Dive Training Blogs
Can we go diving yet?
By Mark Powell
After an unprecedented year, it finally looks like we are getting into the final phase of the coronavirus pandemic. Vaccines are starting to be rolled out and cases are starting to fall. In a number of areas, it is possible to anticipate lockdown restrictions being lifted, and as a result, people are getting ready to get back in the water. For some people, it has been a year, or even longer, since they have been diving. In many cases, this may be the longest time out of the water they have ever had to endure. Before you jump back in, there are a number of things to think about in order to ensure you can get back to diving safely.
Are you dive fit? If you have been out of the water for any length of time, there are a number of things to check
The first is to have an honest look at your fitness levels. If you were used to diving regularly, you may have taken your diving fitness for granted. Many people have used this period of lockdown to work on their fitness through walking, running, or other forms of socially distanced exercise. However, if lockdown has resulted in you putting on some weight or caused a reduction in your activity levels, it might be worth thinking of a gentle fitness plan to get back in shape. The last thing you want is to injure yourself by putting on your dive gear for the first time in several months or get into trouble if you cannot swim as well against a current as you could before the enforced dry season. Start to slowly build up your stamina and strength levels so that you can comfortably resume diving.
A note if you’ve had COVID-19
If you are one of the millions of people who caught and then recovered from COVID-19, then you should ensure you are fit to dive. Your respiratory system can be affected by the coronavirus and it can have long term effects on your lungs and other systems that could impact on your ability to dive safely. The new UHMS 2020 Medical for screening divers undergoing training specifically covers COVID-19. If you have had COVID-19, then a doctor will need to confirm that you are fit to dive. It is likely that there will be a high demand for advice from diving doctors, so if you know you have had COVID-19, get in contact with your doctor as early as possible just in case an appointment may be necessary.
Mental Fitness
In addition to physical fitness, we also need to consider mental fitness. Start reviewing your training material to refresh your knowledge. You can review physical course manuals, but also remember that if you did eLearning you can always go back and review the course content online. You can also work through various “what if” scenarios to deal with various hypothetical situations, including normal dives as well as emergency situations. This can be done alone, but works well as a group exercise with your dive buddies.
There is plenty of evidence that diving and being near water is beneficial for good mental wellbeing. I know many divers look forward to getting back in the water in order to get back to their “happy place”. Equally, it is perfectly normal for some people to feel nervous or apprehensive about their return dive. Making sure you are properly prepared, both physically and mentally, as well as checking all of your equipment is in full working order can reduce these concerns and ensure you are in the right frame of mind.
Your equipment
If your equipment hasn’t been used for some time, then it is essential to take the time to ensure it is in working order. Cylinders may need to be tested or cleaned. Regulators will need to be serviced. Batteries will need to be charged or replaced and all of your other equipment will need to be checked. Make sure you allow plenty of time for this. There is likely to be a high level of demand for cylinder testing and regulator servicing in the next few months. If you wait until last minute, it is highly likely that your local dive shop won’t be able to get all of your equipment serviced. Even for equipment that doesn’t need to be serviced at your LDS, spend some time checking that it’s all working so that you have time to resolve any issues, rather than having to rush at the last minute or ever worse, lose a dive because your equipment isn’t working.
Skill levels fade if not used regularly and diving skills are no exception. Things that were slick and easy last year may feel awkward and clumsy now. Any diver, no matter what their level, should start their return to diving with a shallow shake down dive to ensure their kit is working and all of their skills are up to scratch. It’s a good idea to review all the skills that form part of your various diving qualifications and, starting from the basic qualification, make sure you can still perform each of the skills. Although a lot of things will come back quickly, it is always surprising to see how rusty divers are during that first dive after an extended time out of the water.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
At Scubaverse, we’re always keen to spotlight initiatives that aim to make diving more accessible, inclusive, and innovative. NovoScuba is a bold new training agency with a mission to reshape how people learn to dive—and they’re inviting the global dive community to be part of something special.
What follows is a passionate look at their vision, values, and how you can get involved.
An Exciting Opportunity for Divers and Dreamers to Own a Piece of the Future of Scuba Diving
The world of scuba diving is about to undergo a revolutionary transformation—and you could be a part of it! NovoScuba, an innovative and passionate scuba diving training agency, is on the brink of a final push towards a global launch, that promises to change the way people learn to dive forever.
After two years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless drive to make the sport of scuba diving more accessible to all, NovoScuba is excited to announce that they are inviting enthusiastic divers, ocean lovers, and supporters of innovation to become shareholders in this game-changing movement.
This is your chance to dive into something much bigger than just a hobby. NovoScuba isn’t just offering training programs; they’re offering a stake in the future of the scuba industry. Are you ready to be a part of a global wave of change?
Who We Are: The NovoScuba Movement
NovoScuba isn’t your average diving school. We’re a movement—a movement that strives to make scuba diving more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. Our team is made up of passionate divers who are not just certified professionals but also deeply connected to the ocean, the environment, and the people who should be able to experience the wonders of the underwater world. We believe diving is about discovery, adventure, and sharing these experiences with others, not just about profit.
For the past two years, we’ve been working tirelessly to develop a new kind of diving training system. One that utilises cutting-edge technology, digital learning platforms, and a unique approach to make scuba diving training available to people from all walks of life. We’ve built this system with love, sweat, and an unwavering belief in our mission to make the world of diving more inclusive.
But here’s the thing—we’re not doing it for the pay check. In fact, none of our team members have taken a salary because we believe in this mission so much. It’s been a labour of love, and now, we’re asking you to be a part of it.
The Big Vision: Taking the Leap
After two years of intense planning, development, and innovation, NovoScuba is finally on the verge of going global. We’re ready to open our doors to the world, but we need your help to make the leap. We’re asking for your support to refine our digital platforms, expand our global reach, and ensure that we can provide top-notch scuba diving training to divers everywhere, no matter where they are or what their budget is.
This is where you come in.
Why We Need Your Help: A Call to Action
We’re closer than ever to achieving our dream, but we need that final push to launch NovoScuba on a global scale. This is not just about funding a business—it’s about being part of something that will redefine the future of scuba training. We need your help to get us over the last few hurdles, and in exchange, we are offering you an incredible opportunity to own a share in this exciting new venture.
For every £250 donation, you’ll receive 1 Class B share in NovoScuba. That’s right—you’re not just helping us out, you’re becoming part of our future. You’ll have a stake in a company that’s poised to revolutionise an entire industry, and as NovoScuba grows, so does your ownership. It’s more than a donation—it’s a chance to join a passionate and innovative team and help shape the future of scuba diving education.
Imagine being able to tell your friends that you didn’t just support a great cause—you’re a shareholder in the future of scuba diving! That’s an experience that goes beyond just funding; it’s about being part of something that matters.
How You Can Get Involved: Dive Right In!
Here’s how you can join the NovoScuba movement and help us make a splash:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training
Donate: Any amount makes a difference! Whether it’s £10 or £1,000, every contribution helps us reach our goal.
- Become a Shareholder: Donate £250 or more, and you’ll receive a Class B share in NovoScuba. This is your chance to own a piece of the future of scuba diving education.
- Spread the Word: Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still help. Share our campaign with your network and help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity.
- Get Involved: Dive deeper into the NovoScuba community by following us on social media, joining our online events, and staying connected as we grow. Your involvement will help us reach even more people who are eager to learn about the underwater world.
This isn’t just about helping us; it’s about joining a community of like-minded people who believe in making the world of scuba diving open to everyone. Together, we can change the face of scuba diving education and make it accessible for generations to come.
Why This Matters: Changing Lives, One Dive at a Time
Scuba diving is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences on earth. It’s a portal into a whole new world, full of beauty, mystery, and wonder. But for far too long, this life-changing activity has been out of reach for many people due to the high costs of training.
NovoScuba aims to change that by creating a digital-first training system that is not only more affordable but also more accessible. We’re committed to making diving available to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their income or location. With our innovative training methods, we’re able to offer a platform that meets the needs of today’s divers—whether they’re looking to dive for the first time or advance their skills.
We’re not just creating a business; we’re changing lives. We’re giving people the opportunity to explore the world beneath the waves, connect with the ocean, and discover something new about themselves. And we want you to be a part of that transformation.
The Future of Scuba Diving Starts Now
The diving world is ready for change, and NovoScuba is leading the charge. With your support, we’ll continue to grow and make diving more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that is set to disrupt an entire industry.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of something truly transformative, now is the time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the NovoScuba family and help us shape the future of scuba diving education.
Join Us Today—Let’s Make Waves Together!
Your support will help us reach new heights and bring our dream to life. Together, we can make scuba diving education accessible to everyone, no matter their background or budget.
Dive into the future with NovoScuba—join us today!
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training today. Let’s make diving available for all—and let’s make the world a better place, one dive at a time.
Meet Mia Daponte, New England’s youngest female Master Scuba Diver and Scubaverse.com’s latest blogger!
Hi, I’m Mia DaPonte, and this is my first blog! I am New England’s youngest female master scuba diver. I did my training in Jamestown Rhode Island and I’m 12 years old.
I’m also black belt in karate, and I also play soccer, basketball, and love to race my sailboat named “Beluga”. My journey to become a master diver was amazing, not all of it was easy but with the help of my friends and family they supported me so much.
When I turned ten years old, I wanted to scuba dive for my Birthday. After learning diving in the cold murky waters near my home, I wanted to start my training for this Master Diver certification. I met my instructor Seamus on my first day of diving. He was a very good influence on me and always supported me. He taught me everything I know about diving.
I also got to go to new tropical places and dive for fun. We went places like Puerto Rico, Punta Cana, Bermuda, and Bahamas. For the first time I could see far. I saw stingrays, lion fish, coral reefs, tropical fish, and lots of other animals. My favorite animal that I saw was an octopus.
Finally, it was time for my certification trip. The trip came so fast, and I eventually succeeded. In February, I went down to Cozumel Mexico and went diving at Blue Angel Resort. To get my certification, I had to do a deep dive of a max depth of 60ft, and I had to do rescue training. I also had to do an online e-learning test to qualify for this certification.
On the first day I only worked in the pool to practice and perfect rescue techniques for the next day. It was fun putting the online learning to reality. The first part felt harder than the second because I didn’t have as much room in the pool as the open ocean. On the second day, we did it in the ocean. It was hard for me to do the rescue breaths, and bring the adult diver from the bottom of the ocean to the surface. But I was able to do it after hard work.
Cozumel was a lot of fun. We made so many friends down there and hope to see them again. Diving down there was truly magical. I can’t wait to go back someday.
After hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve this accomplishment. It took me 2 years of studying and practicing, but in the end it all paid off. I can’t wait to share my next adventure with you.
News1 month agoAqualung Group Enters Court-Supervised Reorganization Process
- Blogs3 months ago
Making a Splash: My Path to Becoming a Master Scuba Diver at 12
- Blogs3 months ago
Here’s That Lifeline You’ve Been Waiting for, Dive Industry – Make Sure You Grab It with Both Hands
- Gear News3 months ago
Poseidon Unveils the Next Evolution in Dive Footwear: The New One Shoe
- News3 months ago
Alex Khachadourian joins Scubaverse as Sales Account Manager
- Gear News3 months ago
Typhoon International Unveil New Wetsuit Collection for Watersports Enthusiasts
- Gear Reviews3 months ago
Gear Review: Zeagle Recon Fins (Watch Video)
- News2 months ago
Saeed Rashid Joins Scubaverse as Underwater Photography Editor
