Why do scuba divers dive backwards? Because otherwise they’d fall into the boat! Haha. This is the popular punchline of this joke and meme that salty divers laugh about in a bar, or at their keyboards on the internet. But where does the joke come from and how truthful is it for scuba divers? Let’s jump in (backwards of course) and find out why do scuba divers dive backwards, and the reasons for doing so!
Why Do Scuba Divers Dive Backwards?
Firstly, scuba divers dive backwards because it is usually the safest way to enter the water, minimising the impact of the water on the glass of your mask to prevent it from shattering.
All of the scuba equipment can be cumbersome and awkward. It is especially back-heavy with the scuba tank or cylinder generally sitting on your back. This means you have a natural tendency and gravitation pull to fall backwards. It is then usually easier to fall with gravity and dive backwards off the boat and into the water.
Less Impact from the Water
Another reason why scuba divers dive backward is that the tank/cylinder will break the water first and allow you to enter the water smoothly. If you fell on your front, then your mask made of glass will hit the water first and have the chance of breaking and shattering into your face. If you fell on your front, then the force of the water will also probably push the regulator out of your mouth.
Boat Size
Scuba divers will also dive backwards into the water due to the size of the boat that they are jumping off from. A tiny inflatable rib (Rigid Inflatable Boats), Zodiac, or speedboat, may not have enough space for a diver to stand up, put on their equipment, and then jump feet-first into the water. This is when rolling backwards off the boat will be the safest and easiest method. In these scenarios you will usually already have the equipment on when stepping onto the small boat (usually off a larger boat or pier), then you will sit down on the edge of the boat, put on your fins, mask, and regulator, and once you have the OK sign, you will tip backwards to hit the water.
It’s Easy!
Rolling backwards from an already seated position with your equipment on also minimizes the amount of movement on the boat. Walking around a crowded boat with a heavy tank and long, awkward fins can be dangerous if you slip or trip accidentally. If you are already seated with your equipment and it is safe to roll backwards into the water, then this is much easier than walking around and jumping in feet first! Remember, scuba divers are lazy and we much prefer to conserve our energy for diving!
How to Conduct the Perfect Backwards Roll while Scuba Diving
Get into the boat with your equipment on (except fins)
Sit down on the edge of the boat and put your fins on
Put your mask and regulator into your mouth
When the boat captain or boat operator gives you the OK sign, then use one hand to hold onto your mask and regulator against your face
You can use your other hand to hold your mask strap securely against the back of your head
Tip backwards and roll back into the water!
As soon as you pop up from the water, kick back away from the boat.
Scuba Divers Falling Out of the Boat
So there you have it, if you’ve been wondering why do scuba divers dive backwards when entering the water, it is due to safety and gravity reasons! At the end of the day though, those jokesters have it correct. If us scuba divers did roll fowards, we would just end up in the boat flat on our face!!
Hand to heart, I’m a big fan of the Suunto Zoop dive computer. It is easily one of the best dive computers for beginners that is currently on the market. But I may be biased, as this is what I used when I first started scuba diving. As a dive instructor, it is also the dive computer that I use for my diving students. But why is it so good for beginners, and what other dive computers can compare when competing for the best dive computer for beginners?
The interface is fairly intuitive and the three-button controls make it easy to navigate.
Full processing of dive data, including decompression if applicable, for every dive performed with air or nitrox.
Logbook (70 hr or 60 dives) complete with dive profile.
Deep stop can be turned on or off. Visual and auditory alarms. Built-in calendar and clock. Backlit display.
User changeable battery. Battery model: CR2430
What to Look for in a Dive Computer
Here is a list of features to look for when choosing the best dive computer for beginners.
DIVE COMPUTER OPERATING MODES
The dive computer will be set to the standard AIR mode, which is 21% oxygen. All dive computers now have the NITROX mode too, which allows you to change the oxygen percentage. GUAGE mode is handy when using the device as a depth gauge only. FREE diving mode allows you to log and save your freedives.
USER CHANGEABLE BATTERIES
A good feature to look for when choosing the best dive computer for beginners is whether you can change the battery yourself. Some dive computers only require a simple tool to open the back and replace the battery. However, other dive computers will require you to send it off to their authorized service center to change the battery. This can be costly and time-consuming. When replacing your own battery, follow the instructions from the dive computer manual and check that the o-ring rubber is properly sealed.
SCREEN DISPLAY
Dive computers can be slightly overwhelming to a beginner diver. There are a lot of numbers on the screen, letters, and potential graphs. This can make reading a dive computer confusing. You should opt for a dive computer that is easy to read with a large interface. This is especially important if diving in low visibility or if your eye-sight struggles with reading.
NO-DECOMPRESSION LIMIT
Besides knowing your depth, one of the most important features on a dive computer is the No-Decompression Limit (NDL) or No-Stop time. You should read your dive computer manual to ensure you understand and know how to read the depth and the NDL.
So there you have it. Now you know the most important features when choosing the best dive computer for beginners, and what they mean. Beginner dive computers will usually be very easy to use for novice divers, and also slightly bulky. So why not check out some of the best smallest dive computers that are also easy to use!
Snorkeling is a fun and inexpensive way to check out the underwater world. On paper, snorkeling sounds easy, and it can be! However, many people do have bad experiences with snorkeling and this can be off-putting. So let’s dive in, and check out some snorkeling tips to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience that will lead to many more water adventures!
Bad snorkeling experiences usually stem from inexperience and not being prepared. Many snorkeling tour operations imply that all you need is some equipment and water to have a fun snorkeling experience. This is wrong. My first snorkeling experience was a disaster. I got too close to the coral and accidentally bumped into it, water went into my snorkel and I choked on seawater, and I got well and truly sunburnt! Here are some snorkeling tips that I wish I had known before I dove into the water!
If you trying snorkeling on your holiday for the first time, then you probably won’t have your own equipment. This means you will need to rent your mask, snorkel, and fins. Many rental places have cheap and disposable equipment that is rented out and used daily. The mask will probably be a generic size, and the snorkel will be quite basic.
If you have a mask that does not fit properly, then you will get water leaking into the mask which can be very annoying and quite traumatic. If the mask is too tight on your head then you will get a headache.
Take a look at the snorkel too, and make sure there is no built-up black mold and that the mouthpiece has not been chewed off by the previous snorkeler. Mold will occur when the equipment was not cleaned or dried properly. A chewed-up mouthpiece will also mean that the snorkel will not sit in your mouth properly. It also means it’s a bit gross!
If the difference between a good snorkel set is a few bucks, then we recommend spending a bit more to ensure you can actually use the equipment! It’s also a lot more hygienic and cost-effective (over time) to invest in your own snorkeling equipment set.
First time snorkeling, or first time snorkeling in this location? Always check with a local for the best snorkeling spots and what the conditions may be like. Be aware of currents, waves, and low visibility. These can really make or break a snorkeling experience.
Currents can push you far out to sea, which can be scary and lead to a dangerous situation. Waves can cause water to continuously enter your snorkel and make it difficult to breathe. Low visibility can make you uncomfortable and stressed.
It is always a good idea to be aware of the location’s conditions and if in doubt of what lies beneath the waves, then change locations or wait for a better day!
3. Snorkel with a Buddy
It doesn’t matter how confident you are with water, swimming, or snorkeling. The most important snorkeling tip is that you should always have a buddy with you.
Firstly, it is always more fun to snorkel with someone else. You can find more underwater critters with twice the set of eyes and reflect on the fun day of snorkeling at the end of the day together.
More importantly, snorkeling with a buddy is safer. If you suddenly panic from the water conditions or have a cramp in your leg that makes it difficult to swim, or if you are suddenly struck by some health condition, then a buddy can help you or at least, raise the alarm.
Drowning is the number one risk of snorkeling and other water-related activities, and is a very real risk of snorkeling.
Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and the potentially fatal, sunstroke, are real risks of snorkeling and our tip to avoid this is to be prepared. Hydrate often with water, and not alcohol, coffee, or tea which are mild diuretics that can cause you to urinate and expel water more often.
Take frequent breaks if you do plan on going for a whole day of snorkeling. Hydrate and revive in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion.
Obviously, it’s nice to work on your tan while on holidays, but be aware that while snorkeling, the water will reflect the sun’s rays and cause you to burn quicker. Also, you don’t just want an uneven back tan!
The best way to cover up from harmful UV sun rays is to wear a rashguard that will act as a barrier between the UV rays and your skin. Find a rashguard that has an optimal UV rating and be aware that you can still burn through a standard T-shirt.
A big snorkeling tip is knowing your limitations and respecting the water! If you are not comfortable with swimming, then this will not change when you strap on a mask and a snorkel! Snorkeling is definitely much easier than swimming thanks to the ability to breathe while your face is in the water. The fins on your feet also help with swimming as they are powerful and require less energy than swimming without. However, this does not mean that you will suddenly become Michael Phelps in the water!
Know your limitations and consider them before stepping into the water. If need be, use a floatation device such as a life jacket or vest, a life-ring, or even, a pool noodle! These things are useful in case you get tired and overexert yourself in the water as they allow you to float with no energy required.
Today we are diving in Les Escoumins in Quebec, Canada.
WHY ARE WE DIVING IN LES ESCOUMINS?
The Escoumins region is known for its’ incredible biodiversity. When diving in Les Escoumins you have to keep in mind that almost everything comes from the animal kingdom. You can see colorful marine life such as starfish, nudibranches, anemones, sea cucumbers, sea urchins. You may also encounter crabs, lobsters, and even wolffish.
The Escoumins region is known for its incredible biodiversity. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Morin
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
If you want to go to Les Escoumins specifically, I suggest you land in Bagotville and rent a car. Les Escoumins is 2h15 minutes from Bagotville. Bagotville is the closest airport.
However, if you are already visiting the lovely Quebec City, you can get to Les Escoumins by car and it is about 3h45 minutes from the city. It is quite easy to get there, you just have to look for the Centre de découverte du milieu marin (CDMM or the Marine Environment Discovery Centre)!
WHICH DIVE SITES ARE MUST-SEE?
The maximum depth of the lower St. Lawrence estuary is about 1,115 ft (340m). However, in the Les Escoumins region, it is easy to stay at shallow depths since the slope is generally not steep at the dive sites.
Colorful soft corals can be found in the Escoumins region. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Morin
Centre de Découverte du Milieu Marin (CDMM):
Before diving at the CDMM, it is a good idea to call the center to confirm the opening hours.
La Baie des Anémones
The most recently developed site by the CDMM, located in Anse-à-Robitaille. The site is located in a calm bay, most of the time sheltered from waves and currents. The rocky bottom covered with pink encrusting algae is densely populated with anemones and sea urchins. The launch is easier with the rising tide close to the slack.
Entering La Baie des Anémones. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Morin
La Crique Est
This site is quite busy and it is, therefore, necessary to be extra vigilant not to touch the bottom, which is already subject to strong pressure from divers.
The entrance to Entrance to La Crique Est. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Morin
La Crique Ouest
This is the place used by divers-biologists who present the marine life of St. Lawrence to non-divers.
For non-divers, there are interpretation activities on the marine environment, including the St-Laurent en Direct activity and permanent exhibition rooms.
Camping du Paradis Marin:
Access to the river for scuba diving is easy at both high and low tide. You can enter the water by walking directly on the rock. However, you have to be careful, especially at low tide, to not slip when entering the water. The wet rocks are extremely slippery.
The dive begins in the kelp. We then pass through the usual strata of sea urchins and anemones. Animal density is greatest on the right side of the underwater cliffs. The slope is gentler on the left side, opposite the kayak descent. Life is less dense there but the site is still very interesting.
Hiding out in Les Escoumins. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Morin
TELL ME MORE
Most of the dive sites are accessible from the shore.
You can also contact Accès Plongée if you wish to do charter dives from the area. This is very interesting if you want to visit more distant sites or do a drift dive.
DO I NEED ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT?
I recommend a drysuit, or at least a 14mm suit if you want to get comfortable. It is also good to have a dive light if you want to see the true color of the underwater creatures. I also recommend having an SMB for safety reasons and if you plan to do drift dives from charters.
To dive in the province of Quebec, it is mandatory to hold a “Certificate of Qualification in Recreational Scuba Diving” from the Quebec Government. This certificate is also known as a FQAS (Fédération Québécoise des Activités Subaquatiques or Quebec Underwater Federation) qualification.
You will need this certificate or to be accompanied by a diving instructor who can provide this certification. If you are interested in diving in Quebec, I highly recommend that you go to one of the many good dive shops we have in the area. They will be able to answer your questions on this particularity that we have in this province.
All the dive sites are accessible to Open Water divers, however, I do suggest that you have a drysuit certification.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS?
The water temperature is around 39°F or 4°C. However, the water may be cooler because it is saltwater and the freezing point is lower. I have already seen 29°F or -1°C on my computer while diving.
Visibility and currents are really affected by the weather and the tide. Conditions can change quickly, so it is important to remain aware of the surroundings.
On a good day you can have 40 to 50 feet (12-15m) of visibility, and on a bad day you can’t even see your dive buddy!
The diving in Les Escoumins begins when there is no more ice on the St. Lawrence River, therefore around March, and ends when the ice returns around December.
Little critters can be found everywhere in Les Escoumins. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Morin
HOW MUCH WILL I SPEND?
The price will change depending on the type of diving you want to do. If you already have your FQAS and don’t need supervision, the price will only be site access, which is around $10 CAD.
If you do not have FQAS, then you will need to book with a diving instructor authorized to issue you the certification. Prices vary from one dive shop to another. If you want to do your Open Water course, most dive shops will be teaching in French. Though most of the shops have a bilingual instructor, so don’t worry, you can also be supervised in English.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE?
There are styles of accommodation to suit all tastes. You can camp at the Paradis Marins, get a room in a hotel or take an AirBnB.
WHERE DID YOU STAY?
I am from Quebec City, so I often just make a round trip to go diving. However, I do recommend a Quebec City dive shop, Plongée Nautilus. They often organize trips to Les Escoumins and have a hostel. They sometimes organize themed weekends, such as BBQ, Crab party, and Octoberfest. The theme mainly influences the food they will serve and the atmosphere of the weekend.
The hostel has a rustic decor with diving as the theme. You will sleep in bunk beds with other divers or soon to be divers. Nautilus is really all about a great spirit of cohesion and fun. At the end of the weekend, you will feel like part of the family. It is about $375 CAD for the weekend, which includes accommodation, 3 meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday, supervision by an instructor or divemaster, site access fees, and filling cylinders.
Honestly, I recommend calling Plongée Nautilus if you want a memorable trip and have professional staff to guide you through the weekend.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Les Escoumins is an incredible place to dive. I go there often and every time I am always amazed to discover new underwater creatures. The underwater life is simply amazing, and the colors breathtaking. It is easy to spend several minutes observing the same rock and seeing more and more species. Life in the Saint Lawrence is omnipresent.
WHAT DO WE DO ON SURFACE INTERVALS?
In the Les Escoumins region, the most popular tourist activity is whale watching. You can do this in a zodiac or on a larger boat. You can also watch whales from the shore. Several species are observable, such as blue whales, killer whales, beluga whales and fin whales. You can also go from the helicopter to see the scenery from the sky. Another interesting activity is sea kayaking, which you can also do on the St. Lawrence River.
Mark Caney is truly a leading expert in the diving industries. Some career highlights include being a Vice President of Training & Customer Services with PADI, three times President of the European Underwater Federation, twice President of the Rebreather Training Council, and he continues to hold senior positions in the World Recreational Scuba Training Council. He is now the Industry Relations & Training Executive for PADI Worldwide, Chairman of Project AWARE for Europe, Middle East Africa, and author of Dolphin Way: The Rise of the Guardians.
What sparked the interest in diving?
When I was about eight years old, I came across a cattle drinking trough while walking in the fields and saw things moving under the water. I had been avidly watching Jacques Cousteau on the television in those days, so I ran home and found two empty jamjars. I then went back to the cattle trough, pressed them against my eyes, and lowered them into the water. I realised that there was a whole living world under the water, and made up my mind then that I would go diving one day.
When I was eighteen, I joined the British army and was sent to Northern Ireland. While I was there, I joined a local dive club and learned to dive. Later, I was posted to Cyprus, and I subsequently left the military and started a dive centre in Pafos, Cyprus. I’ve been working full-time in the diving industry since then.
Mark Caney, a key officer in the Rebreather Training Council. Photo courtesy of Mark Caney
What are some of your greatest achievements in the diving industries?
My career path has resulted in me acting as a representative for PADI on many pan-industry bodies. This has given me the privilege of helping to shape the creation of many diving industry safety standards, such as the ISO Recreational Diving Standards.
I have also been elected to the leading roles in such bodies as the European Underwater Federation (EUF), the Rebreather Training Council (RTC), and the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC).
As I have been the chairman of the Project AWARE Foundation (EMEA), I’ve also been lucky enough to help shape the direction that we take to try to do the most good for the underwater environment.
Most recently, I was pleased to complete a project that has taken several years to complete, the creation of a new diver medical screening system. I chaired the select group of international diving medicine specialists who developed the new system that finally came out a few months ago. The previous system was used to screen tens of millions of divers, and I am sure this one will too.
Mark also has a keen eye for underwater photography. Photo courtesy of Mark Caney
What was your most memorable diving experience?
I’d have to say my most memorable positive experience while being underwater was while just snorkeling, and you may not be surprised to hear it was with a dolphin. I had heard of a lone dolphin that had been seen regularly in a particular bay in the Red Sea. I drove there overland with some friends but it was a hard place to reach, so by the time we arrived, it was late at night.
It was summertime though; the sea was calm, and a full moon was rising over the water. So, I went out in snorkeling gear, and there she was. At first, she was wary and circled around me, but then she became more confident and eventually came up to touch me. After a while, she let me stroke her and hold her; she obviously liked it and didn’t seem to want me to leave. We spent hours playing together that night, and with the moon shining through the calm sea onto the white sandy seabed, it was easy to see. I looked into the dolphin’s eyes that night and clearly saw another intelligence looking back at me. We could not talk, but there was a mutual recognition of another sentient being and a shared affection.
Can you tell us about being a Marine Mammal Medic?
I am a British Divers Marine Life Rescue Marine Mammal Medic. BDMLR is an organization dedicated to the rescue and well-being of all marine animals in distress around the UK. I wanted to be able to help and to learn more about cetaceans.
The course to become a Marine Mammal Medic includes theory sessions on marine mammal biology, whale, dolphin, and porpoise species identification, physiology, first aid, and rescue techniques. The practical sessions teach you how to rescue stranded marine mammals, using full-size, water filled models, from small seals up to a two tonne, life-sized model pilot whale. The larger animals need specialist lifting pontoons to refloat them.
The UK organization, BDMLR, has a network of trained volunteers who are located all around the coast. If a stranding is reported, a central coordinator sends a message out to all the volunteers in that area and if they are able to respond, they reply and get directions. I have been involved in this way myself.
BDMLR Course With Miranda Krestovnikoff. Photo courtesy of Mark Caney
Most commonly, it will be a single seal, but sometimes it can be a dolphin, or even a whale or multiple strandings. Sometimes the animal sadly is already dead or too ill to be saved, but many have been successfully rescued. I know that similar schemes are operated in other countries, for example, Australia and the USA.
Can you tell us more about Dolphin Way, your novel set in the world of dolphins?
Mark enjoying his novel during some down time. Photo courtesy of Mark Caney
I have been fascinated by the underwater world since I was a child. I’ve worked in the diving industry for over forty years and my favourite hobby is sailing, so I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time around dolphins. It always seemed to me that they have a fairly utopian life; they spend all day playing, eating, and making love. They have an intelligence that probably rivals our own, but they don’t use it to manipulate their environment as we do.
As a result, they have a way of life that could have gone on forever; it’s truly sustainable. But then I learned about all the threats they now have from man, and it made me think. If you had a near-perfect society like that and they started to find that they had factors like overfishing, military sonar, and pollution impacting them – what would happen? What would they make of it? Because these things are happening right now. That gave me the initial idea of writing Dolphin Way – Rise of the Guardians.
