Patrick R. Held
Registered
While we won't be regular divers, my wife and I are planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and we would like to take an introductory dive. I concerned about the physical condition you need to be in to take a dive.
While I understand you wear fins that help you move better in the water, you also have a lot of heavy equipment on you.
About my health:
No Heart Issues
No Breathing Problems (other than when I run, but I do run out of breath sooner than others would)
No Asthma
No Heart Disease
No Lung Issues
No Diabetes
No Epilepsy
No Ear Problems
No Chest of Sinus Issues
I do have slightly high blood pressure but it is under control with medication
The Diving Agency said there is no way they can tell me if I will be OK to dive until I get on the boat and talk to the trainer, but I would like to improve my chances of being able to dive.
My main concern is my strength. I am about 290 pounds/135 KG and 6'2"/185cm tall. I lack upper body strength, but do have strength in the legs. The last time I was in a pool, I was unable to tread water for more than a minute and a half. I really don't want to get into the water and sink to the bottom and realize that I can't get back up to the boat.
I am willing to exercise and get into better shape for this, but would like to know if I am working towards an unrealistic goal.
That said, can someone please give me some comparable tasks that I should be able to complete as a measurement to know if I am ready to go. For example, tread water for 10 minutes, run a certain distance in a certain time, etc.
While I understand you wear fins that help you move better in the water, you also have a lot of heavy equipment on you.
About my health:
No Heart Issues
No Breathing Problems (other than when I run, but I do run out of breath sooner than others would)
No Asthma
No Heart Disease
No Lung Issues
No Diabetes
No Epilepsy
No Ear Problems
No Chest of Sinus Issues
I do have slightly high blood pressure but it is under control with medication
The Diving Agency said there is no way they can tell me if I will be OK to dive until I get on the boat and talk to the trainer, but I would like to improve my chances of being able to dive.
My main concern is my strength. I am about 290 pounds/135 KG and 6'2"/185cm tall. I lack upper body strength, but do have strength in the legs. The last time I was in a pool, I was unable to tread water for more than a minute and a half. I really don't want to get into the water and sink to the bottom and realize that I can't get back up to the boat.
I am willing to exercise and get into better shape for this, but would like to know if I am working towards an unrealistic goal.
That said, can someone please give me some comparable tasks that I should be able to complete as a measurement to know if I am ready to go. For example, tread water for 10 minutes, run a certain distance in a certain time, etc.