The dangers of diving?

[Crunch]

Of course, as with any new sport, you want to know what the dangers are before you jump in the deep end (no pun intended). So what are the main concerns that a new diver should be aware of?

I know that lessons will obviously bring all these to the surface (again, no pun intended) - but any chance on a heads up before then?

 

[spectrum]

Poor training. Good training lets you manage the rest. Don't even consider solo for a long time.

Pete

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Of course, as with any new sport, you want to know what the dangers are before you jump in the deep end (no pun intended). So what are the main concerns that a new diver should be aware of?

I know that lessons will obviously bring all these to the surface (again, no pun intended) - but any chance on a heads up before then?

Do you hear that sucking sound? It's the sound of $$$ being spent on dive gear.
Spend time researching (e.g.. renting and borrowing as much variety as possible) and shopping; then BUY when you know what you want for gear.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Driving to Dive training/Dives.... wonder if there is a statistic on that???
welcome to Scubaboard Crunch!!

 

[freediver]

Unexplained bruising on the cheek bones....................ok, so the wife found out how much money I spent on scuba this past year.

 

[Gary D.]

Of course, as with any new sport, you want to know what the dangers are before you jump in the deep end (no pun intended). So what are the main concerns that a new diver should be aware of?

Himself!

Gary D.

 

[abysmaldiver]

With good training and a smart head on your shoulders you'll be fine

 

[JMcD]

Spectrum nailed it here. A new diver should be most concerned with the danger of not having proper instruction and therefore not having the knowledge necessary to manage the risks inherent in diving.

There are obviously risks, but there are ways to mitigate or manage many of them. Starting out, I would suggest that the risks are different then later on. Starting out (IMO) they have more to do with what you are learning and how to do it safely (Like being too forceful equalizing and damaging your ears - perhaps a bye-bye-to-diving error.) while later on they have to do with the risks associated with new dive sites and deeper/longer dives (Decompression sickness etc).

Spend some time determining who your instructor will be. (search for posts on training and instructors and certifying agencies and you'll find a million posts - short summary IMO - the instructor is (in general) more important that the certifying agency.)

 

[coachrenz]

Thinking that you know everything there is to know about diving is not a good thing. I have been diving for a long time now 15+ years and I still learn something new every dive.

My other piece of advise would be that your LDS (Local Dive Store) can be your biggest supporter. Hang out in there, spend time getting to know the people who work there, get to know the divers who come in, just talk diving. Those who support their LDS tend to get the better deals on equipment, the better dive maps, the better advice, and sometimes even free stuff.

I would also suggest talking to the instructors before taking the class. Find an instructor with a style that you will do well with. They are people with personalities just like everyone else. If you aren't going to be able to learn from them, take a different class with a different instructor. I wish someone would have told me I had this option. Most places have more than one instructor. You may have to wait for the next class to start, but it is worth it. You OW instructor may just become one of those people who is there for you when you need someone.

Get the training, take more formal training, and always be aware that a mistake can be fatal. Diving is fun. Dive with the respect for the ocean/body of water that it deserves.

Tim

 

[spectrum]

By the way Crunch, I noticed in your profile that you have become an avid skin-diver. That has laid a splendid foundation for scuba-diving.

As we have all been saying you will find that your instruction will be largely about managing risks and recovering from problems.

As a skindiver you have made ito the movie theatre lobby, you have sniffed the popcorn, seen the posters, even caught a glimpse of a show or two through opened doors. Come on down for the feature show!

You didn't really want us to enumerate all of the things that could go wrong, did you?

Pete