Just about everyone of us when we were kids, would go swimming either in a public swimming pool, lake or river. If we were lucky we had a rich friend that owned a diving mask, snorkel and fins. If he was a nice guy and let you use them, you could imagine all sorts of things. Knife fighting an octopus, being attacked by sharks, trying to get away from some underwater sea monster. These were dreams that would live with us forever. Just the thrill of breathing underwater with a snorkel, being able to see without your eyes burning, and kicking your legs and actually moving in the water. Yea, these things you don't forget.
Now that your all grown up, you can persue your life long dream of becoming a Scuba Diver.
Here are some things you should know and consider while you are in the process.
To start with, we'll discuss scuba tanks in general. You don't have to own a tank to go scuba diving.
Dive shops rent them.
Tanks can be the trickiest piece of equipment you will use. Well review some tips on the subject.
(a) If your going to purchase a tank, make sure you pick a well known dive shop. Do not buy one sight unseen.
(b) Tanks can expand in heat. Leaving your tank in a closed car or truck on a warm day, is not a good idea. Tanks can burst from pressure expanding and ruin your day. Keep tanks out of the direct sun whenever possible.
(c) If renting or buying, make sure you inspect the tank, this is how.
Remove the rubber valve protection cap and make sure the O ring is seated properly and isn't damaged. Secure the cap back on the valve.
(d) Make sure the bouyancy compensator is attached to the tank. If you don't know what this is, ask.
(e) Always check your PSI gauge, if your a newbie, ask when you fill or rent your tank, what the PSI should be.
(f) We'll talk now about 3 main things you need.
BCD: Buoyancy Control Device
SPG: Submersible Pressure Gauge
Compass
BCD is essentially a device that lets you breathe properly in deep water. It is the most important unit you'll need. So choose from a reputable dive shop.
SPG is an item that keeps the pressure level, it's very important to say the least.
Compass as we all know, is a device to tell what direction one is going. Just make sure it works before a dive.
Now for some more fun stuff, Lights, Camera, Action.
Cameras: When you purchase a camera, for your pictures sake, read the owners manuel, and understand all the details of operation. Even experienced photographers do this. When your 20 ft down, you won't be able to stop and read the directions. All cameras are different. So do as the pros do, read the manuel. The first thing to learn from the manuel, is to know the point of focus for the primary lens and each accessory optic. You will know what I'm talking about, if you read the manuel.
Use a flash: To restore the natural color spectrum to the otherwise blue world. Without a flash(strobe), most underwater photos will lack luster and seem drab. At only 8 ft, colors began to fade. Strobes will bring back the natural color, and illuminate the shaded areas.
Balance your flash power to available sunlight to achieve a natural look, and never shoot down to get your photo shots against a fantastic blue background. Otherwise you'll get a black background, and backscatter from floating particles. You'll get alot of backscatter the further you are from the subject your photographing.
As light enters the water, it interacts with water molecules and suspended particles causing loss of light. The best time to shoot your photos is mid-day when the sun is overhead, providing there is a sun. Trying to shoot a photo on a cloudy day is impossible if you want to achieve exceptable pictures with true natural color. To produce a clear blue background, take shots at a slightly upward angle toward the surface whenever possible, to get an uncluttered photo.
The basic rule of thumb for great photos, is if you can't touch it, don't shoot it. Of course dangerous creatures like sharks, barrarcudas, etc., my advise would be to keep your distance.
I hope some of the subjects I've covered will shed some light on your quest to become the best scuba diver you can be. It's never to late to pursue the beautiful art of scuba diving. It's for the young and old. Just make sure you have the physical requirements and the ability to make sound judgement, and always take a buddy with you to dive. For your equipment needs, advice. tips and information on this great hobbie, visit my website at http:www.scuba-pro-tips.com
Darrell Young
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