10 Reasons Why You Should Scuba Dive

Becoming a scuba diver is kind of like getting inducted into an elite club. Regardless of race, religion and creed, divers from all walks of life share a camaraderie and common ground from which friendships and conversations have sprung where they normally wouldn’t.

Why? Because divers normally share similar interest in the beauty of nature and . . . let’s face it you need be somewhat brazen to face the risks of breathing through a tube at the bottom of the ocean, lake or river.

Most people find this concept a little scary. Breathing compressed air at most depths means you can’t just come up for air if something goes wrong. Additionally, when you tell a non-diver you scuba dive its common to hear “You’re not scared of sharks?” It’s a common and culturally re-enforced notion that an oversized and unforeseen sea creature will gobble you up when you’re least suspecting.

The list below is not only meant to dispel some common myths and fears around scuba diving but also outline the amazing experiences and thrills that can be enjoyed by this cool hobby.

1.) There are countless beautiful dive locations around the globe

Getting SCUBA certified opens up an entire world of opportunity when it comes to travel. While it may not be the intention of your next vacation it can be an additional activity on your vacation itinerary.

Belize is also a fantastic destination commonly known for the Blue Hole and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.The number of worldwide dive locations, ocean floor topography, dive types and marine life are enough to fill a lifetime. Get out there!

Blue Hole - Belize. A popular dive site among Scuba divers and free divers. IMAGE CREDIT: ERIC PHETERSON CC.

2.) SCUBA diving is relatively safe with the proper training and precautions

Jumping into the water with a breathing tube and a metal canister strapped to your back sounds like a bad idea if you aren’t a strong swimmer or have an irrational fear of the water. It’s understandable that most people are concerned with the unknowns of being at the sea floor and wanting to surface for air and being unable too should something go wrong.

Having respect for the ocean and potential hazards you might encounter is necessary however, when proper training, preparation and precautions are taken, scuba diving is very safe.

Scuba Training in a swimming pool. This is normally the transition between the classroom portion of training and the open water. IMAGE CREDIT: BotMultichillT CC

SCUBA diving annual mortality rates are only slightly higher than motor vehicle mortality rates. The motor vehicle mortality rate is 12 deaths per 100,000 driver annually versus 16 deaths per 100,000 SCUBA divers.

Data shows a number of different causes of death that point to risk factors other than just being a healthy individual that takes normal precautions (if you’d like to dig into the statistics you can find some here).

Doing a pre dive check, dive flag usage, using the buddy system and paying attention to air and depth are important and necessary when it comes to staying safe underwater.

3.) You won't get eaten by sharks

If were to ask most divers, chances are that most have seen a shark while diving and they would tell you that sharks are either curious or passing through. You’ve probly heard some of the numbers that people rattle off when discussing your chances of getting bit by a shark. . In case you haven’t you can read more here.

A diver more concerned with catching up on his reading than the threat of sharks. IMAGE CREDIT Barnaby Dorfman CC

Your chances of getting killed by a shark are 1 in 264 million and while that number may fluctuate year to year you’re still going to have a better chance of winning most lottery’s or getting struck by lightning.

The vast majority of shark attacks occur because the shark either mistakes a human for food (a seal for example) or the diver or swimmer is holding a bleeding fish. Unless you are holding a bleeding fish underwater, sharks are normally going to steer clear you.

Many dive charters offer shark diving expeditions in which the purpose is. .you guessed it. .to dive with sharks.

4.) It can be done regularly on a budget

Most hobbies require an investment of time and money. Scuba diving is no different and, while you can easily spend thousands of dollars on gear, you don’t have too. For new divers, renting equipment initially can save you upfront cost while still allowing you to get started.

Purchasing gear that needs to be specifically fitted and personalized like a mask and fins is essential however you don’t need to initially purchase the more costly equipment like a buoyancy control device or regulator initially.

Once you’ve purchased a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit you can rent your BCD, octopus and tanks for relatively cheap. Most dive shops in Florida charge anywhere from $40 to $80 to rent a BCD, regulator and a couple tanks for the day.

5.) Diving fulfills your sense of adventure

6.) Its a great way to spend the day with your partner or friends

7.) Chances are you live in a dive friendly location

8.) Your first dive won't be a dark and scary experience

9.) SCUBA diving will give you a new respect and love for the ocean

10.) You can keep your dives entry level or build to an advanced level

Diving a 20 foot reef can be an amazing experience. A dive of that depth can render a variety of interesting fish and marine mammals as well as intensly beautiful corals but if you are one to push the limits there are plenty of courses on technical and deep water diving available to you.

Technical diver returning from a 178 metres (584 ft) dive to the SS Kyogle in Queensland, Australia. IMAGE CREDIT: Magnus Manske CC

Depending on where you live the focus of your diving might vary. For example is you live in an area that has a number of shipwrecks and manmade reefs then you might want to specialize and learn more about diving wrecks.

Diving the MV Cominoland Wreck in Gozo Malta IMAGE CREDIT: Mal B CC

PADI has a number is focus based classes that are available after your initial SCUBA certification. Many divers get a nitrox certification after they become open water certified. Rescue diver, Support diver and instructor are just a few of the courses they offer. More information can be found here

Key Takeaways

Diving is a hobby that has multi-faceted benefits. While diving without certification, preparation and the proper equipment is risky, most fears about scuba diving are irrational and over exaggerated by singular events that get widespread media coverage.

The truth is you will most likely see some unforgettable and colorful ocean life and make some friends doing it. Divers are enthusiastic about everything from the gear they use to the places they’ve been and underwater sights they’ve seen. As a bi-product of diving you’ll get some sun, breathe some salt air and feel a sense of accomplishment after doing something only a small portion of the population gets to do.