What to do before taking a SCUBA or freediving, or mermaid course

So you want to be a diver? Excellent! Here’s a list of what you need to do before you start your courses. Keep in mind that every diving organization (PADI, NAUI, PFI, etc.) might do things slightly differently, and you’ll receive a list of more specific requirements from the one you choose, but I’ll outline a few points here that I think are helpful. I’ll also add to it periodically.

• Get a diving physical.

  • This is different from a normal sports physical, and depending on the area you’re in, you may have difficulty finding a doctor who will do this for you.

  • You can find a list of doctors who do diving physical exams here.

• Make sure you can handle the water temperature.

  • I highly recommend doing extensive research to find a wetsuit that will work for you. It’s your only barrier between you and chilly temperatures, so you’ll need it to be comfortable.

  • You get what you pay for in terms of wetsuits. Invest in something that will last you a long time.

• Make friends.

  • There’s a wealth of diving information online, but nothing beats sharing experiences. You’ll learn so much more if you connect with people who share a love of the ocean with you!

  • If you can’t find many diver friends in real life (maybe you live in Cincinnati…), check out diving Facebook groups.

• Try snorkeling first.

  • The restrictive diving masks and gear can be jarring to first-time divers. Snorkeling in shallow water is a great way to get used to the feeling of the mask, and breathing through your mouth while your face is covered.

  • If you start to panic or feel claustrophobic, just stand up and take the gear off.