Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Learning to scuba dive is not that difficult. Obviously you gotta know how to swim. But if you are a good swimmer there is nothing to fear about strapping on scuba diving equipment and swimming down in the underwater world. Scuba diving does require some preparation and training but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Some people have this anxiety about underwater. If you are claustrophobic then scuba diving can be a bit of a double whammy. You have a tank, mask and fins on, breathing through an apparatus plus you are underwater. It can be quite unsettling for some. But for those that can conquer this fear then wonders truly await you below. Soon you will be comfortable suiting up in your scuba diving equipment.

Another fear also is of being close to marine creatures. If you have been one of those feeling hesitant about this, some simple education can help. Many fears of being in close proximity with creatures from below the surface of the sea have come from years of misinformation from our media. These fears are unwarranted.

For example, a few of the oceans' inhabitants such as the shy octopus, the giant squid, and the gentle orca, have each been portrayed at different times as terrible monsters. In reality, none of these creatures are a real threat to human beings at all.

Even the shark, commonly considered to be the most dreaded of all of the ocean's predators, is not the terror that Hollywood has made it out to be. In fact, your chances of dying from a bee sting are far greater than from being attacked by a shark.

Sharks have often mistaken a surfer or a swimmer for a seal or an injured fish, and then easily follow nature's instincts and bite, thinking they have a meal. Interestingly, humans don't even taste that good to sharks, so they usually let go after biting. As a diver, when you are down in the same water with the shark they are not looking at you as dinner.

Another type of fish that has been the cause of fear is the barracuda. Simply remember that barracudas are attracted to shiny things, and remove all your jewelry before diving. You will then discover that the barracuda is just another curious fish. As a diver, you will be more likely to receive a peck from the miniscule damselfish than a bite from a barracuda.

Some varieties of marine creatures can be hazardous to your health, such as the jellyfish, the Portuguese Man-O-War, the lionfish, scorpionfish, and the rockfish. Learn to identify these creatures so you can keep your distance, and they will gladly avoid you. You definitely do not want to get caught up in jellyfish tendrils (with painful, though not fatal, stinging cells), nor do you want to brush up against a rockfish with its poisonous spines.

Getting qualified diving instruction will go a long way to allaying any fears. A good instructor will assist you in preparing physically and mentally for an enjoyable diving experience. Then, as you dive more often, you will find yourself getting more comfortable in the water. And it will get cheaper too. Your air consumption rate will drop because your breathing will relax.