Have you been considering becoming a scuba diver but have a few outstanding questions? Are you worried the scuba course will be too hard, are afraid of sharks or are concerned you’ll get too cold in the water? We’re here to bust those common scuba diving myths and misconceptions so we can help you get out and exploring the ocean.
Photo: Scuba Diving Life
I might run out of air scuba diving
The first dives you take during your open water ticket will take place in a controlled underwater environment, and if that’s not enough reassurance, your dive cylinder will have more than enough air to last the short dives. Once you’ve learnt the ropes, you can dip your toes into scuba diving by going on group dives until you’re comfortable planning your own trips.
You get cold in the water scuba diving
Not if you’re wearing the correct exposure protection and wetsuit. The water temperature will fluctuate across the seasons, however, if you’re wearing the correct dive wear and wetsuit you won’t even notice the temperature change. Our dive shop has a wide range of wetsuit options to suit any dive season, give us a call or stop by if you need some help choosing the right option for you.
I don’t have a dive buddy
One of the best things about scuba diving, apart from getting to explore the ocean, is that you get to meet like-minded, ocean-loving individuals. Dolphin Scuba has a group dive every Sunday that is an excellent way for new divers to meet some of their peers and there is also a FREE sausage sizzle included.
I don’t have time to take a scuba diving course
Dolphin Scuba’s PADI open water dive course can be completed in as little as two days! You could be out and about exploring the ocean in the space of a single weekend.
Scuba diving gives you decompression sickness
Your first dive experience will take place in a controlled environment at a depth where you are free of any decompression sickness. During your open water dive course, you will be educated on a simple set of procedures to undertake when diving to ensure you avoid decompression sickness.
I’m afraid of sharks
There are hundreds of species of sharks in the ocean, and the majority of them are not dangerous. As a scuba diver going for trips around reefs or wreck sites, you will most likely encounter reef sharks. Don’t believe the movies, like any animal, sharks won’t bother you unless you bother them. But, if you’re still concerned, perhaps consider a shark shield to put any worries to rest.
All the good underwater activity is deep down
Some of the best dive locations are only a few metres below the surface, because like the plants on dry land, the vast majority of marine life also needs to sunlight to survive.
I’m not fit enough to scuba dive
You don’t need to be an iron man to be a scuba diver, just be in good shape. Scuba diving does involve swimming and being physically able to cart your dive gear around, but other than that, it’s just floating around exploring the deep.
I can’t scuba dive because of a medical condition
Swimming and scuba diving are great for recovery from injuries and have been proven quite therapeutic for many people with disabilities as long as there is a dive buddy or guide nearby. You should consult your doctor for sign off first.
I can get a scuba diving ticket from any dive shop or school
Not all dive shops and schools are the same, so you should do your research before booking into a course. Dolphin Scuba runs several certified PADI scuba diving courses, and has one of Australia’s most diverse ranges of dive wear, accessories and equipment. For more information on our open water dive ticket or dive gear please visit our online store or call our Welshpool shop on 08 9353 2488.