If you dive every day (“Lucky…”),
then you might not need to review this list. However, if you – like most divers
– only get the chance to dive once or twice a year, then it’s probably a good
review. Scuba Diving has compiled a dive
fitness checklist that you’d be wise to revisit before each trip.The doctor who helped compile the list doesn’t require that you be in the best shape of your life, but he does encourage you to be in reasonable shape (e.g., Can you quickly walk up three flights of stairs?). Being in reasonable shape, of course, will help to ensure your safe return to the surface, so you can hit the all-you-can-eat buffet. Joyfully, the doctor actually recommends ditching the diet while on a dive vacation, as your body needs the calories to sustain itself underwater.
In my mind, the most important question is: When was the last time you rehearsed your
basic skills? I don’t know how many times I’ve seen over-anxious divers who
haven’t been diving in a while put their regs on backwards; forget to turn
their air on; have their mask all twisted up in the back; or jump in the water sans weight belt. And those things
aren’t even skills! Take a minute to review the list, especially if you’ve got
a summer dive trip planned. Has the doctor omitted something crucial?
1. I do my best to get in some cardio. I don't use as much air, won't get winded, and feel more confident.
Posted at 4:45PM on Jul 8th 2005 by Eric