Six Myths About Scuba Diving

At Island Divers we hear a lot of unfounded concerns when it comes to scuba diving. From questions to fears to odd pronouncements, we’ve heard so much misinformation on what it takes to become a certified diver, let alone just get in the water, that we really feel we need to bust some of these misconceptions right here and now.

Here are six myths about scuba diving that we want you to forget:

Expensive Equipment

Many think you need to put down a lot of dough to pay for scuba equipment in order to learn. Yes, you need gear, but not all at once. If you’re just starting out, all you really need is a mask, snorkel, and a pair of fins, which you may want to buy, as they should fit you perfectly. You can rent the rest. At Island Divers, we include the rental in our dive package, which makes it really easy and affordable. Once you are committed, you can start buying one piece at a time.

Ace Swimming

You absolutely do not have to be a competitive swimmer to dive. Obviously it’s a good idea to be fit, but all you really need are basic swimming skills and a comfort with putting your head underwater. A prerequisite for certification is passing a simple swimming test in which you must swim 200 yards non-stop. When you can do this, you’re ready to start your dive training.

Costly Certification

Actually, contrary to popular belief, an average certification class is not that expensive! Just think about what you probably spend on a weekend of dinners, movies, and drinks. Getting your diving certification is an amazing investment that lasts a lifetime, lets you swim all over the world, and has you meeting amazing people along the way.

Scuba Diving vs. Snorkeling

These are two completely different activities. Snorkeling is great, but diving is a whole other ballgame! There’s nothing like swimming with marine life and observing the ocean floor as you adventure through the ocean’s depths. Stay on the surface (snorkeling) or go deeper…it’s your choice!

Getting Lost

This is a very legitimate fear that many beginners have. Worrying that the dive boat will leave without you is indeed a scary thought – but it’s just that, a thought. An Island Diver Instructor will always do a head count before and after a dive and we never leave the site without everyone aboard. If you are a beginner you will always dive with a guide, and later with a buddy who will always look out for you, so you can put that fear to bed.

Shark Attacks

Sharks really get some bad press. In reality, sharks are not that interested in you unless you get aggressive yourself. Usually they don’t linger when divers are around, and if they do, most divers consider it an honor. This is the same for barracuda, eels, and other potentially scary creatures. If you just observe, they have no reason to attack you and you will gain a better understanding as you witness them in their habitat.

Contact Us

For more information on all aspects of scuba diving, contact us at:www.oahuscubadiving.com