Solo Dive: Why?

Going solo in a dive may sound unusual. Every time you hear the tips of “find a buddy”, “do not dive alone’, and their kinds. But some professional divers would go for solo dive. Only certified divers can go solo dive. They need to be at least 21 years old, have advanced open water certification, and have at least 100 properly logged dives. There are some other reasons to solo dive.

1. Professional divers may increase safety when solo dive. In case of an ordinary diving session, we know that divers go in team that includes at least one experienced diver. The diver will help the less experienced divers when they face problems under the water. That is great for ordinary trip. But if you look carefully, there is not much to rely on when the experienced diver himself get problems. There is little probability that other team members can help. If they are really inexperienced, you can expect them to be panicked and lose focus. Experienced diver has to split the focus for his safety and other buddies’. While in solo dive, he can focus for the safety and fun of diving.

2. Professional divers can enjoy the dive more. They do not have the burden to take care of or guide other less experienced divers. Experienced divers can enjoy the dive to the full without worrying about other buddies’ condition. Of course it does not mean to be selfish. But there are times when a real diver wishes he/she could dive to the fullest of life. Just like any other hobbyist does.

3. Professional divers may have special mission or dive site to target. When a diver dives for special mission such as research, survival, dive site maintenance, or safety check, he/she would better go alone or be accompanied by other advanced divers. Also, if the site is for advanced skill then it is not safe to bring the inexperienced divers. Of course, in both case it is better if a diver goes with other experienced buddies.

Scuba Diving Basic: Stretching

All sports require some levels of stretching, so does diving. Stretching is highly important before you dive to prevent injuries. Unprepared muscles are prone to injuries if you do unusual movements since they do not move a lot during your normal activities. As a diver, you need to know the further importance of stretching to understand the benefits. Here are them.

1. Stretching will increase flexibility. Your joints and muscles move better after a stretch, and thus you can move and use the dive skills well and safely during the dive. With more flexibility, it is also easier to get balance position and better posture. As your muscles get loosened, you can move freely without worrying about aches and pains. Stretching also increases your breathing and heart rate, as well as blood flow to muscles. It is easier to manage the right diving posture. And it is easier to keep being safe and controlled. Overall, stretching help your body to prepare for a workout.
2. Stretching will get away the psychological constraints, if any. Dive beginners may feel worried or stressed about the early experiences. And other divers can also be worried about something else that may affect the dive. We know that keeping strict focus is vital in diving. Stretching can help divers to relax, relieve stress, and improve awareness. When you dive with great focus, you will be aware of the surrounding, the marine life, your buddies, the line and nature, etc. Any possible harm can be recognized earlier.

So there is no excuse to miss stretching before you dive. Even dive training needs stretching to prevent injuries. If you are beginner in diving, make sure that your stretching program is monitored by a certified or experienced dive professional. It is critical to do the proper method of stretching. Otherwise, stretching may increase the risk of injuries.

Scuba Diving Tips: Liveaboards

Liveaboards offers the dream life of divers, or at least a dream holiday. You stay on the boat for days, be around the water all the time, can dive anytime, and visit many dive sites. Everything is about three: dive, eat, or sleep. It is one the best adventures in diving. Taking liveaboards trip can be managed through tour packages. Let them manage all the stuffs. But, you can help to make trip a lot more memorable.

1. Pick the boat that meets your dream liveaboards trip. Do you want a trip with continuous dive or a more relaxed version with some photographs? What level of side sites to go? There are liveaboards with routes and specification focused on each of them. For example, if you want to take great photos, there are liveaboards with onboard photo pros. Or, if you are an advanced diver, there are liveaboards with special routes and boat’s features.

2. Pack your stuffs light and bring necessary extras. Liveaboards passengers pay for the space, so it is great if you can bring as little as possible. The gear should be there, but do not overwhelm with too many clothes, shoes, or other accessories. Bring thicker suit to bear the sea cold, spares for dive gear, dive signaling equipment, and batteries. Do not forget your personal medicines, toiletries, and small important stuff like sunscreen.

3. Prepare the trip. Get secondary plan for flight delay. Most agencies have back-up plans for those ho face flight delay. Also, make sure you arrive at the liveaboards starting point a day before so that there is no rush. If you need special cabin or meal during the liaveaboards trip due to sickness or other relevant reasons, make request at least a month before so that they can prepare to accommodate your need.