Top 6 Diving Tips for Beginners – Getting Started with Underwater Exploration

First and foremost, remember to bring a snorkel with you for your dive. At the start of your dive, you'll be floating around the surface – especially if you're diving in shallow waters. During this stage of the dive, it is difficult to breathe through your regulator. So, your other option is to constantly bob your head out through the surface and get a gulp of air, and that can be quite the taxing endeavour. Having a snorkel fixes this whole issue. Now you can hover around the surface without having to reach for your regulator or splashing around.

Choosing the right mask is one of the most important things you need to do before going on a dive. Diving masks are available in pretty much any diving shop, and a lot of them too. The best practice here is to try on as many of these as you can until you find one that fits perfectly. Most first-time divers will grab the first mask they find and jump into the water. This can lead to constant fidgeting with the mask as the dive progresses, not to mention the possibility of water leaking in and impairing your vision.

A wetsuit is crucial for a comfortable diving experience, especially if you're planning for a long session. That being said, don't make the mistake of donning your wet suit way too early. There is a tendency among most rookie divers to have their wetsuit on before even getting in the boat. Wetsuits are great for underwater exploration, but up here on the surface, they can be quite uncomfortable. As such, only switch into your wetsuit as you approach your dive location.

Perhaps the best bot of advice you can give to a first-time diver is to hire themselves an experienced dive guide. This is especially true if you plan to dive into some of the deeper areas available. Almost every dive school will include a guide who'll accompany you. What's more, if you're staying at a prominent resort like the Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, you can indulge in a Maldives diving package – complete with a trained guide to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Hydration is something that often goes overlooked when diving is considered. Simply put, remember to ingest a healthy amount of water while you're under the waves. You should also make sure that your electrolyte and vitamin levels are at a stable rate.

If you're planning to continue scuba diving for a long time, you might want to start maintaining a dive log. This is essentially a journal that details each of your experiences underwater. It can be an excellent way to stay enthused and excited at the prospect of getting in the water again. What's more, it'll allow you to narrow down what new diving experiences you want to seek out!