Much can happen while you’re diving. Equipment issues, unrealistic expectations, aborting early, buddy issues – each can play a role in the wrecking what should actually be a fun experience. The following are some of the most common situations that can lead to a disappointing dive, and the best ways to avoid them.
Equipment Failure
Way too many times, divers suffer hours at a desk job, just dreaming about their next dive destination. When the moment is finally there, a computer hasn’t synced, a hose pops, a fin strap breaks or another minor calamity happens. Their goes the amazing dive you’ve been dreaming about… Luckily, these inconveniences can be easily prevented! Just check your gear’s condition thoroughly before you’re ready to go. How many times have you heard, ‘’I just had this thing serviced?!’’ Important as that is, it’s equally important that you get gear in the water, before you leave for your dive trip, and to make sure it was serviced properly. Your gear is your life-support equipment; give it the attention and care it deserves.
Managing Expectations
We’ve seen divers return from a dive unhappy, because they had way too high expectations about what they thought they were going to see. As travelling divers, the biggest favor we can do for ourselves is to do some research or contact a dive center in the area, to discuss the conditions or what sort of marine life we can expect. It’s best to keep these expectations in check; a dive is best remembered for what it is, not for what it’s lacking.
If there’s an animal you really wish to see, make sure you find out the best time of year to visit and plan your trip according to this information.
A dive ended early
The most common reason for a diver to come up to the surface before everyone else is simply that they just run out of air. The best way to avoid this problem is to get some exercise while running, walking, riding a bicycle, hiking or even gardening. You just need to get your body used to strenuous activity and focus on drawing deep, slow breaths. Invest in yourself and stay active, that’s how easy it can be! It doesn’t cost anything and it will give you a better return on your dives than larger or any additional tanks!
Dive-buddy struggles
Diving with a buddy can greatly enhance your trip, but it can also cause some problems that keep you from enjoying a great dive. The biggest obstacle between buddies is mainly communication. You and your buddy should discuss dive plans, as well as contingency plans, and make sure you’re on the same page. Sometimes you hear frustrated divers complaining because their dive buddy was going one way while the other wanted something else. There is an easy solution for this.. just share! Let one person lead and one dive, and the other lead the next diver. When your buddy is in charge, let them plan the dive and make the decisions underwater and the other way around when it’s your turn. If you two don’t have this compatibility? Simply break up. Diving isn’t dating, it’s okay to dive with other people. If you and your dive buddy aren’t getting along, take a break and spend a dive with someone else.
Did you ever have one of these problems? Comment below how you solved them!
