| Q.
Is scuba diving expensive? |
A.
No. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest
however much you want, depending upon your interest
level. Because most dive centers and resorts
rent equipment, you can invest in equipment
over time, renting what you don't have. There's
probably good diving not far from where you
live, so travel costs can be flexible enough
to accommodate even the tightest budget. Most
people find the costs of scuba diving similar
to the cost associated with snow skiing or mountain
biking.
|
| Q.What
equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons? |
A.
It's best to check with your instructor ahead
of time to see what equipment is provided in
your scuba course. Generally speaking, you'll
want to own a mask, snorkel and fins. Underwater
Sports Adventure offers a 10% discount on the
purchase of mask, fins and snorkel to all their
students. They can help you select quality equipment
that fits properly. Most scuba equipment is
very durable, so you won't have to replace it
often.
|
| Q.What's
in a scuba tank? Oxygen? |
A.
Recreational
divers breathe air, not oxygen. The air in a
scuba tank is like the air you're breathing
but is also filtered to remove impurities.
|
|
Q. In
the movies and on TV, divers are always running
into sharks or eels. Should I be concerned about
marine animals? |
A.Most
aquatic animals are passive or timid. A few
do bite or sting, but you can avoid these by
not touching them. Divers aren't natural prey
for sharks and therefore shark attacks are rare.
|
