Here's how to prepare yourself for your first Scuba dive.

Scuba diving is an amazing experience, one that everyone should at least try. There are so many things to see, and get a different perspective on the world. Plus, you can meet some amazing people while scuba diving! It's an exhilarating sport that requires training and preparation.  

Here are some tips to get you started.

If you're new to scuba diving, there are eight steps you should follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Step 1: Find a Good Scuba Instructor

PADI Scuba Diving Training starts in confiined water, like a pool

Finding a good scuba diving instructor is the most important thing you can do. A good instructor aside from teaching you all the necessary skills will also make sure you understand the safety procedures, help you feel comfortable in the water, and will also be able to answer any questions you have about scuba diving.

Step 2: Get Scuba Certified

The second most important step is to get certified. Unless you are an experienced diver, you will need to take a scuba diving class from a certified instructor. In Canada, United States and most places in the world, certification is administered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Once you pass the Open Water course, you will be able to dive within the limitations of your training with a certified buddy.  

Step 3: Get Insurance

Even if you are very healthy, it's always a good idea to have insurance when participating in activities like scuba diving because accidents can happen at any moment and often when we least expect them. A good place to start your search for insurance is Divers Alert Network (DAN). DAN offers two different types of dive insurance plans, and they also have a 24-hour emergency hot line that you can call if something goes wrong while you're diving.

Step 4: physical Preparation

To make sure that you are physically prepared for your first dive, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking the plunge. Once you have the green light from your doctor, it is important to do some physical training to get your body used to the strenuous activity of diving. Swimming laps and doing some cardio exercises will help get your heart and lungs in shape for diving.

Step 5: Get The Right Scuba Gear

The right scuba gear is and important thing to consider

Before you go on your first dive, it is important to have all the right gear. Owning your personal gear is highly recommended.  In addition to a wet suit, you will need  fins, a mask, gloves, boots and a snorkel. You may be able to rent some of this gear from a local dive shop, but it is usually best to buy your own so that you can be sure it fits properly and is comfortable.

Step 6: Mental Preparation

Diving can be a physically and mentally demanding activity. If you are not comfortable with the idea of diving, it is probably best to wait until you are. To help you with that Pacific Waters Sports can provide a Discover Scuba Diving Experience in the pool to help you acclimate to scuba diving.

In addition to practicing in a pool, try to spend some time breathing deeply and exhaling slowly to help you relax before your dive.

Step 7: Get a Physical: 

Divers should be in generally good health and free from conditions that may increase their risk of injury or illness while diving. Be sure to visit your doctor and let him know you want to take up diving it recommeded that you get a complete physical exam before taking up diving.

Step 8: Have fun! 

As I have pointed out many, many times scuba diving is meant to be recreational and FUN. If you can keep in your mind before diving that the only thing that matters is that you try as hard as you can and enjoy it, stay calm, relax, and let go of all pre-conceived notions about how far down you’ll get. Relax and you will get the most out of your diving experience for many years to come.

Local Scuba Diving

 Filmed by John Roney  Location: Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is one of the only places in the world where you can dive with Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf Eels, Vancouver Island Seals and Sixgill sharks! 

Scuba divers dive Vancouver Island more often than anywhere in Canada. Our goal at Pacific Water Sports is provide the best customer service, support and training is to make sure your experience diving on Vancouver Island with us is safe, fun and memorable.

If you are interested in learning to Scuba Dive or would just like more information please contact us, we'll be happy to help. 


Larry Wedgewood
Larry Wedgewood

I am a PADI Course Director and an avid scuba diver with thousands of dives logged. I started my Scuba Diving Career over 35 years ago on Vancouver Island, and since then diving has taken me to some extraordinary diving destinations around the world. While I still train divers I am also a Digital Business Development Consultant and the owner of My Webpros Digital.