There are many prejudices against diving - and significantly more arguments to refute them. The diving industry association (tiv) has collected the most frequently mentioned prejudices and compared them with reality: A fact check.
Diving is dangerous A very clear "no." Realistically, diving is one of the safest sports of all, far ahead of playing soccer or riding a bike. This false impression has been created by a few, but spectacular accidents - which are so insignificant in the mass of divers and the dives they perform that they can hardly be recorded statistically. In fact, most injuries occur before or after the dive. For example, by hitting their head on the door frame of the dive boat.
Diving is expensive Expensive is a relative term. A professionally conducted course for beginners costs between €250, - and €400, -, the complete equipment can be had in good quality for €1500, -, whereby for the beginning certainly a set of fins, mask and snorkel is enough. Everything else can be rented at any dive center and at many bases abroad the rental equipment is even already included in the price for the dives.
Diver training takes a long time The acquisition of a diving license at one of the internationally recognized training organizations such as PADI, SSI, IAC or the VDST usually takes three to four days. It is divided into theory and practice and can also be split: For example, by doing the theoretical part in Germany and the practical part at a dive center abroad. Those who would like to do it completely in Germany, but fear the low temperatures of domestic lakes, can also visit one of the various indoor diving centers: With crystal clear visibility and water temperatures around 28 degrees, you can almost feel like you're in the tropics during training.
Diving makes high demands on health It's true: Anyone who wants to start diving first needs a so-called "diving fitness examination". Here, the doctor primarily checks the lungs, the cardiovascular system and the auditory canals - especially the eardrum, which must be intact in order to be able to equalize the pressure. Otherwise, diving is a sport that can be practiced into old age without any problems: If you are fit enough to climb a flight of stairs, you are fit enough to start diving.
Diving is only worthwhile abroad If you limit diving to colorful reefs and impressive sea creatures like rays or dolphins, this is certainly true. But also the local underwater world has a lot to offer: Pike and schools of carp in local lakes, wrecks, plaice and shoals of cod in the Baltic Sea. The feeling of floating through a world that is hidden from most people is the same anyway. And as for weather conditions, the same phrase applies as for hikers: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes."
Diving is very technology-heavy Regulators, buoyancy compensators, dive computers - with all these initially unfamiliar terms, it's easy to get the impression that diving is a hobby, which would require half an engineering degree. In practice, however, this is fortunately different: The assembly of the complete equipment takes less than three minutes and only requires a little practice. Under water, all this no longer plays a role anyway - you hardly feel the equipment there.
More questions about diving? Here you can get information! There are a number of ways to get non-binding information about all aspects of diving. The websites of the training associations are one of them, the local dive stores are another. Here you will meet people who are professional and passionate about diving, and who are sure to have an answer to any of your questions. Another option is the world's largest water sports trade fair "boot", which opens its doors in Düsseldorf from 18.01 to 26.01.2020. Whether training, vacation or equipment - in the "diving hall" 12 exhibitors from all areas are gathered, which are pleased about your visit and your interest. Maybe you will be one of the people who will be able to explore a fascinating world that remains hidden to others.
