Top 10 Scuba Diving Myths

So as a diver if you tell someone that you’re a scuba dive, you’re likely to get one of two reactions. If the person you tell is also a diver, the conversation will go to where have you been, what have you seen and where the best place you have drove? On the other hand, If the person isn’t a diver, you may get an earful about bloodthirsty sharks and disbelief that you can dive anywhere – not just tropical waters. To help set the record straight here’s a list of the most common scuba diving myths.

Hopefully you’ll discover, like many before you that becoming a diver allows you to escape the pressures above the surface, to breath in, chill out, explore the beauty of the underwater.

Myth #1 You must dive deep to see anything interesting

One of the first questions non-divers ask scuba divers is, “How deep can you dive?” Though some divers love the challenge of deep exploration, the vast majority of divers stay within the first 10 to 15 meters, where the water is warm, the colours are brighter and your air lasts longer.

Myth #2 The only good diving is in the tropics

You can dive just about anywhere there’s water, including inland areas such as lakes, quarries, decommissioned mines, and even missile silos. Some of the world’s best diving is found in cold water environments, such as British Columbia, Canada, South Africa, and The United Kingdom.

Myth #3 Scuba diving is dangerous

Snowboarding, cycling, running, even cooking can be dangerous if you’re careless. Scuba diving, like any activity, has specific dos and don’ts that you learn during your PADI Open Water Diver certification course.

The funny thing is, most non-divers think diving is dangerous because of sharks. The truth is there are at least 18 things more dangerous than sharks, including dogs, deer and cows.

Myth #4 Scuba diving is expensive

The cost to become a certified diver is like what you’d spend learning other outdoor activities. Tuition about the same as:

• a weekend of rock-climbing lessons
• a weekend of kayaking lessons
• a weekend of fly-fishing lessons
• about three hours of private golf lessons
• about three hours of private water-skiing lessons
• four private yoga lessons

Also, your PADI scuba certification is for life. You can level-up to new adventures with a PADI Instructor, but you’re also free to explore the ocean with a buddy whenever you like.

Myth #5 You can only become a diver if you’re an excellent swimmer

As any beginner diver knows (or you have learnt), vigorous swimming causes short dive times. Experienced divers are relaxed, rarely use their arms, and kick with long, slow strokes – basically the opposite of a competitive swimmer.

Basic water skills are all you need to become a scuba diver. This includes the ability to:

• Float or tread water for 10 minutes – you can lie on your back, on your front, tread water, “dog paddle,” or anything else to stay afloat without using any flotation aids.
• Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.

Myth #6 Scuba tanks are full of pure oxygen

The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen and 78 percent nitrogen, and that’s what’s inside most scuba tanks. Some recreational divers use a blend with extra oxygen, typically 31-36 percent, which is called enriched air nitrox.

Myth #7 You must find someone to take the class with you

Diving with another person is safer and more fun than diving alone, but you can sign up for a scuba class without a partner. Many divers have lifelong friends who started out as a randomly assigned dive buddy.

Myth #8 Learning to dive is difficult and takes a long time

Forty (plus) years ago, learning to scuba dive required weeks of training. Students participated in military-style drills and learned skills that weren’t relevant for recreational diving. Since then:

• The world recreational scuba training council (WRSTC) established standards for recreational diving training.
• Dive computers simplified dive planning
• Students can start their training anytime, anywhere and study at their convenience using online digital materials.
• You can get scuba certified as little as two days, as a PADI Scuba diver for more info check here!

Myth #9 Diving is only for young or very fit people

The no age limit to diving! If you are over the age of 45 and are currently receiving medical care or have any of the health concerns below, consult your physician before enrolling in a scuba diving course.

• Currently smoke a pipe, cigars or cigarettes
• Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Known family history of heart attack or stroke
• Have diabetes mellitus, even if controlled by diet and exercise

Myth #10 You can’t scuba dive if you experience claustrophobia

Many people find their fears about claustrophobia are unfounded. Others use scuba as a positive activity to overcome their negative feelings.

Ready to become a PADI Diver?

So, you want to give scuba diving a go? You can start with a PADI Discover Scuba in One day or simply add an extra day and become a certified diver!