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Scuba Fears: How to Conquer Your Diving & Underwater Phobias

Scuba Fears: How to Conquer Your Diving & Underwater Phobias

Written by Noreen
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Published on April 7, 2010
Fuvahmulah, Maldives tiger zoo scuba diving

It’s not uncommon for non-divers to be amazed and exclaim, “Oh, I could never do that, I’d be too afraid!” , when you mention you scuba diving.  The fear of sharks is the most prevalent of scuba diving fears. But for most it’s not just sharks keeping them out of the water, many fear other marine creatures including the most harmless of fish. Surprisingly enough, these fears and phobias are not limited to just to those that prefer staying dry, you’ll be shocked to find a number of scuba divers that shy away from things.

Here’s a closer look at some common fears divers and others may have, in order to conquer them.

Fuvahmulah, Maldives tiger zoo scuba diving
Tiger Zoo in Fuvahmulah, Maldives (Image via Shutterstock)

Common Scuba Diving Fears

The fear of sharks and other fish

If you think about it logically, this is a pretty irrational fear. How many creatures do you know that actually prey on humans? Apart from humans themselves, I’m drawing a blank. If you’re thinking sharks, that’s so not true! Creatures in the ocean and on earth for that matter, have no intention or the appetite to eat humans, they’re usually wary of us. We are too big, too bony and we tend to fight back (by unfair means). Most known cases of attacks, shark or otherwise are usually mistaken identity or a means of protecting themselves from us when we pose a threat to their environment, species or young ones.

Certain reef dwellers that give divers the willies apart from sharks, include sea snakes, eels, sea urchins, scorpion fish, lionfish, barracuda and so on. However, just think about it-if you were a shark or any fish and you came across a noisy bubble blowing, fairly large strange shaped creature carrying scuba gear and equipment on their backs that often flashes bright lights (with dive flashlights or underwater cameras) and not to mention in groups or at least more than one, would you stick around to figure whether they would harm you? If you’re still thinking, the answer is No.

Fear of wearing constricting equipment and claustrophobia

Scuba diving does involve the use of a breathing apparatus and some pretty heavy dive gear that some may consider restrictive, but if you were to overcome this, considering the wide open ocean you dive in, claustrophobia shouldn’t stop you from trying this sport. For starters try diving in warms clear waters where you wouldn’t even need a wetsuit. It’ll help make you feel lighter and less confined than wearing a full wetsuit, hood and the likes. Get used to the scuba gear above water before taking the plunge. Familiarization will definitely help you feel more comfortable in the water. People who are claustrophobic should ideally dive in clearer waters with good visibility as lower visibility may make it harder to get over the fear.

Fear of doing the back roll off a boat

Yes, there are some that dread entering the water via the back roll method. Used to get all divers into the water at once, thus addressing problematic currents or the lack of boat mooring facilities, the back roll is a simple yet efficient maneuver. It fairly simple as you get kitted up on board, sit on the edge, back to the water and let gravity take its course. Yes sometimes it’s a little daunting at first to think you might just land in the jaws of some waiting predator that has been exposed. But one quick check behind you before you’re ready to go and a splash and you’re in, just remember to inflate your BCD and you you’ll bob right up to the surface.

Whatever your fears, big or small, it’s worth conquering for a view of the unbelievably beautiful blue world down there!