Scuba diving opens a whole new world for people who love fun and adventure. However, some misconceptions prevent other people from discovering the joys of diving. Here are some of the common misconceptions about becoming a scuba diver.
Misconception 1: Scuba diving is a very risky activity.
Every activity or sport has its share of risks but with the proper knowledge and skills, you can minimize those risks. Other sports like tennis, soccer, basketball, skiing, rowing, kayaking, etc. have risks just like diving.
When you get your training and certification from a reputable diving center like Nemo Diving Center, you can safely explore the underwater world. As you progress through your training courses, you’ll develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills of a proactive diver. By being aware of your surroundings and potential hazards, you can prevent underwater accidents from happening.
Misconception 2: You have to be a good swimmer to enroll in scuba diving.
You don’t have to be an advanced swimmer with athletic-like endurance to be able to enroll in scuba diving courses. As long as you’re in good physical condition and know how to swim, then you’re good to go. It’s also important that you feel comfortable jumping in the water when it’s time for your in-water sessions.
Misconception 3: It takes a long time to become a certified diver.
Not at all, you can become a certified diver in a matter of three days. If you’re a beginner, you can enroll in the three-day PADI Open Water course. E-Learning enables you to study the concepts of the diving course at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. E-Learning is a combination of interactive presentations, audios, videos, and reading materials. The next course which is PADI Advanced Open Water Diving is also a three-day program. Professional courses are extensive programs because you have to complete a certain number of dives and experience different dive conditions.
Misconception 4: Snorkeling and diving are almost the same.
Snorkeling is a fun and rewarding water activity but it has its limitations compared to diving. Since snorkeling is swimming near the surface of the water, you only need a mask and snorkel (breathing tube). With minimum equipment, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the underwater world from above. However, you won’t be able to go deep into the water like diving. When you’re a certified diver, you can have a close encounter with marine life that lives in corals, sandy bottoms, and other deep areas. Diving enables you to spend more time exploring the world beneath the waves.
Misconception 5: The sea is infested by man-eating sharks.
Contrary to the Hollywood movies “Jaws” and “The Meg”, sharks are not vicious monsters out to hunt humans. In reality, sharks have more to fear from humans because people hunt them for their meat, fins, and other body parts. Sadly, humans kill about 100 million sharks every year. This makes people a bigger threat to sharks and not the other way around.
The sea is the natural habitat of sharks and people are just visitors. It’s only fitting that we respect sharks and all marine life when we visit the underwater world. Diving teaches you to be aware of the marine surroundings and the creatures that call it home. Encountering them up close helps you develop a deeper respect for these beautiful creatures.
Misconception 6: Learning to dive is very expensive because it requires a lot of equipment.
When you enroll in diving, you don’t have to worry about buying your own dive equipment. Most dive centers include dive gear in their packages. When you dive with Nemo Diving Center, we will provide the diving equipment necessary for you to complete the course. Check out our scuba diving Dubai deals for quality and affordable diving courses. When you become a certified diver and dive more frequently, that’s the time you can consider getting your own equipment. We recommend that you start slowly by getting the basic gear first such as mask, fins, and snorkel.
Break from the misconceptions
Now that you know the real score, it’s time to break away from these common misconceptions. Learn how to scuba dive and explore a whole new world full of vibrant colors, astounding life, and amazing possibilities.