10 Beginner Diving Mistakes

10 Beginner Diving Mistakes

Being a good diver involves so much more than the basics. We asked experienced divers to share their biggest beginner diving mistakes. Here's what they said

At Atlas & Boots we've dived in some incredible places, from Vanuatu and Samoa to Tonga and the Galápagos. Unfortunately, it's been a full year since our last dive and I'm afraid I'll make new diving mistakes the next time we head out.

I was a nervous new diver and I am aware that I have lost the confidence I built after completing my PADI Open Water Diver course in Colombia. Unfortunately there aren't many opportunities for diving in London (especially in March) so I'm keen to brush up on my skills once we head to Africa in August.

I of course remember the basics (never hold your breath, always do the pre-dive safety check, balance early, check gauges), but being a good diver involves so much more than the basics. We asked experienced divers and instructors for their top beginner diver mistakes. Here's what they said.

1. Repeated inflation and deflation of the BCD

One of the things you'll learn from theory is how to check for neutral buoyancy: On the surface, you should be at eye level with the water, with no air in your BCD.

It's important to check for neutral buoyancy at the start of your dive so you don't have to repeatedly inflate and deflate your BCD underwater to stay at the correct depth. With practice, you'll be able to ascend and descend a few feet using just the air in your lungs.

It's important to note that just because you burned 4kg on your last dive, it doesn't mean it will be the same on the next one. Weight gain or loss, the thickness of the wetsuit, and the salinity of the water all play a role, so make sure you adjust accordingly.

2. Don't ask questions

Experienced divers, no matter how fun they may be, can be overzealous to get in the water and get on with things. Don't let this stop you from asking questions or addressing a problem if you have one.

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There is absolutely no shame in asking for clarification or requesting a device change if something is wrong.

Diving is potentially life-threatening, so make sure you are aware of what is happening and don't be ashamed to ask questions, even if they are basic ones!

3. Doing too much underwater

Before loading up on a GoPro, try doing a few dives first. New divers already have so much to think about – buoyancy, air, the environment, other divers – that adding another task can be detrimental and even dangerous.

Opt for a diving package with video so you can focus on refining your habits

If you're diving in a unique location and are desperate for pictures, choose a dive center that offers photos as part of the diving package. Instead of fiddling with camera settings, spend your time improving your habits. Watch, learn from experienced divers and enjoy the dive itself!

4. Lack of awareness

One of the most common mistakes beginner divers make is not being aware of their wider surroundings. Beginning divers get caught up in the underwater world or focus too much on their equipment. This is natural, but it can be dangerous.

A lack of situational awareness can trap you in a current or pull you away from the rest of the group. You may end up kicking up mud on the ground or kicking a diver in the face. It might even drag you to depths beyond what is safe. Wall dives in particular are problematic because divers stare at the wall and don't realize they are diving below the limits. Always be aware of your surroundings.

5. Relying too much on the leader

A good dive center will assemble and check all your equipment and give you clear direction for your dives. Unfortunately, this professionalism often leads to complacency among customers. Divers assume that it is the guide's sole responsibility to ensure the safety of the group; to search for currents, protect marine life, monitor bottom times and check depth limits. Although this is the guide's responsibility, each diver is responsible for a safe dive.

Be aware of your surroundings, pay attention during dive briefings and be a proactive participant. This ensures a safe dive and makes you a better diver.

6. Rush to keep up with experienced divers

Experienced divers can be intimidating. Their wetsuits glide as if they were made of silk, their masks remain fog-free and their fins act like extended feet. They rush through their equipment check and eagerly prepare to enter the water.

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Don't rush to keep up with them - in or out of the water. Take time to check your equipment, weigh yourself correctly and make sure you feel comfortable. Descend slowly, level often, and stay within your limits. It can be dangerous to keep up with more experienced divers, so stay relaxed and in control.

7. Diving beyond training limits

As an extension of the above, some divers will be tempted to push their limits, especially in a group of experienced divers. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new website and think you'll be fine because others have the necessary experience, but that's a mistake.

Every year, divers who have never taken a wreck or cave course die in cave systems or around wrecks. Know your training limits and never exceed them.

8. Always dive with the same buddy

On the one hand, it's good practice to dive with the same buddy: you're both more relaxed and comfortable, you know each other's diving style, and you're likely to stay together underwater.

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On the other hand, diving with the same partner can cover up weaknesses or dependencies that you have as a diver. One of you may be stronger at navigation, the other more mindful at checking gauges. Building dependencies is not a good idea, so try mixing it up occasionally.

9. Do not log dives

It's easy to become complacent when it comes to keeping your logbook, especially if you view diving as an occasional fun hobby rather than a serious hobby. This is a mistake.

Recording your dives has a number of benefits. It keeps records of the weight you need with different combinations of equipment, provides evidence that you have completed specific types of dives, and allows you to identify areas for improvement. Take your logbook with you on dives and carefully record the details.

10. Don't dive!

Of course, the most damaging of all diving mistakes is not diving enough. If you wait too long between dives, you will lose touch with your new skills.

Experts advise joining a local diving club, but of course this is not always possible. At least try diving abroad on your vacation, keep up to date with your PADI theory, and consider the PADI ReActivate if you haven't dived in a while.

As any new diver knows, there is nothing more wonderful than being underwater. Don't miss this feeling.

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How to pass the Open Water Diver course

Over 30,000 people have used Atlas & Boots to prepare for their course. We have now compiled all of our tips, advice and learning aids into one handy booklet. For just $2.99 ​​you get:

– A list of all physical tests >
- Examples of all 5 knowledge reviews - Diving signals - Over 100 flashcards to review - A link to interactive flashcards online - Beginner mistakes to avoid and more

See full table of contents

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