Many people wonder what a first scuba dive is like, so I decided to write a few words and share my experience.
First of all, if a fear of depth worries you, there is no need to be afraid. A first dive goes no deeper than 6 metres and starts in very shallow water. Throughout the whole dive you are mostly just a metre or two above the seabed, without the feeling of "great depth" that might frighten you.
For a first dive to be completely safe, a licensed diving instructor must be with you. This experience matters because it is your first. Every dive after it will be different, but this first one should stay a special memory: interesting, easy and, above all, safe.
Before the dive the instructor gives a short briefing. They will explain how to equalise the pressure in your ears, how to prepare your mask, why it is important to keep breathing at all times and why you must ascend more slowly than your air bubbles. Everything else - handling the equipment, buoyancy and safety - is taken care of by the instructor.
One of the most common fears is ear pain during the descent. But there is a simple pressure-equalisation technique that anyone can master on their very first dive. If that worries you, do not worry: we will teach you how to deal with it.
Breathing underwater - what is that like? It will not feel "normal", and that is entirely to be expected. It would be strange if breathing underwater felt natural straight away. But after a few minutes of wonder and getting used to it, you will start to enjoy it: breathing, swimming and watching the world around you while the instructor guides you.
Does a first dive have to be at a spectacular location? It does not. A first dive is an experience in itself. Any cove, beach or calm spot at sea will be extremely interesting to you, because simply breathing underwater and moving without needing to surface is a new wonder in its own right.
What about safety? Safety comes first. A first dive (known as a Discovery Scuba Dive or Intro Dive) is led by a diving instructor or a divemaster with an additional qualification, and the maximum ratio is one instructor to four people. If conditions are more demanding (waves, reduced visibility), that number drops to no more than two beginners per instructor.
Almost anyone can try this kind of dive, from children of eight to adults of 77 or more. You need to be generally healthy; you do not have to be as fit as an astronaut. People with some chronic conditions can dive too, in agreement with the instructor. The most important thing is that you have no serious heart or mental health problems.
Equipment and weight? The diving equipment on a first dive will not be too heavy for you. Children are given smaller cylinders, and the instructor will help you carry the gear down to the sea. In the water the equipment is neutral, so you will feel light and free.
Conclusion
A first dive is a special experience that you will remember for a long time. I recommend that everyone try it at least once. You might like it so much that you want to learn more and dive regularly. Or you might conclude that it is not for you - and that is perfectly fine too. But do not miss the chance. Dive in and experience the sea from a completely new perspective.
