Diving
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Introduction
Diving enables access in to an enormous unexplored world beneath the sea, filled with plant life and creatures, some of which are new to us, even now. It is estimated scientists know more about the moon, than they do about the deep seas.
Recreational
In the past leisure divers were rare, the more practiced diving was commercial, which paid highly. Now the popularity has reversed and recreational divers far outnumber commercial divers who do it for a living.
This fact is illustrated by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) training centers being located all over the world.
What is it like to dive?
When you dip below the surface, it is like entering a much slower, calmer, unexplored world. An environment where everything moves gracefully, such as sea plants swaying in the current of the waves.
Ideally you could first learn to dive on holiday in a warm sea with clear blue water and exotic fish to swim with, but for most of us in the UK diving begins in much colder seas or a relatively warm swimming pool!
Diving in done in pairs, it is each diver's responsibility to look out for the other. This gives the opportunity for mutual trust, because your diving partner may have to share breathing equipment, or help each other out in some way should any problems arise.
What is the down side?
Artificially going underwater deeper than nature first intended clearly carries some risk, but with good instruction and awareness of the time & environment around you there should be no reason for any down side. The most infamous subject associated with diving is the bends. This is decompression sickness caused by surfacing too quickly, not giving enough time for the oxygen in the blood stream to equalise pressure.
Being eaten by Jaws is extremely unlikely! Here in Britain we have the basking shark, which looks scary but in fact only eats plankton.
Other Forms of Diving
Diving is seen as more of a hobby than a sport because there is no official competition for it. Although free diving (with no air tanks) does have a world record for depth and time held underwater, and is truly mad stuff! The risks are considerable and only a minority practices it.
There is a more advanced form of diving (with cylinders) called mixed air diving, where divers can go deeper than conventional cylinders by using oxygen then changing to nitrogen. This form of diving is best left to the experienced.
Highlights
The reasons for divers continuing to dive, range across a selection of highlights which apply to different interests. For example some enjoy:
The freedom and overwhelming size of the sea.
The various types of life and creatures to be seen.
The historical interest of diving on shipwrecks.
The diving clubs and their social benefits.
The achievement of personal goals, like diving to deeper depths.
The ease of diving in different environments abroad, e.g. coral reefs, red sea, etc.
Summary of Diving
Diving enables access in to an enormous unexplored world beneath the sea
Various types of life and creatures to be seen underwater.
Teamworking atmosphere between divers.
Safety is critical, if (in the unlikely event that) your equipment fails it can be life-threatening.
Fairly high start-up costs (around �1000 from scratch).
Diving at sea has new risks, E.g. Shipping traffic, tides and currents.
When learning to dive, seek a qualified (and preferably experienced) instructor.
If you can, visit diving locations abroad, perhaps on a dedicated diving holiday.
Buy new equipment instead of second hand for safety reasons.
The main items needed to dive are: drysuit, cylinder, regulator, stab jacket (stabilising jacket - looks like a life jacket), fins, mask and snorkel.
Collectively these items add up to around �1000 and upwards, depending on what brands you buy. Check shops featured on adrenaline-sports.net for prices today.
Further gadgets can be bought, including dive computers (�100 - �800) which help plan and time your dive as you are in the water.
(Click to open in new window)
UK Diving - Huge diving resource, comprehensive information on all aspects of diving inc: learning, clubs, places, products etc.
B.S.A.C. - The British Sub Aqua Club, a large worldwide non-profit organisation heading training and diving interests.
U.K.S.D.M.C. - - UK Sport Diving Medical Commitee, with information on health issues relating to diving.
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Diving Resources
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Simply Scuba - Comprehensive online store based in UK, retailing everything to do with diving equipment.
Aqua Press - UK Online store stuffed full of diving relating books and journals, including a UK diving guides section.
Regal Dive - A UK dive tour operator. An award-winning specialist, they can teach diving and offer worldwide locations.
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