Why is scuba diving fitness so important?  Some of the answers are obvious, while others may not be to the non-diver.

“I have seen so many scuba divers go on diving trips while really lacking the physical fitness to participate safely at the most fundamental level.  It might be as simple as climbing up the boat ladder after a dive. It might also be having difficulty walking with gear on to the beach for a shore dive or fatiguing during a long surface swim.  I have seen divers who are so out of condition that they work too hard and drain their tanks too quickly (some of that is also nerves).  Being physically fit is also a huge confidence booster for most people, especially for women.” (from E-book accompanying Fit4Diving.com).

Every time that I dive, I am reminded how my level of fitness contributes to my overall experience.  Swimming against a strong current while having the aerobic conditioning and leg strength to do so without draining my tank is a good thing! What about having the fitness levels to dive day after day on a dive vacation without needing to take a voluntary “non-dive day”?  Of course, a sight-seeing day is totally worthwhile, but if you are there mainly to dive, then that is what you want to do. As I get into my BCD on the dive boat, I am thankful for the flexibility in my shoulders.  As I hoist myself up onto the side of the boat for a back-roll entry, I am thankful for my core strength.  As I walk up onto the shore from a walk-in dive at night in the dark, I am thankful for my legs and back strength as well as all of the balance work that I do.

As I glide through the water, I have the confidence that my fitness levels allow me to get the most out of my diving experience!