Scuba diving
Photo: (WT-en) Jpatokal at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Scuba diving is an activity in which you swim underwater for extended periods using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, hence the acronym scuba. It's become so popular for recreation that in most contexts the simple term "diving" is synonymous with scuba-diving, and is so used on this and related pages.
UnderstandFrom birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free.
LearnIs it for you? You don't need to be a strong swimmer or super-fit, but you do need to feel comfortable in the water.
DestinationsTwo-thirds of this planet are covered by water; there are 193 sovereign member states of the UN, and most (even the landlocked) have scope for diving of some kind.
Get inDestination and region "Get in" sections describe the usual options for getting yourself someplace.
Get aroundHumans have been sploshing around in water for hundreds of thousands of years yet biologically we remain badly adapted to anything beyond a quick dip.
See
Do
Stay safeThey'll demand evidence of your skill and qualifications, you might in return have some questions of them.
RespectThese rules may be enforced by law, but should be followed anyway, and encouraged among your fellow divers. Be aware of any specific local rules that apply to marine parks or protected wrecks and war graves.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Scuba diving" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: (WT-en) Jpatokal at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons