Interest in recreational scuba diving has exploded in the past 10 years, with women comprising over 40% of new divers. So how do you get started and banish those initial fears?
Physical Condition--While not as rigorous as running a marathon, scuba diving requires an average level of physical fitness, the ability to swim a half mile, and most of all, feeling comfortable in the water. Maintain good health, avoid alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Wear a wetsuit to escape the chills and hypothermia even in tropical waters. The medical community's consensus is do not dive if you are pregnant, or think you are. Studies have shown no adverse effects from diving during menses; certainly no shark attacks! Use your judgment and if you don't feel up to it, don't go. There are no reports of increased incidents of decompression sickness (DCS) in women divers.
Training and Cost--Do your homework and investigate local dive training facilities and dive resorts worldwide. Many divers opt to take their classroom and pool instruction locally and complete their "open water" dives in warm water. Certification agencies PADI, NAUI, NASAS, SSI, and YMCA conduct comparable basic scuba certification classes. Costs for a basic scuba course are $250-400, with advanced level courses offered for $100-300 each. The training consists of classroom "book learning" and work in a pool. You will learn the physics of diving and how your body reacts to water pressure. Pool sessions teach you how to breathe comfortably underwater through a regulator, and how to get all that gear on and still float! After your classroom and pool work, you will need to do several open water dives to be certified.
Equipment--Advances in equipment for women divers have dramatically improved gear selection and fit. Your most important purchase is a mask that fits; rental equipment is readily available. Many manufacturers now make BC's (buoyancy control device) especially for women. Our body shape has different curves and bumps than a man, so they have now re-designed the jacket BC's to fit more comfortably. Smaller regulator mouthpieces are also available making the regulator less tiresome to your mouth and jaw.
Women divers are enjoying the world's oceans in greater numbers. Join this growing legion of water enthusiasts in exploring and learning about our oceans. This is a sport the whole family can enjoy, with 8-10 being the minimum age for kids. So come on in--the water's fine.
© 2003 Linda Gettmann
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
