Breathe Easier Underwater With These 5 Scuba Diving Tips

scuba diving equipmentScuba diving can be an extremely rewarding adventure, but it definitely takes some practice. As of 2013, there were between 2.7 and 3.5 million active scuba diving enthusiasts in the U.S. alone, and they all knew one thing: conserving oxygen is key. But how do you conserve oxygen when the environment doesn’t supply it to you? Here are a few air-saving tips that might just help you breathe a little easier during your scuba classes.

Stay Warm
The colder you are, the more energy and oxygen your body requires to stay warm. Shivering and hyperventilating take much more oxygen than simply floating in the water. But no two insulated diving suits are the same, so make sure you experiment to find out what level of insulation is right for you.

Move Slowly
It’s easy to strap on your scuba diving equipment and want to zoom through the water, but moving quickly is only going to expend more oxygen and energy. Increased resistance underwater isn’t going to do your oxygen any favors. Try to move only using your legs and with sweeping, flowing movements.

Measure Your Breathing
Time should be your guide for breathing. Inhaling for five seconds and exhaling for seven seconds is a good rule to follow if you’re not sure how to time your breathing. When you practice scuba diving, count the seconds you’re breathing in and out. Once the breathing pattern becomes more natural, you won’t need to count anymore.

Pause at the Top
When you breathe, there’s a natural desire to pause at the bottom, or at the exhale. Instead of doing this while you’re diving, try pausing at the top, or inhale, or your breath. The pause allows your body to take in more of the oxygen from your lungs, which means more energy.

Practice Makes Perfect
As with any activity, scuba training requires practice. Strap on your scuba diving equipment as often as you can and make sure you take time to practice all of these tips before you set out on an advanced diving course.

Scuba diving can be a real adventure, but it also requires caution and proper safety procedures. Don’t forget to conserve your oxygen!

scuba training

5 Reasons Why You MUST Add Scuba Diving to Your Bucket List

Every year in the United States, an estimated 500,000 people become certified scuba divers. There must be a reason that so many people want to be under the sea! There are, in fact, lots of reasons why you should be looking for your nearest scuba training class. Let’s start with five.

  1. Travel the World: According to the Oceanic Institute, the ocean covers 71% of the earth’s surface. If you are looking for a reason to travel then consider scuba diving! It is a sport that can be done almost anywhere. Imagine making a scuba diving travel destination checklist. It would be endless! Not only that, but all your friends will be super envious when they check out your awesome adventure pics on Facebook and Instagram.

  2. Relaxation: Imagine floating amongst a rainbow of fish, coral reefs, shells, and sand. If this isn’t considered a form of meditation, it should be! Clear your mind and enjoy the scenery.

  3. Challenge Yourself: Scuba diving isn’t categorized as an easy sport. There are scuba training classes that are definitely a must before going out on your own. Not only will you learn all the safety precautions and the proper way to use the equipment, but it’s a chance to meet like-minded people and experience something new as a group! As long as you commit to the proper training and practice scuba diving you will be a pro in no time.

  4. It Is Unlikely You’ll Get Bored: With the constantly changing scenery and wildlife, every dive will feel like you’re going underwater for the first time. As mentioned before, there are so many places in the world to visit and try scuba diving but, even if you didn’t want to travel, scuba diving in the same place could still be a new exploration every time!

  5. Knowledge Is Power: Once you are scuba certified, impress your friends and family with your knowledge of diving equipment and proper diving practices, and be sure to brag about what you’ve seen underwater! It’s not quite the same as putting on goggles in the pool!

Are you ready to go out and begin your scuba training now? Once you have gone to scuba classes, tried some scuba related traveling, and truly experienced weightlessness, you will wonder why you didn’t try this sport out sooner!