Tell me all I need to know about SCUBA diving please 🙏

[Challengingtimesnow]

I have zero idea as to what to expect in an introductory 2hr lesson.

Very overweight - does this matter??

Is it a trial dive? is it pool or sea and UK or abroad?

Its likely to be a brief overview in how to use the equipment and then a swim around.

In terms of the weight, have you had to complete a medical screening form?

I did (a very dodgy) one of these in Ibiza in 1998. I'm now a keen diver and have just got back from 3 weeks in Indonesia. Be careful as it can be addictive!

They will tell you everything you need to know. Breathing underwater might feel a bit counterintuitive to start with, but relax and trust in the equipment and the instructors and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Yea will be a brief overview and then a fairly shallow dive underwater (only about 3-5 m)

If you are very large it may be worth checking they will have your size wetsuit and BCD. But there are plenty of overweight divers. The main thing is staying calm and keeping your breathing slow and steady.

I would warn against doing a 'resort dive' and actually do the proper training to get your certificate! Many people are scared to death from a resort dive! What type are you doing?

I did PADI and there was a theory lesson, or maybe several before we practised in a swimming pool, then open sea.

In terms of the weight, fat floats, so you might need extra weights. Also, do they have a suit/BCD to fit?

Firstly don't worry about your weight- that's the beauty of water - weight doesn't matter!

Secondly- relax, relax and relax. If you stress you are more likely to panic (not a good thing underwater!), you will really get through your air (not a biggy when are starting out as you will be shallow and have loads of air anyway) and most importantly you won't enjoy it as much.

Thirdly well done you for trying something new.

Fab! Thankyou all so much - this information is great!

It’s in a UK ‘dive centre’ with no mention of wetsuit and no medical form has been sent or mentioned, the site just states you have to be over 8 years of age.

Various email exchanged and they’ve told me to just rock up - does this ring alarm bells to you?

Great to hear your stories! I need these!

Just rock up sounds normal, but you will need to fill out a health form at the start (or ought to!!!) so if you do have any long term health concerns (esp heart/lung related) it is worth calling first.

Also you can’t dive with any kind of sinus blockage as it causes ear pain so be careful if you have a cold or similar

Oh bum 🥺
I have had multiple investigations for sinus issues but they have ruled it out with cause for the pain ‘unknown’.

MRIs, X-rays, cameras shoved up my nose.

I don’t know what to do now. Very glad you mentioned that - thankyou 😊

If you are doing it in an indoor pool you are very unlikely to get any sinus pain and you just can't go very deep.

You'll be absolutely fine and safe in the pool however if you have sinus issues and pain then scuba is very unlikely to be the right hobby/sport for you. Why are you trying it? And do you hope to go diving in the ocean or elsewhere other than a pool? Are you a good swimmer with no fear of the water generally?

You will need to sign a medical form confirming you don't have certain conditions. If over a certain age (used to be 40) you also need a drs certificate.

If you have a blocked nose, earache etc it's really not advisable to dive though I'm guessing it will be very shallow. Typically you wear wetsuits which they will have in a variety of sizes, how overweight is very if it's not too rude? I'm a size 16 and there's several sizes bigger.

You need to have a degree of fitness that means you can cope with a 2 hour lesson too

Yeah true the sinus/ear issues tend to kick in at 4/5m and below

So as pp said the pool dive should probably be ok but you may have issues taking it further ie into the sea (which is the fun bit really…) Guess you need to decide if it’s worth the pool dive if it would have to end there?

Remember, if you take your mask off you can still breathe. The number of people I’ve seen take a mask off as part of an exercise and then forget they can still breathe!