Anyone who has ever tried scuba diving will tell you that there is a whole other world that awaits below the surface of the water. There really is nothing else that can compare to exploring life beneath the waves. However, if you have never been scuba diving before, then it can certainly seem a little bit daunting – after all, you are essentially plunging into the unknown. It doesn’t help that a lot of people have some preconceived notions about scuba diving which are completely inaccurate, but which lead them to be a little bit too afraid to even try this fantastic past time. That is why we have decided to take some time to debunk 3 of the most common scuba diving myths allowing you to overcome that fear and take the plunge!
Myth #1 – I Am Going To Get ‘The Bends’
Let’s be honest for a moment – decompression sickness, aka ‘The Bends’, is a very real risk when it comes to scuba diving. However, with that being said – it is highly unlikely to happen if you have done the appropriate training and preparation before getting into the water! The majority of reputable Hawaiian scuba diving tours are going to require you to complete basic training and certification as part of your scuba diving experience which will give you the skills necessary to avoid decompression sickness completely. In most cases, staying above a depth of 60 feet poses no real threat and beginners are not going to be hitting anywhere near this depth. Long story made short – a reputable scuba diving tour will never allow their participants to risk getting ‘The Bends’.
Myth #2 – I Might Get Eaten By a Shark!
Jaws have a lot to answer for! One of the most common fears that people have in relation to scuba diving is that there is a real danger of being attacked by a bloodthirsty shark! However, contrary to popular belief most scuba divers have never even seen a shark outside of an aquarium setting! Those sharks that are encountered on scuba diving expeditions are usually smaller, more timid species which are reluctant to even approach a diver. Of course, the Great White may pose some danger, but those are incredibly rare and not native to most scuba diving hot spots. Even in the unlikely event that you did happen upon one, they would be far more likely to leave you alone as long as you leave them in peace! In short, you have nothing to fear from sharks when you go scuba diving! They are more wary of you than you should be of them!
Myth #3 – Scuba Diving Is Really Expensive
Another common misconception that puts people off trying scuba diving is not exactly a fear, but can be classed as a concern. It is often assumed that scuba diving will be very expensive. The truth is that it really doesn’t have to be. Like any hobby that you might participate in, there is a good chance that you may end up investing a substantial amount of money into buying all of the gear, but with scuba diving you do not have to – at least not in the beginning. If you are going to make scuba diving a regular activity in your life then you may eventually want to invest in your own equipment, but when you are still a beginner it is far more practical to rent the gear from your dice tour provider. That way you get to become familiar with everything and you will gain a better understanding of what you actually need and what is just added gadgets! Scuba diving can actually be very affordable!
As you can see, most of the concerns that people have regarding scuba diving are actually not anything that you need to be worried about. Like any sport there are going to be some risks involved, but if you are using the right equipment and following the instructions of your guide then you should not be at any real risk while you are under the water. It’s time to let go of your fears and experience the magic of underwater exploration!
