01745.com - Feature Article
| Scuba Diving by Gary Johnson |
The sport of recreation scuba diving has been growing in popularity rapidly over this last decade. Most that
have taken to the underwater world have commented that the mere experience of simply drawing their first breath
beneath the waves to be both exhilarating and liberating yet strangely familiar. Little wonder considering
that we have all spent the first nine or so months of our existence immersed in the warm water our mothers womb
before our timely arrival!
There are of course many reasons as to why so many of us have taken to this ever-evolving sport, for example the
spectacle of witnessing a whole world of vibrantly beautiful aquatic life under the shallow warm waters off the
coral reefs, or possibly for the exhilaration of diving deep into the dark yet gin clear waters of an inland
Welsh slate quarry, or simply for the surreal pleasure of being utterly weightless and free to move within a three
dimensional arena, whatever the reason, the experience is always totalling involving.
Accessibility to diving locations has also considerably improved over the years, with many sites now dedicated
specifically to diving if not water sport in general, such sites as Stoney Cove in Leicestershire or Capernwray
Diving in Lancashire are prime examples of such facilities.
Many sites now offer training and air filling stations, parts and servicing facilities, changing rooms
(most welcome in the winter months) and even dining areas with licensed bars (but please remember, don't
drink and dive!). More distant diving Meccas such as Egypt's Red Sea or the islands of Thailand have taken this
ethos to the extreme, developing whole towns purely with the pursuit of satisfying the water worshipers
desire to loiter sun kissed shores in mind.
Tempted? So how easy is it to get started? Exceptionally easy! Upon exploration you.ll find most towns
with leisure centres offing swimming facilities will have a local diving club frequenting their pool,
if not the next town will! With clubs running well into the hundreds within our UK shores you should not have to
travel too far to have a go, many clubs run scheduled 'try dives' for those who wish to take their first
tentative plunge into using scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) - an experience that many
people never forget for very little cost or even free of charge, all within the confined safety of an
organised and experienced group.
Nearly all local clubs these days are affiliated to one of many organisations or societies, PADI (Professional
Association of Diving Instructors), BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) or SAA (Sub Aqua Association) to name just three.
Once you've been 'bitten by the bug' course fees can be as little as £200, a gateway to allowing you to dive almost
anywhere in the world.
What about equipment availability and costs? Well, these days very good on both fronts. Choice of equipment and
availability is vast, and there is no need to buy everything in one go, just start with mask, snorkel and fins,
no more than around £80, useful even if you just wish to enjoy the sea whilst on holiday!. If money is no issue
then shelling out for all of the basic kit will set you back around £800 to £1500, most of which will not need to
be replaced for the better part of ten years when serviced regularly, a bargain when compared to other adventure
activities!
Whatever your reasons, if you are comfortable in water and aged from fourteen years onwards, why not have a go?
Provided you can swim and are in reasonable health a 'try dive' may be just the ticket!
Written by Gary Johnson, qualified diver since 1991, having been affiliated to BSAC, SAA,
PADI, IANTD and TDI.
Currently holding PADI Divemaster and TDI (Technical Diving International) Advanced Trimix qualifications.
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