Some people may have doubts about trying scuba diving due to some persistent myths, so we have compiled some of these wrong ideas and explain why they’re “myths”.
Myth: “Only Olympic Swimmers Can Scuba Dive” Since scuba diving takes place in the water, you are expected to be able to swim when you take your diving certification. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be on the same level as Michael Phelps, or even be an excellent swimmer. As long as you’re in reasonable shape, you’re comfortable being in the water, and can float and move around (it doesn’t matter how, so dog paddlers rejoice!), you should be good to go.
1st Myth: “I’m Too Old to Dive”
Unlike most sports, diving can provide a nice workout without putting too much stress on your joints, making for a great, low-impact activity. It’s not uncommon to see people in their mid 30s to mid 50s scuba diving (in fact, they make up the largest group in scuba diving), and there are a lot of people in their 60s, 70, and even 80’s who are still avid divers. This brings us to…
2nd Myth: “I’m Too Young to Dive”
Not true, unless you’re a 9 year old or younger. PADI Junior Open Water Diving certifications can be provided to individuals as young as 10 years old, and PADI Open Water Diving certifications for individuals who are at least 15 years old.
3rd Myth: “Diving is Too Dangerous”
Much like anything else; there are certain risks that divers may encounter when underwater. However, on your way to being a certified diver, you will learn the many ways to minimize and even eliminate these risks (so make sure you pay attention to your instructor!). Because of this, you may be surprised to know that scuba diving is one of the safest sports out there, even if compared to other land-based sports or activities.
4th Myth: “It’s Too Expensive, Too Time Consuming, and Difficult to Learn”
We’ve already learned from this previous article that you can start diving even with a basic set of equipment. Once you have the basic set, you can get your own equipment one piece at a time, at your own pace, and rent the rest for the meantime. For the lessons, learning scuba diving has never been easier and more accessible than it is nowadays. You can now take an online course through PADI E-Learning that you can finish in as short as a day’s time (or a couple of weeks, depending on how busy you are. It’s self-paced). Afterwards, you’ll be taking the dive training sessions – all of these can be accomplished in as short as 2 weeks, from your online course to your dive training (both enclosed and open water).
5th Myth: “You’ll Have to Travel Overseas To Exotic Locations to Enjoy It”
With thousands of islands surrounded by water, the Philippines has some of the best dive sites the world has to offer! Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan have a lot of interesting dive sites. There’s Camiguin, Davao, and Zamboanga del Norte if you’re in Mindanao. If you’ll be coming from Manila, Batangas and Subic is there for a short but pleasant day trip. Be it a recreational dive or more technical one, you’ll be hard pressed to not find a good dive site in the country. But even if you’re in another part of the globe, it’s still no reason not to dive. Much of the world is covered in water; Oceans, seas, rivers, lakes… just look around and you’re bound to find an interesting spot for a dive (just make sure you have the proper certification!). Now that we’ve got most of these myths out of the way, why don’t you try it out? Contact us at Dive Buddies Philippines and we’ll be more than happy to teach you!
