Diving can be both a pleasant and thrilling activity allowing us to discover underwater realms that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to easily explore. Mesmerizing, serene and otherworldly, it is a truly tranquil, eye-opening, and magical experience. Survey remarkable marine life in its natural environment, delight in the rainbow-colored varieties of fish and plants and witness and marvel at the mystery and wonder of the oceans. There are two different kinds of diving that you can partake in; freediving or scuba diving. Both are popular activities for holidayers visiting the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts and can be organized on all kinds of sailing trips.
Freediving
Freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on the divers’ ability to hold their breath until resurfacing, with no use of breathing apparatuses such as scuba or snorkeling gear. The diver generally starts the dive by taking one deep breath before descending.
This kind of diving requires an advanced level of experience and skill. The diver must be a strong swimmer, and be able to exercise caution about their surroundings, make quick decisions and keep calm and steady. The purpose of freediving is generally to cover the farthest distance possible, reaching record depths in one breath. There are four main groups in freediving including; constant weight freediving, free immersion freediving, variable weight freediving and no limits freediving.
Freediving requires basic equipment only such as a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, weight belt and fins.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving where the diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) which is completely independent of surface supply. Scuba canisters contain 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, which is the same composition as the air we breathe.
To become qualified to scuba-dive, you will need to obtain a certificate by completing basic training at an underwater sports club or diving education center. It is also possible to take part in a “discovery” dive tour with a qualified trainer without obtaining your diving certificate. On these discovery tours, you will be able to dive to depths of up to 5-6 meters while accompanied by a trainer, whilst after obtaining your certificate, you may reach depths of up to 18 meters.
In order to participate in a scuba dive, you must be in possession of important equipment such as a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, weight belt, buoyancy compensator, gloves, regulator, gauge and a computer. Divers at the beginner level will be able to rent this equipment instead of buying, whilst more skilled divers tend to purchase their own equipment after gaining the relevant experience.
