Open Water

Open water diving is simply scuba diving in an ocean, sea or lake. While some may feel that a river should be included in this list, it is not due to the banks that keep it flowing in one direction. Open water is the most common diving type and is the first level of certification – allowing the diver to venture into the water safely and confidently.

Learning to dive is best done with a licensed professional who knows the area in which the training will take place well. For the most part, open water dives consist of underwater tours or jumping in just to see the wonder that is under the surface, or the more adventurous taking a photography tour. Open water swimming further explains the idea of open water diving. Open water is now becoming more well known as the first leg of a triathlon, which includes an open-water swim, and is the followed by cycling and finally running. To help with this, dive skins are made especially for the triathletes.

With the interest in open water spreading, an open water competition will be held in the 2008 Olympics or for fitness in general.
Once the decision is made to spend some time in open water swimming the open water equipment is quite basic. The only equipment needed is a swim suit. A colorful swim cap is recommended to protect the hair from the harsh conditions found in the open water, and is required by officials for some events and races. There is controversy over the use of wet suits when open water swimming. Some believe that a wet suit gives a swimmer an advantage as it can protect the swimmer from cold water that may increase the stamina in the water. However, there are the swimmers who believe that those who use wet suits take away from the spirit of the sport and the feeling and true experience of swimming free through the open water, which is the reason many people dive to begin with.

Padi open water exam questions are an important part of the course, however, the practical side is enforced more so. Considered a popular first step in the dive education process, it is designed mainly to expand diving skill and knowledge, while adding confidence to a new diver. While there is no formal classroom involved, but reading through the PADI “Adventures in Diving” manual and answering the knowledge questions prior to making a dive is required.