Scuba Diving Debunked: 3 Myths To Admonish
Pat Green Sep 21, 2021
Scuba diving is a must-have activity in every great beach vacation, whether you’re on your honeymoon or just using up the last of your vacation time. It’s a fun, beautiful activity for healthy people of all ages. Unfortunately, there are a few rumors about the sport that might make you feel a little nervous for your first time.
If you’re on the fence about going scuba diving, here three myths that don’t measure up to the fun of scuba diving.
1. You’ll get attacked by a shark
This rumor was unfortunately popularized by Hollywood through movies like Jaws and Open Water. In fact, humans are attacked by sharks less than 100 times a year, making it more likely that you’ll get struck by lightning than encounter a shark attack. It’s unlikely that you’ll see a shark at all on your dive, and if you do, they’ll probably be benign and stay away. Most sharks don’t want anything to do with us.
2. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the same thing
Though these two sports are often paired together, they’re actually quite different. When you go snorkeling, you usually stay near the surface of the water. This gives you a bird’s eye view of beautiful reefs, wildlife, and water systems in the area. You’ll also rely on less snorkeling gear and snorkeling equipment, making this a fun sport for just about anyone.
Scuba diving is a little different. When you go scuba diving, you’ll need to take scuba diving lessons and wear the appropriate gear to go deep below the water’s surface. When you go scuba diving, you’ll need a breathing apparatus “oxygen” tank, which is really a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that enables you to breathe underwater. This is necessary even though the ocean helps produce nearly 50% of the oxygen we breathe.
3. Only experienced athletes can become scuba divers
As mentioned earlier, almost anyone can become a successful scuba diver with the right training. Scuba diving lessons can certify people of all skill levels as long as the coursework is completed and the certification requirements are met.
While some medical conditions may prevent you from becoming a scuba diver, most people don’t have a problem completing the requirements as long as they know how to swim. Of course, there is a learning curve, but any person with a decent level of fitness can become a successful diver. If you’ve tried out snorkeling gear, scuba gear isn’t much different.
Are you ready to try scuba diving? Rely on the professionals at Panama City Diving for the best snorkeling gear, scuba diving lessons, and spearfishing around. Call to book your vacation today!
