Hey anime nerds, it’s been a crazy week in the real world, hasn’t it? Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and now Kamala Harris is running. And I myself am still too poor to run for Governor of Iowa, so I’ll just have to be satisfied that I own of the moon, and leave it at that. ( Moon phone number – 240-428-MOON )
By the way – the next convention, Anime-zing!, is coming up really soon! We’re going to be at a brand new venue and I’m excited!
In today’s world with all kinds of debts, mortgages, car payments, insurance payments, and more, I know hundreds of people who feel underwater. Speaking of underwater, I’ve been a scuba diver for years, and it’s one of the most exciting and fulfilling hobbies out there. If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s why you should consider strapping on a tank and diving into the deep blue.
As someone who has been scuba diving for years, I can confidently say that it is one of the most exciting and fulfilling hobbies out there. But for those who haven’t tried it yet, you may be wondering why you should bother strapping on a tank and diving into the deep blue. Here are just a few reasons why you should scuba dive.
First and foremost, scuba diving allows you to explore a whole new world. The underwater world is teeming with life and is incredibly beautiful. From vibrant coral reefs to schools of colorful fish, there is always something new to see and explore. It’s like entering a different planet – one that is peaceful, quiet and unspoiled by humans.
Sometimes I am a fish on the water. Scuba diving allows you to experience a similar feeling of being one with the water and the creatures that inhabit it. As you dive deeper and explore the underwater world, you’ll feel a sense of weightlessness and freedom that is hard to replicate on land. The colors and textures of the ocean floor, the movements of marine life, and the sound of your own breath all create a unique and immersive experience.
But scuba diving is not just about experiencing the beauty of the underwater world. It also offers a range of benefits for personal growth and development. Scuba diving requires a certain level of skill and discipline, which can help build confidence and self-esteem. It can also teach you to be more aware of your surroundings, as you learn to navigate underwater environments and communicate with your dive partners.
Health Benefits of Scuba Diving
Scuba diving requires individuals to be present and focused on the task at hand. This can help improve mental clarity and reduce stress levels. The controlled breathing required during scuba diving can also help regulate breathing patterns and improve lung capacity. It’s also a bit meditative.
Scuba diving can also have a positive impact on physical health. The low-impact nature of the activity makes it a great option for individuals with joint or mobility issues. It can also help improve cardiovascular health and increase overall fitness levels.
The buoyancy of water creates a low-impact environment that reduces stress on the joints, making it an ideal activity for those who are recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain. You can “float” with less stress on your body. In addition, the resistance of the water provides a unique workout that engages muscles in the legs, core, and arms, resulting in improved strength and endurance.
Scuba diving also has therapeutic benefits. It has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The weightlessness of the water and the calmness of the underwater environment can create a sense of peacefulness, helping individuals to relax and reduce anxiety. Moreover, scuba diving is often done in beautiful natural environments, providing a sense of awe and wonder that can have a positive impact on mental health.
But there is more than just health to think about when diving.
Scuba Diving and Sustainability
Scuba diving helps you feel closer to the natural world. If you spend all day in the city with traffic, cars, pedestrians, giant office buildings, etc, you lose focus on the greater world around us. Scuba diving can be a meaningful way to connect with the natural world and experience the beauty and wonder of underwater environments.
Scuba diving can have a positive impact on the environment. Divers who are educated on proper diving techniques and marine conservation practices can help protect and preserve underwater ecosystems.
By minimizing the impact of human activity on underwater ecosystems, divers can help protect and preserve marine life and habitats for future generations. They can also participate in conservation efforts, such as coral reef restoration projects or underwater clean-up efforts, which can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of marine ecosystems.
Moreover, scuba diving can provide a unique perspective on the ocean’s delicate balance and the effects of climate change. By observing firsthand the impacts of ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and other environmental stressors, divers can become passionate advocates for protecting our oceans and combating climate change.
Can scuba diving be affordable?
One of the biggest misconceptions about scuba diving is that it is an expensive hobby. While there is certainly some initial investment required to get certified and purchase your own equipment, it’s actually quite affordable once you get started. There are many dive shops that offer affordable rental equipment and courses, and many dive destinations offer reasonably priced accommodations.
While there are certainly expensive gear and certification costs associated with scuba diving, there are also many ways to keep costs down.
One way to make scuba diving more affordable is to rent gear rather than buy it. Many dive shops offer gear rentals at a reasonable cost, which can be a good option for those who are just starting out or who don’t dive frequently enough to justify the cost of buying their own gear.
For us here in Iowa, there are some local scuba companies like Sentry and Scuba Adventures that teach newbies about scuba diving and take them underwater to local quarries for diving in some clear water. (You can’t really dive in the Mississippi, you wouldn’t be able to see anything!)
Another great thing about scuba diving is that it can be done almost anywhere in the world. Whether you’re exploring the tropical waters of the Caribbean or diving in the cold waters of Alaska, there is always something new to discover. It’s a great way to see the world from a different perspective and to experience different cultures.
I hope you can have an underwater adventure too!