Let’s begin by addressing the final point that scuba diving is extreme for the average person or it’s hazardous. The first step is to be aware that humans have inherent risks that are beyond our be able to control. (As the current commercial states, “It could be other humans”). Yes, diving come with inherent risks associated with it. If you’re properly educated and adhere to safety guidelines that nearly every certifying organization (i.e. PADI NAUI, SSI, etc.) suggests the public, your risk of being injured is greatly decreased. We are of the opinion instructors are the most important factor in your safety. If they’re not good and your experience will be a disaster as well. (please remember, If you’ve had a bad encounter with your instructor, do not give up diving, choose a different instructor for you to learn with).
If you’re looking for an extremely sport I’ve never witnessed scuba diving being supported by Mountain Dew or featured in the X Games, so it could not be so extreme! The reason for this, aside from the humor, that diving got the bad rap for as an extreme activity was that the original equipment for scuba diving did not encourage the feeling of being relaxed and secure when in water. I can tell this because I first started diving using a lot of the equipment. In retrospect and if I were to decide to dive over other activities I would have stuck in the other sports. The days of longing in the rearview, the equipment used by scuba divers has led to make you more secure on the surface, and more relaxed in the water, and more comfortable on the sea. A properly designed equipment can enhance your capabilities. Scuba equipment can take the extreme aspect diving.
Do you remember what I’ve said that the proper equipment will make a difference on your ability to dive confidently and with confidence. That being said when you’re trying to outfit your entire self with a complete scuba equipment kit can cost anything from $500 to holy Garbanzo beans! Scuba equipment is best considered as lifesaving equipment, therefore cost-effective isn’t always the solution here. What you intend to do in your diving activities is the thing you should base your purchase decisions. The locations you plan to dive in are going to be a bigger influence on the things you buy than simply cost. That’s why it is important to rely on a professional to assist you in the buying procedure. They must have the experience and will take your input on what you intend for in diving and help you make the right choices regarding equipment.
Don’t forget, you don’t need to buy everything in one go. You can buy items at a time as money becomes available. In the meantime, you’re likely to rent the necessary equipment until the point where you can purchase. Wherever you are there is a good chance to locate a dive shop that will assist you in making those choices.
If there are dive shops for scuba diving all over the world, does that mean that you can dive virtually everywhere? Sure. I’ll let you know a little-known fact: the people who founded PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) originated from the Chicago region. If they could find ways to dive in Chicago, you can dive where you are. There is no requirement to be within an hour’s distance from an hour of Florida Keys, or the Gulf of Mexico. You don’t even have to be within an hour’s drive or so of or even the Catalina Islands in California. Although these islands allow for a dive lifestyle. You are able to take a dive on any of the Great Lakes or even those lakes close to your home. There are numerous quarries across the nation where dive shops can certify divers. In addition there are numerous lakes that can be used for diving. I’m in the Midwest located away from Chicago and within Northwest Indiana. If the weather is good, I could be diving at shipwrecks in approximately an hour or two from my home.
If you’re looking to know where locals dive, head to the dive shop to discover the dive locations they use. There is a good chance that it’s within the area of their locality. If they truly would like you to dive, they’re likely to arrange excursions further afield to dive. Doesn’t that sound like a breeze?
Therefore, we haven’t spoken about scuba diving as being too difficult. Recall the earlier discussion regarding equipment and perception. Diving has become more comfortable. For any certification agency we ask what your health status is. If you have questions about your health, we’ll ask a doctor to sign off on your capability to dive. If they’re able to confirm the way, then you’re ready to get started exploring. There is a physical component of diving, there is no doubt about it. I strive to minimize the stress to the minimum feasible. On the other hand there is also an aspect of mental health that comes with diving. Many people are focused on the mental aspect more than they do the physical aspect.