Are you among the 2.59 million scuba diving enthusiasts in the US?
If so, a great place to dive is at the top of your “travel essentials” list. Perhaps you even plan your vacations around the best scuba diving destinations.
Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been PADI certified for decades, there’s always more to learn about your favorite sport. Keep reading for four expert tips to enhance your next scuba experience.
1. Consider Local Locations
The travel industry loves to entice us to dive into faraway waters in the Caribbean, the Red Sea, or the South Pacific.
There’s nothing wrong with ticking these destinations off your scuba diving bucket list. But don’t overlook the value and convenience of diving opportunities closer to home.
For example, did you know that New Jersey offers some amazing scuba diving experiences? There are thousands of shipwrecks to explore and it’s also the ideal place to try spearfishing.
You can also find great diving opportunities in the Great Lakes, Florida Keys, and Puget Sound.
2. Ensure You’re Fit to Dive
Scuba diving is generally a safe sport, but it’s not without risks. You’ll definitely want to stay on shore if:
- You’ve been drinking alcohol or you’re hungover
- You have an earache or you’re congested
- You’re pregnant
- You’re alone (never go solo!)
- You’re feeling seasick or nauseous
If you fall into any of the categories, don’t take unnecessary chances. Hang up your fins and wait until you’re feeling 100%.
3. Don’t Dive & Fly
Since we’re on the subject of safety, did you know you should wait at least 24 hours after diving before you get on an airplane?
The main reason for this is because of the pressurized environment inside the plane. If your body hasn’t had enough time to decompress after a dive, the excess nitrogen can form dangerous bubbles in your blood.
Bonus tip: Although you should never dive and fly within 24 hours, it’s perfectly safe to fly and then dive in that time period.
4. Be a Good Diving Buddy
Communicating with your dive partner should begin long before you get in the water.
Never assume that you both know what to do or are on the same page. Be explicit about depth limits and time limits, as well as separation procedures.
Always do a two-way gear check before you start your dive. Manually check your buddy’s gear and make sure they check yours. The same goes for gear checks during the actual dive.
This is especially important for seasoned divers, who may be tempted to rely on experience while overlooking small details.
Finally, trade off who leads and who follows. This allows each of you the chance to set the pace and direction and have the best possible dive.
Enjoy the Best Scuba Diving Today
As we’ve discussed, you don’t have to go far (or spend a lot of money) to have the best scuba diving experiences.
Use the tips above and you’re sure to have an amazing time on your next underwater voyage.
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