Jessica
Since water covers 71% of the Earth, there are no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy time on the water, whether you’re fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving or swimming.
Snorkel and Scuba (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) has proven to be very popular indeed. In the United States alone, there are anywhere from 2.7 to 3.5 million scuba divers and as many as six million active divers around the world. Recreational diving and snorkeling annually are a boon for the economy too, bringing in around $11 billion to the U.S. GDP.
Aside from being a fun activity, there are plenty of benefits to scuba diving:
- It increases emotional well-being. Something about the water has been shown to be therapeutic, whether you’re visiting an aquarium or going for a swim. With scuba and snorkeling, you get the chance to see fish and other aquatic life up close and personal. Studies have shown that being underwater can have a very calming effect. Being calm improves attitude and helps reduce depression. This makes it a great vacation activity.
- It reduces blood pressure. When you scuba and snorkel, your body warms up and the deep, slow breaths required for both activities help lower your blood pressure. Studies have shown that those who dive regularly can significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Better strength and flexibility. Scuba diving is lots of fun, but it’s also you to put in a little bit of physical activity. Due to the resistance of the water, many different muscle areas are put to work while you’re diving.
- It allows you to connect with nature. On both literal and figurative levels, scuba diving and snorkeling put you in touch with nature. Diving is exciting because there’s so much to explore and to see. Whether you’re looking at schools of fish, colorful reefs or exploring the remains of a old shipwreck, you’re up close and personal with nature and feeling alive while you do it.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice, here are some things to keep in mind to improve your diving:
- Pay Attention: Scuba can be an absolute blast, but you need to pay attention to your surroundings and be careful. You don’t want to get hung up on a reef, expose yourself to predatory animals in a dangerous area or disrupt other divers.
- Be respectful: If you’re going to enjoy a diving sports like scuba and snorkeling, you want to be respectful of any animals you happen to come across while you’re exploring. You’re exploring their home and habitat as a guest and you don’t want to overstep when attempting to interact with them. Don’t chase animals and remember it’s better to see with your eyes rather than your hands.
- Expand your knowledge: If you’re really experienced in diving sports like scuba and snorkeling, you can take your diving to the next level by taking a rescue diver class. In a class like this, you’ll become more confident in your abilities, since you’ll be taught how to identify problems and prevent them. You’ll also learn what to do in an emergency and your knowledge could help save yourself and others in need.
- Pass on knowledge: If you’re a fan of snorkeling and scuba diving, you can help other divers and those interested in diving by passing on some of your expertise. For novices who are new to a diving sport, the knowledge you pass on can be invaluable and they’ll know the right things to do in the water and how to stay safe.
Sports like scuba diving and snorkeling offers plenty of health benefits and tons of enjoyment. It’s a great way to stay active and be close to nature. When it comes to diving, it’s important to have the right snorkeling gear, whether you’re talking about a snorkel, flippers, an oxygen tank or other pieces of equipment. The right snorkeling gear will keep you safe and help you enjoy what you’re doing instead of worrying about a snorkeling gear malfunction. When it comes to picking the best snorkeling gear, do some research. You don’t want something that malfunctions every 10 seconds.
