Diving

What is it? 

Diving can refer to both the underwater practice of breathing through scuba equipment and diving into the water from a height.

What does it involve?

Scuba diving involves being submerged underwater for long periods of time and using scuba gear to breathe through. This allows a lot more freedom underwater than swimming without breathing assistance, and divers often wear fins and wetsuits to help with movement. Diving into water from above involves learning the right technique to correctly land in the water after jumping off a platform, and many people become skilled enough to perform tricks whilst doing so.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Any form of diving is great fun, and can be excellent exercise - swimming uses the majority of the body to move, and adding the element of diving into the practice gives it an extra edge.

What equipment do we need?

Types of diving vary in what equipment they need, so check with the provider beforehand! Scuba diving generally needs the most complex apparatus, but the venue should provide the majority of what you need - and all diving will need swimwear!

Who is it suitable for?

Older students will be better suited for scuba diving as its a lot more complex and the apparatus has to be used properly or it could get quite dangerous. However, children can start other types of diving at pretty much any age, as it begins by standing on the edge of a pool and progresses in difficulty as you learn.

Costs?

Diving costs will vary between establishments and providers, as each will provide something slightly different to the other. Make sure to thoroughly check out the venues around you to see whats on offer!

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Those who are not confident in water shouldn't try their hand at diving without first improving their swimming skills - always be conscious of the individual needs of everybody in your group when booking trips such as this. 

How do we include?

Diving may not be the best activity to ensure full inclusion, especially when considering those with limited mobility. There are providers of specialist disabled scuba diving, but you'll have to check in your area to see if there is a set up nearby. 

Doing it abroad?

Scuba diving could be particularly good when doing it in the sea - the water is often clearer, and more exotic wildlife live in foreign waters!

Main website:

http://www.ukdiving.co.uk has some great general info!