Yes, even in the midst of the coronavirus.
You’re 30 feet underwater, the ocean is brisk, the slight current is stirring the sand, the colorful fish are swarming, the bright red lobsters are playfully harassing the neon eels — everything seems surreal, especially the fact that you’re breathing underwater.
-Natalie Lavery
Surreal. What a great word to describe the days we’re living in. A virus unseen to the naked eye infecting thousands by the day. People buying up toilet papers by the dozens. Still not sure what’s up with that… In the midst of all this chaos, where is peace? Where is clarity? My answer? Right below the surface.
With hundreds of thousands of people across the world being home from jobs, schools, and other places, we’ve been given a great privilege and opportunity. We’ve been given a break from the normal everyday, busy hum of life. We’ve been given time with our families. What better way to spend this time than to get some peace by slipping underwater with a regulator in your mouth and a tank on your back? If you’re interested in doing just this, read below to find the best tips for planning your own dive trip right now!
Just… do it
The best tip for planning your dive trip is to act on your motivation and inspiration to go diving. Don’t wait for the opportunity to come- especially with the uncertainty that we face each day. Just plan a trip. Find somewhere that looks interesting to you. Google “best places to dive near me” or ask fellow divers for advice on possible dive sites. The place you’d like to dive doesn’t even have to be fair away either. Get some tanks filled up and go with a buddy of yours to a local quarry, lake, ocean, or any body of water!
Bring a tent and a sleeping bag
If you’re going somewhere within driving distance or have room to bring it on your flight, bring a tent and sleeping bag. Pitch the tent, dive, sleep, and do it all again the next day. Some of your best memories can come from under the water as well as above it. Take time to enjoy the outdoors with a family member or friend of yours. The experience of diving and camping together is sure to bring you closer together and have you feeling a fullness you may not have felt for a long time.
Research your dive site
Always make sure you’re aware of where you’re diving. Scuba trip can become a lifelong memory but not always for the right reasons. Make sure you always research sites before you dive them. Search for the depth of the sites, any possible dangers, events going on at the location, and any other helpful information. Always stay safe and don’t risk something being unprepared.
Stay in contact
Although you may have researched your site so extensively that you know a 500 year history of it, something can always go wrong. Be in contact with others and let them know about your trip- even if it’s just simple things such as your dive site and when you’re planning on diving. Include an emergency phone number with your gear as well just in case of an emergency.
As always, have fun
You’ve probably heard it a hundred times by now, but have fun. Diving is an amazing experience even on the most simple of dives. Scuba diving is a privilege and something that has only been experienced by humans in the past hundred years. So plan your dive trip, spend the night with a buddy somewhere, research, stay in contact, and have fun. May the most wonderful experiences await you.
Diving Deeper 