From Pool to Ocean : A Beginner’s Journey into Diving

16 Mar 2024 • 2:30 PM MYT
FafaWrites
FafaWrites

A diver & a full-time student

image is not available
Image Credit: Pensacola Beach

Have you ever thought to give it a try in diving ? Or have you been thinking on how to start diving ? Worry not ! This entry is your ultimate companion that will provide you with invaluable tips to make every dive a memorable adventure. Let’s dive in !

TIPS #1 - Get Your Open Water Diver Certification

Get in touch with your desired dive centre. As in Malaysia, its warm tropical climate makes it an ideal destination for island getaways, with year-round sunshine and balmy temperatures attracting tourists and travelers. There are plenty of islands that are suitable for diving which include Perhentian Island, Tioman Island, Redang Island, Mabul Island and many more. Each island often has several dive centres and it’s your freedom of choice to choose on which suits you the best. Then, contact the dive centre & ask for packages they offer.

TIPS #2 - Plan Your Trip

Plan & book your trip properly outside of monsoon season which is between October and March. It is essential for you to check local weather forecasts & diving conditions before planning your trip as factors such as rainfall, currents & seasonal variations can affect the visibility underwater. The clearer the visibility, the better the dive.

TIPS #3 - Your Own Dive Gear

If you’re the type of person who favours comfort & plans to go diving often, I would recommend you to get your own basic dive gear such as dive mask and fins according to your preferences. You may visit nearest dive shops around you as you will have many options regarding the size, colours & styles of your dive gear. Make sure to try the chosen equipment to ensure comfortability & suitability.

TIPS #4 - Find A Dive Buddy !

Diving is more fun with friends. If possible, find your own dive buddy (perhaps your partner or siblings) that will accompany you for every dive trip. You can strengthen the bond and spend quality time with your loved ones as well.

TIPS #5 - Gather Your Courage & Focus On Embarking The New Journey Underwater

It cannot be denied that diving is quite challenging for a first-timer. Different people have different level of courage. Though sometimes it may be difficult to get used of the underwater surrounding, the heaviness of the tank on your back & the equipments you have to wear from head to toe, you can overcome all of these after few dives. Stay focus & have courage to try out new things !

TIPS #6 - Listen & Follow The Tips From Your Dive Instructor

You’re the student & your dive instructor is your leader throughout the Open Water Diver Course. Stay humble & follow their tips. If you’re curious about anything, feel free to ask them as they are more than happy to help.

TIPS #7 - Your Safety, Your Responsibility

In diving, you have to look after yourself at all times. You’re responsible for your own comfort of using the equipments (so make sure it fits you well). Plus, you have to stay away from any possible danger (i.e ropes to avoid getting entangled) & look out for your own air level (i.e inform the dive instructor/dive guide if you’re low on air)

TIPS #8 - Socialise & Make More Friends From The Diving Community

Every dive trip offers you the opportunity to make new friends. You will be on a boat along with other people from different states or countries so be an extrovert and start a conversation with them !

TIPS #9 - Join Diving Volunteer Program

I would recommend you to join any diving volunteer program you've come across. I joined once in Perhentian Island with Perhentian Marine Research Station and it was great. This is because during the program, you will have to go to dive frequently (2 dives/day for few days). Thus, it allows you to explore many beautiful dive sites & improve your skills in diving especially your buoyancy.

TIPS #10 - Enjoy Every Dive Trip

As you’re entering the water, just leave all your problems on the surface and enjoy as much as you can underwater. The silence, interactions, beauty & adventures that diving offers will put you in peace apart of your busy life ❤️


FafaWrites is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.