Scuba Diving After a Long Break
Getting Back into Scuba After Significant Time Not Diving
Many divers take a long break at some stage during their scuba diving career. There are many things to consider before taking the plunge again.
“I’m going to get back into it!” What a common saying. Many divers drop out of diving for a multitude of reasons. Some divers do their basic course and never dive again. Others dive regularly for many years then stop diving. With the high price of diving equipment and expensive boat diving it is no wonder many people give diving away for a while. But with the sheer exhilaration of being underwater it is not surprising divers will want to go back down.
For someone who hasn’t dived for a time it is easier said than done. Depending on a diver's confidence and the elapsed time since the last dived determines how a diver restarts a diving career.
Check Equipment
First thing, check the equipment. The tank may be out of test and it may be a while since the regulator was serviced. There’s no sense going diving if cockroaches have eaten mask straps or the diaphragm in the regulator's second stage has perished. Check the wetsuit, not only for condition, but ensure it still fits! If it’s been a number of years, maybe it has shrunk around the midriff!
Physical Check
Before hitting the water, a diver should be physically ready for scuba again. Scuba diving is a physical activity and needs a certain level of fitness. Depending on each diver's circumstances, maybe some aerobic training might be worthwhile. Also a medical check-up should be done. Consideration also needs to be given to a diver's mental approach. If previously an anxious diver, the stress levels may have to be addressed before dipping below the surface again.
Into the Water, Slowly
Once the gear is ready, start by taking time in a pool, either a friend’s or a public pool. But first check the pool owner doesn't mind a diver banging around with a heavy scuba tank. Some pool owners wouldn’t be happy having their pool tiling smashed by an accidentally dropped weight-belt.
Another option is to talk with a local dive shop. Most dive shops provide refresher courses where rusty divers should be able to latch onto one of their classes for a nominal fee. This will provide all the benefits of an instructor, dive-masters and students who are starting from scratch. The classes might even come in handy as a bit of a revision on some theory aspects is always useful. Most reputable dive-shops will offer this service.
Make the First Dive Simple
After the cobwebs have been cleared in the pool and the diver is physically and mentally ready, the first dive should be in an easy location. A simple shore dive will suffice. Plan the dive to take things slow and easy, especially on the descent. The ears will not be used to such a dramatic change of pressure. For someone diving fairly regularly, say two or three dives a month, the ears get accustomed to the pressure changes, but when they haven’t popped for a while it can be a painful process. Also take it easy on the ascent.
After an easy dive it will be time for more advanced diving; gradually working up confidence to try deep dives, night dives, wreck diving or whatever.
Return to the Depths
For divers thinking of getting back into it, take the challenge. Anyone who has dived before, knows that underwater is another world, divorced from the one on the surface with all its problems and tension. So take the plunge!
