Scuba diving gear, regulator, mask, fins and buoyancy control device. Diving gear used in Hawaii with Oahu Diving.

Oahu Diving Basic Facts about Scuba Diving

Honolulu Scuba Diving

Oahu Scuba Diving Facts in Hawaii.

Oahu Scuba diving is a very popular sport or as I would like to call it a hobby, here in Honolulu, with many visitors planning a special Hawaii diving trip. Scuba is the acronym for "self contained underwater breathing apparatus." Specialized scuba equipment allows the diver to breathe underwater for long periods of time. Snorkeling is a whole lot different because the swimmer breathes directly from tube also known as a snorkel.

With Honolulu scuba diving, the swimmer carries a scuba tank filled with pressurized air (not oxygen), and there is no need to surface until the tank is low on compressed air. Air tanks are made of either aluminum or steel and do come in different sizes. Most of the tanks used for scuba diving that you will see is the industry standard 80 cubic inch cylinder made from aluminum metal. Weighing in at around 40 pounds this would sound like a bad thing, knowing you have to carry this on your back but once down below that weight is soon forgotten.

How you will breath that air while scuba diving is simple. Remember not a snorkel but a regular. The regular breaks that high pressure air down to a breathable pressure and it keeps the flow consistent throughout the dive. Breathing from a regulator is very easy. The only issues most new to diving people have is the fact that now the will breath through their mouth only- bad for nose breathers huh ? Comparing regulators to say snorkels is easy. Snorkels are very short and only allow you to breath with your head floating very high on the surface where as the regulator goes with you to any depth. The regulator set up connects onto a scuba diving jacket called the buoyancy control device or B.C.D. for short. These jackets come in all shapes, sizes and colors and allow the diver to achieve neutral buoyancy underwater, similar to zero gravity by adding air into the jacket. The jacket also allows the diver to establish positive buoyancy on the surface. The center piece in your scuba diving gear. Scuba diving is normally associated with tropical climates with clear blue water however this does not always have to be the case. In addition to popular Hawaii diving courses, scuba divers can use scuba equipment in any water situation requiring a long time underwater. The police frequently utilize scuba diving gear to search ponds, lakes and even sewers for evidence, which makes scuba certifications important for law enforcement. The Navy has a top elite force called the Navy Seals who are also very experienced with scuba and use this as part of their required gear.

Once down in diving you will be surprised at how buoyant you may be. Breath in, you will rise, exhale and you'll sink. The body is factual speaking very buoyant. Just ask the mafia.(Come on, I had to say that). We use lead weight to help keep us down. Not to much though, too much will have you walking on the reef and this is unacceptable. Too little weight and you will be over exerting yourself to stay down. This will cause you to breath very heavy thus taxing your air. Neutral buoyancy is the goal here.

Scuba diving is extremely safe and can be done by pretty much anyone. People with disabilities also dive using the "0-gravity" to fly like a plane underwater. We have even had the privilege of taking blind customers on dives which was very cool and a great learning experience for both us and the customer. Everyone loves the zero gravity feeling. Very cool! People with bad backs love to go diving with the zero g feel. Getting around underwater is very easy. Scuba divers use flippers or fins to enhance their underwater movement. These fins mimic those of fish or dolphins, allowing divers to move freely. Imagine not having fins. You would not be able to cover large areas or even get around if the ocean current was working against you. Not mention the fact that scuba gear, the tank on your back is not the most streamline stuff. Fins are essential. Masks are a must underwater. They provide the visibility that you will need to see everything. Masks come in all shapes and sizes so check around, there is even prescription masks available from most manufacturers for divers who need corrective lenses. Of courses I could go on for days about masks. The best way to choose a mask is try on several different types, sizes and styles. Put the mask to your face then suck in using your nose. The mask should stick against your face in a comfortable way and not fall off until your exhale out your nose. It really is an amazing experience and I highly recommend everyone to try it out. If you plan to visit Hawaii, consider taking your diving lessons with us. Don't have to the time but would like to scuba dive in Hawaii anyway? Join us for our First Time Diving Program. This is an excellent introductory course into the world of the unknown and wild. After 12 years of convincing my mother to go diving she finally gave in. She is now an advanced scuba diver. Funny how that worked out huh ?

PADI Scuba Diving Courses in Hawaii

Thanks for visiting Oahu Diving. Scuba gear information on diving in Hawaii.