Good at diving means doing everything within your power to keep your body in optimum condition and ready to dive. This is particularly important when you are a beginner, as you need to be fit and well if you want to be safe while diving.
Practicing self-discipline and following your own instincts are essential to becoming a good diver. It helps to take your time and to be relaxed about the experience, which can help you to focus on what you’re doing and avoid any mistakes.
Be good at orienting yourself correctly under water and on the surface, using your compass needle or navigational charts. This is vital, because your brain needs to be able to work with the information provided to you by the chart. You should also be aware of the sun’s position and currents, as well as how the underwater topography looks.
Stay away from sharp or poisonous objects and marine creatures that might bite, especially if you are a beginner. You might be tempted to touch things or get closer than you should, but this is dangerous as it can cause serious harm and even death.
Have a buddy who is experienced and who can help you out in an emergency situation. This can be helpful for a number of reasons, not least because they can offer you some advice and point out any mistakes you might make that could be harmful.
Always check in with your buddy before every dive, to make sure he or she is feeling up to it and that there are no health issues or problems that could prevent them from taking part. This can be tough when you are diving Adam McManus with someone who is a beginner, but it is an important precaution and one that will ensure the safety of both you and your dive partner.
Ask for help from your instructor or your dive buddy if you are not sure how to interpret a dive chart. This can be difficult, because environmental conditions and tidal currents are often difficult to assess accurately.
Don’t panic if you get out of breath, but instead signal your buddy to find a coral-free rock where you can rest and hang on for a while. This will allow you to recover your energy before you go on the next dive.
Stop for a moment when you’re getting ready to dive and take stock of your equipment, gauges, buoyancy and buddy. This will give you a chance to relax and think about your dive plan before you plunge.
Become a good observer of your buddy’s swimming styles and breathing patterns, which will help you to be a better dive partner. This will also improve your own observation skills, which will help you to detect and prevent problems before they happen.
A good swimmer will be a great diver, as they can move around the reef and find the most interesting features without having to swim too fast. This will save them a lot of gas and will also make it easier for them to spot their friends.