You're probably wondering if 2021 is the right time to talk about getting out there, but it absolutely is! Here's why now is the perfect time to learn to dive with BSAC...
Many of us are feeling as though all the fun stuff in life is on hold at the moment with the various pandemic restrictions. However, if you are looking for a bit of scuba diving adventure, that could start now!
Please note, as National Governing Body for scuba diving and snorkelling, BSAC is at the forefront of diver safety and has extensive guidance in place to keep divers safe through the pandemic. In the first instance though, everyone must follow Government advice.
Here are our top reasons why learning to scuba dive could be your best new year’s resolution yet.
1. You can learn to dive the comfort of your own home
With BSAC eLearning you can learn the theory of scuba diving online at home. Then, when the time is right with the various Covid restrictions, instructors can build on your theory knowledge by giving you some pool lessons and then taking you into open water. You could even potentially be scuba diving in the sea this coming summer!
So, if you’re looking for a little adventure this year, to learn an exciting new skill and meet friendly like-minded people, learning to scuba dive will be right up your street! And the restrictions don’t have to stop you getting started.
2. Scuba diving benefits your body and mind
One of the key things we have learnt in 2020 is the importance of looking after ourselves and others. Being kind, prioritising mental health, and listening to your body. A lot of people took up running in lockdown, but now that things are opening up it seems like a good time to dive into another active sport!
Physically, scuba diving a great way of staying active without the exhausting need to spend weeks in the gym. Low impact and calming, as well as decent exercise, diving is a great choice for those who want to get out and about without tiring out completely!
In terms of mental wellbeing, it has been proven that diving has a positive impact on mood, promotes mindfulness and, from a study by the University of Sheffield’s Medical School, we can now say that it also improves levels of anxiety, depression and social functioning, as well as a reduction in insomnia.
For sure, scuba diving and mindfulness go hand in hand, and mental wellbeing is more important than ever. Due to diving’s focus on breathing, the peaceful vacuum of the underwater world and social aspect of diving, learning to dive this year could do wonders for your mental health.
How can scuba diving improve your mental health?
'The times when I have been diving regularly have been my happiest,' says scuba diver and instructor Imogen Gray, long-time sufferer of generalised anxiety disorder and depression. Read more about scuba diving and mental health.
3. Get involved with helping the planet
2020 has certainly put some things into perspective, especially the importance and urgency of changing the way we treat our planet.
Our world is experiencing a climate disaster. Our planet is in danger, our seas are in danger. Climate change has become a huge rising interest in many, especially the younger generation, and as divers we take the protection of our planet seriously.
Learning to dive in 2021 could be the first step towards making a huge difference to our planet. As divers, we take part in underwater litterpicks, beach cleans, and work closely with organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society to protect our oceans and marine wildlife. BSAC’s Marine Clean ethos promotes reducing plastic waste and giving our planet the helping hand it needs.
Protect your seas
As scuba divers and snorkellers, we see firsthand the impact of litter, and other factors, have on the marine environment, not only in our seas but on the beach and coastline.
4. You'll be joining an incredible community
Becoming a diver is like joining a worldwide society. It’s amazing how something can connect you to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, but diving really does have that capability. It’s written into the laws of diving that it should be a social sport, as you should never dive without a buddy, but it's more than just that. You can show up at a dive club on the other side of the world and there will be someone to dive with; you will have something in common with that person and you will be able to communicate with them even if there’s a language barrier. Divers come together, no matter where you are.
2020 was for sure a difficult year for our community. However, we still managed to keep in touch, go diving (although not as much as we’d have liked!) and pull through as a family. We are feeling optimistic that by the summer in 2021 things will be returning a bit more to how they were. So, learning to diving online now to get ready to have lots of fun this summer, we think is a cracking idea!
Learning through a BSAC club is a sure-fire way of socialising and making new friends for life. Some of our members have even met their partners through BSAC…
Find your community
You can find a club online today or email hello@bsac.com with your postcode.
5. It makes you feel amazing and changes lives
Learning to dive in itself is such a wonderful experience - the feeling of breathing underwater for the first time, the weightlessness that comes with diving, the pure bliss of the underwater world - all of these amazing things just need to be experienced by all. For many, learning to dive changes their life. It offers adventure, opportunity, friendship and fun like no other sport we’ve come across.
The best thing is that you don’t have to go far to see some of the best underwater sites our planet has to offer. Both the UK and Europe have some phenomenal dives that your adventure-loving heart won’t want to miss.
Explore the UK's underwater world
There is so much of the country that you haven't seen because it's below the surface. Check out the UK's top dive sites and explore new places.
6. Scuba diving is the adventure you've been looking for
Need more adventure in your life? Look no further than learning to scuba dive! Diving opens so many doors in terms of living your best adventure-filled life. Every ‘100 things to do before you die’ list has some form of diving adventure on it. Whether your goal is the Great Barrier Reef, diving between the tectonic plates in Iceland or even our very own wrecks of Scapa Flow in Orkney, there will be a diving adventure for you.
There is so much more to see of the world than what is on land
If it's adventure you're seeking, there's no better activity to take up in 2021 than scuba diving - here are six more reasons to take the plunge!
Find out more:
- All you need to know about learning to dive
- Looking for your next adventure: 6 reasons to take the plunge
- More on learning to dive
I'm ready to learn to dive, help me find my local BSAC club
Search for you nearest club using the Find it Tool or send your postcode to hello@bsac.com and we'll send you your three nearest scuba clubs. Or if you fancy a chat call us 0151 350 6226 (Mon - Fri, 9 - 5:30).
