Women Scuba Diving: Why every woman should get her PADI

According to PADI (Professional Association for Diving Instructors) only 35% of certified divers are women. After receiving my PADI Open Water Certification with ScubaTony in Cozumel, Mexico I want to see more women scuba diving. I’ve put together this list of 9 reasons why every woman needs to get her PADI Open Water scuba diving certification. When you’re finished reading and you’re still not sure, drop me an e-mail and let’s chat. I believe in you!

Women Scuba Diving: Why you should get Certified!

See the world from a new perspective

 Women Scuba Diving PADI

I earned by PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certification at 33 years old and I can’t believe it took me that long. To be honest, I don’t know what was holding me back. It was probably some sort of fear that I can’t pinpoint. Whatever was holding me back, and whatever is holding you back (Yes YOU!) don’t let it. Face that fear and sign up for a scuba try-dive or go all in on a PADI Open Water Certification. That’s what I did!

Once you’re in the water you’ll have an entirely new perspective on the world. Everything under the surface is calm and you’re surrounded by the most amazing creatures. My first diving experience was in Cozumel, Mexico and the water was bright turquoise, teaming with exotic fish. Within 15 minutes of being in the water my dive instructor found a sleeping nurse shark.

All I want to do now is dive. I’m planning a vacation to Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys at the moment, just so I can do more of it! For the first time ever I feel like I can fully explore the entire world; from the peaks of the mountains to the depths of the oceans. OK, maybe not the depths, but to a maximum of 60 feet down.

The Scuba Diving Community

 female scuba diver

During the week I spent in Cozumel diving, I met dozens of people from around the world while diving and divers that were staying at Amigos Hostel Cozumel, my home for the week. Even though I was brand new to diving I felt like I was welcomed into the community with open arms. Sometimes, and I feel this is especially true for women, when you start a new hobby or learn a new activity there is always someone there telling you how much better they are at said activity then you. This did not happen to me once while diving.

The scuba diving community spans the globe and has people from all different races, religions, shapes and sizes. Anyone can be part of the diving community and I think that’s what I’m loving about it most.

Since there are less female divers I feel like the female scuba community is strong because of that. For all you ladies new to diving make sure you check out Girl that Scuba and join their Facebook group. It’s not your normal women’s Facebook group, so leave your preconceptions at the door.

More reasons to travel

 Scuba Diving Lobster

Not that I really need more reasons to travel, because I’m good at finding them already, but you can scuba dive almost anywhere! Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. Finding a place to travel to and scuba dive is easy. (Although packing a wet suit is a bit of a pain in the ass)

Many popular scuba diving destinations have plenty of amazing sandy beaches surrounding them, so it’s a perfect idea to get your whole crew together for a girl’s scuba trip. Another idea for a girl’s scuba trip is doing a liveaboard. A liveaboard is a specifically designed, or modified, ship for diving. Divers live on the ship for a period of time, usually around 7 days or less, and they go diving everyday. Popular liveaboard destinations are the Galapagos Islands, Egypt, and the Caribbean.

Disconnect

There isn’t any cell service beneath the waves. Sorry! For me this is a big plus because I’m always looking for ways I don’t have to be connected to the rest of the world. As a travel blogger, this is tough because I’m always on social media and the internet for work. Because of this I’m always looking for a reason to put down my phone and computer, and leave the digital world behind.

You can do it too, just put down the phone and get into scuba diving.

Be an advocate for our planet

 Why women should get PADI certified - Project AWARE

Mother Nature isn’t doing very well at the moment. As a species we’ve scarred the earth, polluted the air, and filled the oceans with plastic. Our planet needs more people out in nature, enjoying her natural wonders, and advocating for her.

PADI has several programs and partnerships designed to help the environment. The longest running of those partnerships is with Project AWARE. Project AWARE is a global movement for ocean protection powered by the scuba diving community.

With over 180 thousand scuba divers from around the world currently involved with Project AWARE, they are working to protect our oceans vulnerable specifies and decrease pollution. Since the late 80s they have removed over 1 million pieces of trash from the ocean!

To find out how to get involved with a current campaign click here.

Stay Fit and Healthy

Being in a good health and staying fit are important when going scuba diving. No, you don’t need to have giant muscles, be able to run a marathon, or fit into a specific size. One of the things I love about diving is that scuba divers come in all different shapes, sizes, and ages! There is no one size fits all for divers, but no matter the shape of one’s body or the age of it being fit and healthy is crucial to a good dive. Your physical fitness will not only help in the water, but in your daily life as well. Just another reason why all women should get their PADI Open Water Cert!

Cardiorespiratory fitness of the heart and lungs is extremely important for any diver, so much sure cardio is part of your exercise routine. Some fun suggestions are rowing, kickboxing, and Zumba. Having strong and toned muscles can help prevent injuries to the knees, shoulders, and back. I’m a big fan of doing yoga to help keep my muscles in shape, not matter the activity.

Please note: Before doing your PADI Open Water certification all divers, both male and female, should talk to their primary healthcare provider to make sure they are healthy enough to go scuba diving.

Women Scuba Diving: Get up close with wildlife

 woman scuba diver and turtle

I recently went on a safari in Tanzania. During my time there I was unbelievably close to some of the most amazing animals I’ve ever seen. At one point my safari truck was completely surrounded by elephants big and small. I have a 360 degree video where there isn’t a single frame without elephants in it and plenty of baby elephants. Scuba diving is a safari without the extremely hot sun; well, until you get back up to the surface, then there might be sun.

On my very first open water dive I saw a nurse shark taking a nap, a big green moray eel poking his head out of some coral, and a sting ray chilling on the ocean floor. This was my first dive. In subsequent dives I saw dozens of other aquatic animals including that gorgeous turtle who I got to swim with for a couple of minutes. As an animal lover I don’t think I’ve ever gotten more amazing interactions with wild creatures on land or in the ocean than during my diving experiences in Cozumel. I can’t wait to dive in more locations to see what lovely sea creatures I can make friends with!

It helps you live in the moment

Once you’re in the water you need to worry about 2 things, you and your dive buddy. No matter what else is going on the your world – work, kids, significant other, family – the list goes on and on for women, you don’t need to worry about it. The first thing you learn in your Open Water course is to remain calm. Once you get the hang of it scuba diving becomes, in my opinion, as way of reducing stress and living in the moment.

When you only need to worry about what is going on right around you it becomes so easy to live in the moment. With all the other things woman

Women Scuba Diving: Cause women can do anything

 woman scuba diving

Let’s be honest right now, the number 1 reason all women should get PADI scuba certified is because we can! Women occupy so much space in the world, but when it comes to adventure we have so few roll models to look up to. The answer is: be your own role model. Find a reputable dive shop and take the first step by signing up for a PADI Open Water course. You can do it!

PADI Women’s Dive Day

Since 2016, every summer, PADI and dive shops around the world host Women’s Dive Day. The biggest day of diving, world wide, to get more women beneath the waves and exploring the majestic underwater world. Visit the PADI Women’s Dive Day website to find out how you can be a part of it!

Do you know any women who go scuba diving? Are you one of us? Let me know in the comments!

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