Everything in life is always more enjoyable if it’s done in
an easier way, isn’t it? From our jobs to our day-to-day activities, we are
always looking for ways to do thing in an easier manner. That’s probably why
“life hacks” have become so popular lately.
This post is something like that, some sort of life hack for
scuba diving. Admittedly, I am no expert. I am just a simple recreational scuba
diver that loves to write about the bits and pieces that I learn from the dive
trips I’ve been to so far. Some I’ve learned on my own and most I’ve learned
from other divers mostly while scuba diving in Cebu. Yes, Cebu. I’m quite lucky
to live in a place where great dive spots are only a stone’s throw away from where
I live.
In any case, here are a few diving tips that have helped me
have easier and more enjoyable dives:
1. Relaaaaaaaaaax.
Sometimes the excitement of doing something beyond your
comfort zone or in my case, being able to finally do something I’ve always
wanted to do – scuba diving, well, this excitement can get into your nerves. Preparing
for a dive trip can get you pumped up and get you in a frenzy. The excitement
can lead you to rapid arm movement and fin kicking which can deplete your air
supply and may cut your dive short.
The key then is to learn how to relax before each dive. Keep
an alert mind and always be “present”. Remember to do your safety checks, buddy
checks and of course, check your dive plan. Also, once descending into the
water, remember to maintain neutral buoyancy and once you have arrived at your
desired depth, check your gauges and signal to your buddy or dive group. This
is a fairly short and easy procedure that allows you and your dive group to get
oriented to your environment and take much-needed slow yet deep breaths before
getting into your dive plan.
Relaxing your mind and body before a dive allows you and your
group to have longer, safer and makes dives a lot more fun.
2. Take pictures.
Sometimes while preparing for a dive trip, you might forget
that part and parcel exploring the underwater world is to take pictures. I am
not a photography enthusiast myself but I did invest in a GoPro just so I can
have a few mementos with me during my diving day trips.
Although there will be times you WILL forget to take photos
because of the magic of the moment. Such as the time while diving in Cebu, in
Malapascua, specifically, that a devil ray swam past us. It was unbelievably
large and gliding placidly along. It was a magical few seconds that I cannot
forget. And yes, I wasn’t able to take a picture, literally afraid that I would
spoil the moment.
However, in general, taking pictures makes your dives more
enjoyable because it’s the only way to show to friends and family exactly why
you love diving so much.
3. Invest in high
quality and dependable dive equipment.
Some branded dive equipment are indeed top quality but
sometimes, these do not work for you. You may get the most expensive wet or dry
suit in the dive shop but what if it does not fit you well? Your purchase is
useless. In other words, your equipment must be something that suits you and
your dives. Renting is also an option for you, especially if you have to travel
to a different location to dive. Lugging your dive kit around can be tiresome
and expensive but there must be some dive equipment that you have to invest in
such as regulators, alternate air sources and dive computers.
4. Regularly maintain
your equipment.
Dive equipment that is regularly maintained can last for
years, therefore, saving you in money in purchasing another piece of the same
equipment. Well-maintained equipment also assures you of a safe dive.
5. Dive with locals and
friends, both old and new.
Diving in a new area can be fun and challenging but to ensure
that you have a safe dive trip, always look for a dependable local guide,
preferably one that is recommended by other divers.
It’s also awesome to go on a dive with friends, right? Out in
the open sea with friends who enjoy diving, too is a great way to spend the
weekend however meeting new friends is also the best part about scuba diving.
Meeting new people from all over the world who share the same love for scuba
diving is one of the best perks of enjoying the underwater world.
AND, last but not the least,
6. Be a responsible
diver, one that is sensitive to the environment.
One thing that every diver must remember is that we are
merely guests when we are underwater. We must take every care that we do not
harm the precious marine life that we have the privilege to visit and enjoy.
Always take the time to know what species of marine life you can expect to see
and what rules you should follow such as: “No touching the corals” if you are
diving in a coral reef.
On that note, then, I will leave you with the
eco-tourism mantra: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,
kill nothing but time.
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