"Claire Walter eloquently provides answers to hundreds of questions about what it takes to venture into the waters of the world. Half of all birds who fly are female, as are half of the fish, dolphins, and whales who swim. Why not half of the humans who dive? Both men and women will find Walter's book entertaining, instructive, provocative, and a sure source of inspiration to plunge into the lake, river, or ocean of their dreams."--Dr. Sylvia Earle, Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic Society"Claire Walter's "Scuba Diving: A Woman's Guide makes this wonderful sport accessible to anyone who has looked at the mounds of dive equipment and said, 'No way I can do that.' While preparing women to enjoy the basic scuba experience, this book will also stimulate its readers to explore the far-flung reaches of this planet's last great wilderness."--Maurine Shimlock, Secret Sea VisionsDiscover a New WorldIf you've ever wondered what it would be like to glide effortlessly underwater, side by side with amazing sea creatures, then turn your dreams into reality and join the tens of thousands of women of all ages who have discovered the joys of scuba diving. Claire Walter demystifies scuba diving, while filling you in on everything you need to know to get started in this most magical of recreational activities. She provides insights and answers to common concerns women have regarding scuba diving, and walks you through the entire process, from learning the basics to becoming certified. You'll find out how toCheck the fit and condition of rental gear to ensure a successful first dive; Buy the right kind of gear and estimate how much you can expect to spend; Find a great instructorand learn to dive safely; Choose dream vacation diving locations, and find other women to dive with; Learn the safe and environmentally friendly ways to view corals, dolphins, and other sea life; Become certified to dive anywhere in the world; Extend your training and learn to teach others or make a career from your skillsPlus, you'll find personal accounts by women who share their fascinating underwater adventures, and tell you how they began to scuba, overcame their fears, met challenges, improved their skills, and made diving an irreplaceable part of their lives.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
AcknowledgmentsIntroductionWhat is diving?Who dives?About this bookChapter 1: Women and Scuba DivingA sport for (almost) allThe many faces of scuba divingBut is it exercise?Chapter 2: Getting StartedTesting the watersSigning upAgencies from A (ACSU) to Y (YMCA)What will it cost?ShortcutsDeep-six those fearsReality chases misperceptionsChapter 3: Gear TalkBorrow, rent, or buy?MaskSnorkelBuoyancy compensatorRegulatorTankWeightsFinsExposure protectionChapter 4: Ready, Set, Learn to DiveTune your body for divingWhere to startWhat to expectThe first testChapter 5: Into Open WaterThe humblerRedemptionDive rightBuddy upGetting hookedThe next stepChapter 6: Diving SafelyWhen not to diveWhat can go wrongEmergency!How low can you go?Cover yourselfChapter 7: You're Certified--Now What?Underwater adventuresTechnical divingWater worldTaking certification to a higher levelPassing the torchDiving for creditDiving for dollarsVolunteer opportunitiesChapter 8: The Softer Side of ScubaThe undersea environmentResponsible diving--and diningDream dive tripsSelecting a dive destinationScuba diving clubsFamily activitiesThe bottom line on bottom timeChapter 9: GlossaryChapter 10: ResourcesIndex