Underwater Wisdom: 10 Things We Wish We Knew Starting Out in Scuba Diving

Diving into the world of scuba can be an exhilarating and transformative experience. As with any new adventure, the initial plunge is often filled with excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. Reflecting on our journeys, we realized there were many things we wish we had known early on in our diving careers. In this article, we aim to share our insights and experiences to help new divers navigate the depths with greater confidence and enjoyment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we hope our combined wisdom will enhance your underwater adventures.

Andy’s List

1. Get The Right Thermal Protection

When I first got into scuba diving back in the early 1990s, I was a poor college student. My open water classes were held in a cold lake in Upstate New York, and all I could afford was a 1/4-inch wetsuit bought from a going-out-of-business sale at a local sporting goods store. Little did I know that a properly fitted wetsuit could make a world of difference in my comfort. Even when diving in tropical climates, I would rent wetsuits that often didn't fit well. I vividly remember countless dives where all I could think was, "I'm freezing—when will this dive be over?"

I don’t recall exactly when it happened, but at some point, someone explained to me that getting a wetsuit that fit correctly would actually keep me warm. Once I found a wetsuit manufacturer that made a suit to fit me well, it was a game-changer. Proper thermal protection is crucial for an enjoyable and safe diving experience. A well-fitted wetsuit traps a thin layer of water between your body and the suit, which your body then warms up, providing essential insulation. The right thickness and fit are vital for maintaining body heat and comfort. Whether you're diving in chilly waters or tropical climates, having the right thermal protection allows you to focus on the beauty of the underwater world rather than being distracted by discomfort.

2. Find A Mask That Fits Correctly

During my early dives, I was frequently plagued by the constant need to clear my mask due to water leaking in. I assumed this was a common issue that all divers had to deal with. Little did I know that a properly fitted mask rarely leaks. Everyone has a different face shape, and not all manufacturers make masks that fit all faces. It's essential to take the time to find a mask that fits your face well. One simple test is to hold the mask on your face without using the strap and inhale through your nose. If the mask stays in place, it’s a good fit; if it doesn’t, keep looking. A well-fitted mask will greatly enhance your diving experience by keeping water out and providing clear visibility.

3. Use a Necklace For Your Secondary Regulator

I often see divers stuffing their octopus in a pocket or awkwardly folding the hose and tucking it into a random spot on their BCD. This practice can lead to two potential issues. First, the octopus can easily fall out of its makeshift holder, resulting in a dangling regulator that can get tangled. Second, the octopus is there for emergency use if another diver runs out of air. In a panic, an out-of-air diver might grab the regulator right out of your mouth, so you need to be able to access your octopus quickly. Using a necklace to hold your secondary regulator around your neck ensures it stays in a convenient, untangled location. The regulator is always in the same place, making it easy to access in an emergency. While necklaces were first popularized by technical divers, they have become increasingly common among recreational divers in recent years. I believe it's a smart practice that enhances safety and convenience.

4. Build a Great Relationship With a Local Dive Shop

In this age of online shopping and internet discounts, it’s tempting to purchase dive gear online. However, a significant portion of your dive kit should be considered life support equipment, and it's crucial not to cut corners on that! Local dive shops offer more than just gear sales—they provide invaluable services such as annual equipment maintenance, gas fills, and advice on local diving conditions. The extra cost of buying gear from your local dive shop is an investment in the comprehensive support you'll need throughout your diving career.

5. Get Diverse Training

For many divers, completing their Open Water and Advanced Open Water classes often marks the end of their formal dive training. However, I highly recommend continuing to pursue further dive training. Stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling challenging situations in a controlled environment is the best way to build confidence and enhance your diving skills.

For instance, when I took a Cavern course, one of the exercises involved wearing a blacked-out mask to simulate zero-visibility conditions. I had to follow a cave line while my instructor introduced additional lines branching off the main one. The challenge was to stay focused on the correct line and not be misled by the others. This experience of diving in the dark and navigating under such conditions significantly boosted my confidence and skills in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Continuing education in diving not only sharpens your abilities but also prepares you for unexpected situations, making you a safer and more competent diver.

Byron’s List

6. Diving Isn’t a Race or Competition

When I was new to diving I was always looking to go deeper, further and longer. It is easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of things, peer pressure and ego are often big drivers in attempting to accelerate the diving learning path.

I remember on my 20^th dive I wanted to break the 50m (165ft) mark, and I did so in a cenote on a single tank. This was a dive driven by ego and a lack of knowledge.

Today, I love diving because it’s not a competitive sport. I am now well trained and experienced and have managed to get over the desire to always want more from my diving and only now go on more challenging dives when there is a mission to the dive such as photographing a deeper wreck. Today, when I do these dives it is in a much more safe and controlled manner with as much of the risk mitigated as possible.

There is no rush with your diving. Take the time needed to master the skills before taking the next step. There is the old saying with diving, “the more you know, the more you realize you didn’t know.”

7. A Backplate and Wing Is The Ultimate Solution

I have always been somebody who takes hobbies and interests seriously, and always like to own my own equipment. Before I began to dive I researched the Internet, found articles on the best BCD’s, not knowing at the time that all these were sponsored by manufacturers. I bought into the hype and purchased the latest BCD with a variety of gadgets and superfluous gizmos attached.

As I carried on diving I realized I wanted something lighter, so I bought a travel BCD. Next I decided to try tech diving. This meant yet another BCD as the other two couldn’t meet the requirements, but this I where I came across a Backplate and Wing (BP&W). They are modular so if any part fails it’s easy to replace and they can be used in so many different ways and styles by changing out individual parts. They are also much better to dive with and are very durable and long lasting. Since I have had a backplate and wing I have never had to change to another type of system regardless of the type of diving I am doing.

8. A Well-Fitting Mouthpiece Is Vital

For a long time I was having issues with sore gums from mouthpieces. Mouthpieces come in a variety of different sizes, widths, lengths and materials. I didn’t know this and continued to use the one that had been supplied with my regulators.

It was only after I moved to another reg manufacturer that the problem was instantly solved. I personally only use an Apeks comfort bite mouthpiece. It is very small and I find it a great fit for me, but I know other divers who swear blind by the ones they use. Take the time out to try 3 or 4 different mouthpieces and get something that works for you. You have this in your mouth for up to 4 dives a day on a holiday so a great fit makes all the difference.

9. Managing Ears Is Crucial

Before learning to dive, I wish I had known more about the importance and techniques of equalization. Equalization is crucial for preventing discomfort and potential injury caused by pressure changes on your ears and sinuses as you descend underwater.

On my Open Water course I spent much of it in discomfort and pain, the result of a barotrauma injury. I was unsure of the solution and I just associated the issues with diving as I didn’t know any better.

After my first ever diving holiday to Kenya, I had another barotrauma. Lots of pain and discomfort and the feeling of a “full ear” where I felt like I had to equalize on the land.

This could have all been prevented if I had learned to manage my ears better. Don’t be afraid to ask about this with your instructor if you have any problems at all during your course and training. Your instructor is there to help and guide you through any issues.

Understanding various equalization methods, such as the Valsalva Maneuver, Toynbee Maneuver, and Frenzel Maneuver, would have better prepared me for the experience.

Additionally, I would have appreciated knowing how to recognize the early signs of barotrauma and the importance of equalizing early and often, rather than waiting until discomfort sets in. Being well-versed in these techniques and their significance would have made my initial dives more comfortable and enjoyable.

10. Air Consumption Will Naturally Improve Over Time

When I first started diving, I could drain a tank of air pretty quickly. I was the one who would be first on board the boat. This I found embarrassing, and as a result I was trying all sorts of things underwater to try and conserve air.

But the more you think about it, the more of an issue it becomes. I wish I had realized everyone has the same issue when they are new to the hobby. It’s an exciting ride, with so many new things all happening at the same time, you’re bound to be breathing more than normal.

As you become more comfortable in the water, your anxiety and excitement levels will be more calm and your air consumption will naturally drop to the same level as everyone else. There is no magic cure for air consumption no matter how many articles you read for tips. The best thing you can do is keep diving and becoming more comfortable. Stop thinking about it and just enjoy the dives. Before you know it, you will have great air consumption.