How to Prep for Your First Scuba Diving Trip

Now that you are the proud owner of your own C-card (diving certification), it is time to dive deep and seek. Are you looking for sea creatures and sunken ships? Or do you want to swim with dolphins and find long-forgotten secrets? All these sound exciting. But your first dive is going to daunt you a bit. So, let us talk about tips and tricks for smooth diving.

How to choose a diving destination?

The world is scattered with breath-taking diving spots. But not all these are suitable for beginners. Taking a deep dive into the Galapagos Islands is not the world’s best idea when you are a beginner. Before you pick a diving destination, think about what you want to experience. Do you wish for pleasantly warm, sun-kissed waters? Or are you game for cold water? Do you want to swim close to manta rays and sharks? Or do you prefer tinier, vibrant creatures living close to corals? The good news is that both these diving options are listed amongst the best things to do in Maldives. You can try booking a holiday at a resort in Maldives such as the Residence Maldives Dhigurah for your first diving experience.

Why do you need to test your diving gear?

Make a list of dive gear and first aid you would need. Use well-maintained and modern diving gear. Ask your instructor to guide you in getting a kit that fits your size and shape. Poor-fitting gear leads to diving disasters. If it is possible, you should buy your own gear. This would mean you would have access to safe, well-fitting and clean gear. Once you are all kitted, take it all to the local pool. It is important to test the scuba gear in a safe setting. And prepare a safe dive kit. This includes a spare mask and spare mask strap. But try to limit the number of additional tools you take along. Leave your GoPro behind until you master neutral buoyancy.

Why do you need to take precautions against seasickness?

The general rule of thumb is to eat half an hour before diving. But avoid caffeine as it is a diuretic that stimulates urinating. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. If you feel seasick on the boat trip, get low down close to the water. Focus your eyes on the horizon instead of the choppy waters. It is better to take appropriate medication after consulting your instructor and physician if you are prone to seasickness.

How to breathe on your first dive?

When you are ready to dive into the eater, your instructor will check the air supply, and make sure the weights are fastened securely. Stay close to your diving buddies once your group enters the surface. Your first few breaths should be (as you dive down) taken in shallow water to ensure that everything is in order. Remember the basics such as clearing water off your mask and regulator, and how to clear your regulator from behind the shoulder.

Tips for your first scuba dive?

· Listen to the dive brief carefully before you enter the water.

· Always stay close to your diving buddy.

· Relax your muscles and breathe easily.

· Try to consume less air (Nervousness might lead you to breathe far too often and take deeper breaths. This would mean you and the group will have to surface faster).

· Maintain your (BCD) buoyancy control (If you have too much air in your BCD you will rise and too little will weigh you down).

· Stay calm, even if you think you don’t remember everything. Enjoy the experience and let your brain and muscle memory do their magic