3

Tank rental requires you holding a PADI divers certification card. There are dive shops all over the USA that hold the classes which include the mandatory book work and the open water training.
I preferred doing it in Cozumel because the water is much warmer and you can work in just a dive skin or even T-shirt. US locations you will have to deal with the (ugh) wet suit.
Try:

http://www.scuba.com/

or go Mexico !

Answer 4

You need to take scuba classes and get scuba certified. Anybody can snorkle, but in order to scuba dive you need to go to classes to learn about all the intricacies involved with using the scuba gear.

Answer 5

You have to be certified to receive a divers license. You won't be able to obtain equipment without it. IT's not as easy as it looks and can be extremely dangerous if you're not properly trained. A course will run you about $300. I suggest you take it.

Answer 6

breath through your mouth!! not your nose! i learned that when i went scuba diving on holiday! good luck...

Answer 7

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuba_diving

Answer 8

obviously you never seen jaws dun*dun*dun ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Answer 9

dont drown