by Susan B. Barnes Water,Water Everywhere With nearly two-thirds of the earth’s surface covered with water – and 97 per cent of that salt water – there’s an entire undersea world ready to be explored. Creatures, ranging from minuscule to mammoth, dwell just below the surface. Are you ready to discover them for yourself? Are you ready to scuba dive?

Scuba (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving hit the mainstream in the early-1950s when deep sea divers Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan introduced the Aqua Lung to North America, and the YMCA began the first nationally-organized scuba certification course, in 1959. Shortly thereafter, NAUI(the National Association for Underwater Instructors) and PADI (Professional Association of Divers) were formed, offering internationally recognized intensive courses, ensuring that divers were educated and well-prepared before heading into open water. Anyone with an interest can learn to dive, though you must be at least 15 to earn an Open Water Diver certification; children under the age of 15 can obtain their Junior Open Water Diver certification, and then upgrade once they’re of age. Before You Take The Plunge Don’t think that it’s as easy as one, two, three: dive, though. There’s quite a bit of math involved, and once underwater, divers need to constantly be aware of their surroundings, depth, and tank measurements. Depending on how deep the dive is, you’ll also need to be aware of the time you’re taking to get to the surface to avoid surfacing too quickly and being subjected to decompression sickness also known as “the bends”. For a head start before you take your first class, invest in a good mask and snorkel, set of fins and weight belt. These three pieces of equipment are standard for all types of diving, and a good investment from the start will ensure a pleasurable diving experience for years to come. Everything else you’ll need – regulator, tank, buoyancy compensator – should be included in your course, and available at outfitters you dive with once you’re certified. Your mask should fit snug against your face and form a seal, essentially keeping water out once you submerge. If you wear glasses or contacts, you may want to invest in a prescription mask so that you can see everything you’re diving to see. Today’s market has a wide variety of snorkels, and again, you’ll want to find one that fits your specific needs, but most importantly, one that will allow you to snorkel at the surface without having to raise your head. A good set of fins will assist in propelling you forward with the slightest flutter, allowing you to conserve energy and thus, conserve oxygen in your tank. Fins should fit your feet like a good pair of shoes – not too loose or too tight. After all, you’ll be wearing them for varying lengths of time, and just like shoes, you’ll want them to be comfortable. Thought not necessary, beginning divers may find a weight belt of significant help, as it will help maintain buoyancy and aid in your descent. Specialty scuba shops will have professionals who can help you choose the right gear for your specific needs – don’t be shy about asking for help, that’s what they’re there for! Deep Thoughts Take a look around and find scuba shops in your area. Perhaps your local YMCA, gym or college offers classes for beginners – some colleges even offer credit for a Scuba course. Talk to friends or acquaintances who’ve learned to dive, and find out what they liked/disliked about their courses. For international certification, be sure and find a course that is NAUI- or PADI-certified. Many times, those interested in learning to dive are heading off on vacation, and there are opportunities to learn there, too. Several cruise lines and resorts offer introductory courses that offer the basics of scuba, but do not necessarily provide certification. Be sure to find out if certification is included in a cruise or resort course; you may need to continue your education once you return home to complete the certification requirements. A quick search on the Internet will help you find cruise lines and resorts that offer introductory scuba courses. In no time flat, you’ll be gliding through the water, as quiet as the marine life surrounding you, and reveling in the natural wonder that is the undersea world. For further reading on scuba diving including gear, online communities and premiere destinations, check out Scuba Diving Magazine and Diver Magazine. Check out our section on diving gear for more on what you need to buy and where to buy it.