With it now being so easy to organise a cheap break abroad, a whole host of incredible diving locations all over the world are now within reach.
Plunging into the sea and exploring the wonders that lie within can and should be an utterly unforgettable experience leaving you with nothing but positive memories.
While experienced divers are quick to tell you everything you should do, there are also a number of common mistakes that are best avoided if you want to maximize the enjoyment of your trip underwater.
Here are some common mistakes newbie scuba divers make and how to a avoid them.
1. Not getting a medical checkup
You should have a medical to check that you are in good enough shape to dive. This goes even if you have dived before, especially if there have been any changes in your health since you last dived, then it is always best to have a checkup. This can help access if you have any underlying conditions or things to be aware of.
2. Diving alone
The number one rule is never to dive alone. Even if you are an experienced diver, you could encounter any number of problems during your dive which could end up fatal without a friend close by. Particularly during dives with low visibility, attaching yourself to your boat or diving partner via a safety line is a good way of reducing the risk of becoming lost or stranded. View my reasons to go liveabroad diving which is a fun way to meet other people and visit amazing destinations.
3. Drinking alcohol the night before
Drinking alcohol the night before a dive will leave you with a hangover. This is bad for various reasons as not only will you feel unwell and not be able to make the most of your dive but you risk having impaired vision or a lack of concentration which can be fatal when entering potentially dangerous waters. Moreover, the effects felt during a hangover are caused by the body being dehydrated, meaning you need to replenish yourself with lots of fresh water, impossible to do while diving, therefore leading to a painful post-dive headache.
4. Incorrect use of equipment
For lengthy dives you will likely have an oxygen supply so you can venture deeper into the water. Over using this oxygen will merely result in the need for an early return to the shore.
Keeping your body and mind relaxed while under is the best way to avoid heavy breathing, allowing you to make your supply last longer. Over exerting yourself will also drain your oxygen; sometimes gentle movements or even allowing yourself to be carried by the waters natural flow will not only help you retain your oxygen but will also be less likely to startle any sea life you hope to observe.
When near the surface of the water, using a snorkel will once again keep your oxygen levels up and when your head is above water, goggles/face masks should be hung around your neck as opposed to being placed on your head; otherwise a wave or splash of water threatens to wash them away.
If you are thinking about buying your own gear, view my tips how to maintain your scuba equipment.
5. The wrong body temperature
A good night’s sleep before a dive will help your body fight off the effects of the cold water. It is important to stay warm by wrapping in layers when travelling to and from the dive and by wearing suitable gear when in the water. Warm fruit drinks are good but coffee should be avoided, as it reduces the flow of blood to the limbs. While it is crucial not to become too cold, it is also important not to overheat as this will force your body to sweat, which in turn cools you down, overthrowing your efforts to stay warm.
6. If you don’t feel right, don’t dive
It is important to get plenty of sleep before and after diving, to give your body a chance to recharge. Diving is physically demanding, and if you are run down, you are more susceptible to catching colds. If you do have a cough or a cold, you should not dive, because some symptoms of respiratory illness can prevent you from being able to equalize and may increase your vulnerability to DCS. Avoid taking decongestants, since these can impair your performance underwater.
7. Poor diet
General rules for a healthy, balanced diet also apply when planning a dive. Processed or high energy foods like meat, chocolate or caffeine can increase blood flow, which with the added compression and pressure underwater can cause headaches, tainting your dive or even drawing it to an early finish. Foods that release their energy slowly and which have high water content – like fruits and vegetables – are much better to consume before a dive.
Here are some tips for the correct nutrition before and after dives.
During a scuba diving, you can burn as much energy as you would playing an aerobic sport, such as squash or badminton. The precise amount will vary according to your fitness, the temperature of the water, and any prevailing currents. But while it is tempting to stoke up on a big fried breakfast in preparation for a day’s diving, better food choices before a dive are complex carbohydrates, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer and provide a steady supply of blood sugar to maximize energy levels while you are diving.
Some foods may make you feel uncomfortable on a dive—commonly, greasy or hot and spicy dishes—so these are best avoided. After a dive, you need to replace the energy you have burned with foods that release energy into your blood relatively quickly, such as refined carbohydrates. Have something to eat within an hour of surfacing, if possible. Energy-replacement drinks can be a quick fix, but avoid those with a high caffeine content.
Foods to eat when diving (common diver’s diet)
The following list gives examples of the kinds of foods it is good to include in meals and snacks before and after a dive:
Before a dive Multigrain, whole-wheat, or rye bread; whole-wheat pasta; sweet potatoes; brown rice; oatmeal; branbased cereals; legumes and nuts; beans; leafy vegetables; and plain yogurt.
After a dive Pasta and rice (ideally in a salad or low-fat sauce); potatoes; fresh fruit; white bread or bagels.
It’s tempting to head for the bar after a day’s diving, but have something to eat, too. Even standing still in cold water burns calories. So can alcoholic drinks, which are best avoided the night before a dive because they can also contribute to dehydration.
8. Not cleaning your ears
Divers sometimes experience minor ear infections, especially after days of continuous diving or if diving in slightly polluted waters. There are various ways of avoiding ear problems, including rinsing the ears with fresh water after every dive, or using an alcohol-based fluid designed for swimmer’s ear.
7. Not drinking enough water
Above all, the most important thing is to remain well hydrated before and after a dive. Your physical performance will be reduced if you become even mildly dehydrated, and this is a big issue if you are diving in warm waters where the outside temperature is also high. Aim to drink at least 2 quarts (liters) of water during the course of the day (more if it is hot). This will help to reduce muscle cramps and fatigue, and also helps decrease the risk of DCS.
You might also like to checkout my tips for diving with contact lenses.
