Guide to Your First Scuba Dive: What to Expect and How to Prepare

From First Bubble to Certification: Your Beginner’s Guide to Diving

Have you always dreamed of exploring the underwater world, but are held back by fear of the unknown? The sound of your breathing through a regulator, the weightlessness, marine life and flora you’ve only seen on television… A trial dive is your gateway into this fascinating universe. And what if this first immersion makes you want to go even further?

This guide is made for you, future divers, to accompany you from your first trial dive to earning your first Level 1 certification. We will demystify fears, prepare you for surprises, and give you all the keys to make this journey an unforgettable experience.

Trial Dive: Your First Steps, Safely

A trial dive is much more than a recreational activity; it’s an intense initiation where you’ll try breathing from a tank for the first time.

The setting: in France, the law limits trial dives to 6 meters depth, which provides safety. During this dive, you will be alone with your instructor, who will be with you at all times. The quality of your instructor is crucial: they are your “anchor point” underwater. Don’t hesitate to ask all your questions and express your fears. If you don’t feel confident, it is perfectly acceptable to change instructors.

Preparation: the trial dive does not require any special physical training. Just bring your swimsuit and a towel, because all gear (wetsuit, fins, mask) is provided by the dive center. Good rest and hydration are the only prerequisites. For women, tying up long hair can help avoid discomfort underwater.

Sensations: your first sensation will be breathing through the regulator—a process that becomes natural within minutes. Next, you’ll feel “gliding” and weightlessness, like flying underwater. Don’t panic if you feel anxiety or pressure in your ears; these are normal sensations that can be easily managed with equalizing techniques and your instructor’s support.

The trial dive will help you become familiar with the underwater environment and discover, from the first few meters, the richness of marine life: most species live within the first 15 meters of depth.

Demystifying Fears: Tips for a Calm Dive

It’s normal to have apprehensions before taking the plunge. Online forums are full of questions about safety, air management, and ear problems. Here are our answers to help you dive with peace of mind.

Managing Ear Pressure: Equalization

Ear pain is the most common fear among beginners. It is caused by a pressure imbalance on your eardrum during descent. The solution is to equalize regularly, ideally even before feeling any pain. The simplest techniques are pinching your nose and gently blowing, or moving your lower jaw. If you feel discomfort, the right reflex is to ascend a few decimeters until it disappears, then descend very slowly while equalizing.

Pro tip: Never dive if you have a cold or congested sinuses. The Eustachian tubes, which are essential for equalization, could be blocked, making the process impossible and risky.

Overcoming the Fear of Running Out of Air

The fear of the tank running out is a common anxiety, but for a first immersion or Level 1 training, this risk is virtually nonexistent. The pressure gauge on your tank will always tell you how much air remains. If you feel anxiety rising, your instructor is by your side and will reassure you. The best thing to do is focus on slow, deep breathing. Diving is a “lazy” sport: the fewer movements you make, the more you’ll conserve both energy and air.

Level 1: Your Passport to Autonomy

If the trial dive won you over, the next step is the Level 1 diver certification, or Open Water Diver (OWD) in the PADI system. This training, available from age 12, is your key to becoming an independent diver.

What it involves: theory and practice

The training takes place over 3 to 4 days and consists of two parts:

• The theory: You will learn the fundamentals of physics, physiology, and diving safety rules. A clear understanding of these principles will help you anticipate underwater sensations and respond appropriately in case of issues.
• The practice: Under the supervision of an instructor, you will learn how to gear up, clear your mask underwater, use your buoyancy control device to manage buoyancy, and communicate using hand signals. It’s a progressive hands-on training that gives you the basics to dive safely.

PADI or FFESSM: How to Choose Your Diving School?

The choice of organization depends on your goals. Both are internationally recognized and provide high-quality training.

For travelers wanting fast, global recognition.

Whichever school you choose, essential advice is to make consecutive dives in a short period. Repetition builds “muscle memory,” making skills more lasting and your progression more effective.

Precautions and Equipment: The Basics for a Responsible Diver

Level 1 is the first step in a long adventure. It’s important to continue practicing safe habits and choosing equipment that suits your diving style.

Basic Equipment

To start with, it’s not necessary to invest in all the gear. You can begin by acquiring your mask, fins, and snorkel (the famous MFS trio). Owning your own mask, one that fits your face perfectly, will spare you many annoyances like leaks or fogging.

Golden Rules of Safety

• Never dive alone: the buddy system is your first line of defense in case something goes wrong.
• Respect limits: don’t hesitate to cancel a dive if you don’t feel well, are tired, or if conditions are not ideal.
• Stay hydrated: diving dehydrates the body, so it’s crucial to drink water before and after immersion.
• Avoid flying: wait at least 24 hours after diving before flying to avoid decompression issues.
• Medical certificate: a certificate of no contraindication for scuba diving, issued by a physician, is required to sign up for training. It ensures you are fit to practice the sport.

In summary, diving is an activity of relaxation and discovery. By preparing properly and remaining humble, you open the door to a world of new sensations and wonders. The adventure awaits you!