Photo by Anurag Harishchandrakar
Virginia Beach set the record for domestic visitors in 2017 with 19 million tourists visiting the area. As one of the most diverse and beautiful parts of the nation, Virginia Beach has earned a reputation for providing visitors with the resources they need to become smart and responsible scuba divers. With information packed pre-diving lessons, the proper gear, and an understanding of how to treat the ecosystem, you can learn to scuba dive in Virginia Beach with ease.
Getting Your Feet Wet
Virginia Beach has a myriad of water-based activities available to its annual visitors. Before even hitting the water though, there are lessons and tips you must be aware of in order to establish a base for your scuba diving lessons. At Virginia Beach Lynnhaven Dive Center, you begin your diving training with online or in-person classes that give you the basic knowledge of how to dive and how to exist in the ecosystem without disturbing it. After mastering that, practice classes are offered in the facilities pool in order to get comfortable in the scuba suit and gear. When you’ve completed all of these, it is time for your open water sessions and time to show what you’re made of!
The Gear
Proper scuba diving gear is one of the most important parts to learning how to scuba and performing well. First, begin with a wetsuit to keep you dry and allow you to move underwater. This is followed by the iconic mask and snorkel that are designed to allow you to see clearly in the water and breathe while submerged as well. In order to move freely and as close to how the fish swim as possible, you’ll need a good set of fins to propel you in and around the water. Make sure to look for lightweight and durable fins that are easy to use and effective in moving you around. Make sure you get the right quality gear in order to look and swim the part.
Respect The Ecosystem
Virginia Beach is home to a myriad of beautiful marine biology and wildlife. With oysters, blue crab, mid-Atlantic fish species, and even rays and sharks; knowing how to maneuver safely and respectfully as a scuba diver is imperative. Scuba diving courses such as the ones offered at Chesapeake Bay Diving provide new divers with the information they need in order to be aware of their surroundings underwater. Learning basic scuba skills as well as equipment and wildlife handling techniques and common biology you can respectfully explore a new world underwater.
Learn To Dive Today
With the beautiful oceans of Virginia Beach, visiting the region without trying your hand at scuba diving is a mistake. By attending pre-dive classes in person or online you can develop basic skills without even getting wet. Purchasing the right quality gear and learning how to fully respect the ecosystem are also very significant steps forward in learning how to be a friendly and responsible scuba diver.
By Contributing writer Jennifer Dawson