Maybe you've considered to take up diving, but some things may be stopping you to take on that step forward. Here are some of the 10 most common questions that people ask before they don the suit and dive headfirst into the water!

 

• Do I need a lot of professional attire to start diving?

Not really! You need a swimsuit, a towel and an experienced teacher. A good diving school will provide everything you need.

 

• What if my oxygen runs out while I'm underwater?

Your oxygen will not run out. Also, it's not pure oxygen (even right now you're not breathing pure oxygen! It's toxic and deadly.)The air stored in the tanks is the same as the one you're breathing now - 78% nitrogen and  21% oxygen. It's more than enough for a dive and there is a way to always check how much air is left.

 

• What if we go in too deep?

The maximum depth for most first scuba-divers is 5-6 meters. “Only this much?” most people would ask. Yes, and believe us, it's plenty! You can see a lot of beautiful things at this depth. You don't need to dive to the Titanic in order to see amazing aquatic life!

 

• What if I inhale water through my nose?

Not possible. You will be wearing a diving mask that covers your nose throughout your dive. It is also a matter of time before you gain good control of your airway. It's learnable!

 

• Ok, I'll be wearing a mask. But what do I do if water gets into my mask?

Before starting a first or even a second dive, most instructors would show you some exercises in shallow water. As soon as you feel ready and familiar with the environment and equipment, you will be able to continue into the deep. One of these exercises is to learn how to clean your mask underwater. It's not that hard!

 

• Will my ears hurt during a dive?

If you do it alone, then it's possible. The reason this happens has to do with the physics of diving. With a professional instructor, you don't need to worry - from the very first dive he will show you how to equalize your ears with a very simple and easy technique.

 

• Is diving a summer activity only? Isn’t the water very cold in the winter?

If you've ever seen a diver on the beach (or even in a movie), they are wearing full body black suits. These are special neoprene suits - a black and spongy material that not only has the property of making you look slim like Spider-man, but also has the tremendous ability to provide thermal protection even in cold waters! After all, there are many reasons to dive in the winter too!

 

• Isn't diving really expensive? It must cost a lot!

Divers might look like underwater astronauts, but that doesn't mean it costs as much as going to the Moon! Most scuba diving schools' websites have prices or estimates listed, but even if they don't, you can always ask!  The price is usually affordable and totally worth it, considering all the experiences you would gain from it!

 

• Will I be able to dive alone or with a friend after I do my first steps in scuba diving?

To dive alone or with a friend without the presence of a professional diver, you must complete the first certification level! It's like getting a driver's license, only a bit simpler and… underwater!

 

• I’m not very much into extreme sports. Is diving for me?

Diving is not a very extreme sport, like snowboard or mountain biking. It actually might be pretty calming. Instructors often tell students to dive or do their exercises more slowly and calmly. If you want a hobby to relax, diving then is something you ought to give a try!

 

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Diving is a real blessing in this mad world we live in and getting to know the underwater world will surely make you fall in love with it and make you appreciate Mother Nature a whole lot more. When your head goes under, all worries remain on the shore!