One of the biggest mistakes that beginner divers make is not connecting with their local diving community. No matter if you got your certification somewhere else, local divers love to share their favourite dive sites. It’s like when a friend comes from another city and you can show them all the most interesting and exciting things to do in your city. It’s exactly the same with local diving.
This was one of the main tips, but not the only one. In this article, we have gathered the key recommendations for you that will ease your journey into the underwater world. Most of the tips below can be described in two words: plan ahead. Do not let a broken mask strap or a dead battery in your diving torch ruin your underwater adventure.
# 1 Buy a diving save-a-dive kit
You might think that this is redundant and unlikely to ever be needed. But imagine if you or your friend needs one of these essentials and it isn’t there? Before taking it with you, check the contents and buy any missing items.
# 2 Check the current / tide forecast
Please listen to these words. Make sure you can get out as well as return. If you don’t know how to read a tide chart or when to dive at a specific site, consult a local diving expert. Also remember that even small waves reduce underwater visibility, so visit an online diving torch shop in advance and choose the option that suits you.
# 3 Take motion sickness medication the night before
If you are prone to motion sickness and use an over-the-counter remedy, take it the night before so that it works in time. Read more tips on preventing motion sickness; perhaps something will help you.
# 4 Study the dive site — use Google Earth and other online tools
This is necessary to evaluate parking options, find the nearest toilet, plan a shower after the dive, and so on.
Shore diving tips
If you don’t like long boat trips or prefer to dive according to your own schedule, shore diving is a truly flexible option. However, before your first dive, it is important to consult a local expert. Wind can turn a calm bay into a real disaster. Consult a professional who will tell you when to dive at a specific site, let them show you the best entry / exit points and provide other useful information.
Below are a few general tips to help ensure a smooth shore dive:
# 5 Work together during preparation
Synchronize with your buddy so that you are ready to enter the water at the same time. Standing in diving gear can be uncomfortable, especially if you are diving in cold water on a hot day.
# 6 Don’t let the tide wash away your belongings
Avoid unpleasant surprises after the dive. Keep towels, coolers, and other things away from the water’s edge.
# 7 Identify landmarks when you swim
At the end of the dive, you may surface far from where you started. Before descending, choose two fixed objects to serve as a reference point for the start. The first object should be close to the shore (a distinctive tree or light pole), and the second should be further away and roughly in line with the first object.
For example, let’s say there is a lamp post in the parking lot, and behind it is a red house on a hill. After surfacing, if the red house and the lamp post are not aligned, you know which direction to swim to get ‘home’.