One of the most challenging aspects of beach diving can be getting to the water’s edge. Beach access can be difficult in areas with steep cliffs and rugged shores. To dive in some of the more remote areas along coastlines, you might need to walk or climb over rugged terrain, covering considerable distances either wearing or carrying your gear. This can be exhausting and hazardous. To dive under these conditions, you must know your capabilities and limitations and plan for them. When diving in these areas, also make sure that you have the energy to safely return to your starting point after the dive. As you enter the water, shoreline conditions can create other problems. The shape of the bottom can affect currents and wave action. The bottom might slope gradually, drop off suddenly, or have scattered holes and rocks. The composition of the bottom will affect the way you enter the water (figure 8-7). Whenever you dive in a new area, you need an orientation to the dive site. You need to know what to look for and what to avoid, as well as any diving techniques that might be unique to that area. This can be learned by diving in new areas with a NAUI Instructor, NAUI Divemaster, or other experienced local divers (figure 8-8). Always seek information about new dive sites from experienced divers. As you gain experience and participate in advanced courses, you will be able to explore new areas confidently and without supervision. Bottom Conditions The bottom composition of a site also affects your diving. This is true whether you dive in a quarry, lake, river, or ocean. NAUI Scuba Diver 178 Diving Environment FIGURE 8-5. DIVING UNDER ICE PRESENTS UNIQUE CHALLENGES TO EVEN EXPERIENCED DIVERS. FIGURE 8-6. BEACH DIVING CAN BE EXTREMELY ENJOYABLE, BUT TENDS TO TAKE MORE ENERGY. FIGURE 8-7. ROCK ENTRIES CAN BE HAZARDOUS. YOU MUST PLAN THE ENTRY BEFORE ATTEMPTING IT.
20490TC
To see the actual publication please follow the link above