Although the ocean is full of life and mystery and everyone loves shark week, not as many people as you might think actually take the “plunge” and go explore the element themselves. Outside of the occasional trip to the beach, we rob ourselves of the amazing experience of fully submerging ourselves into another world and taking a peek! One of the most subversive experiences you can have in the ocean is to go scuba diving, where you can close yourself off from the rest of the world and watch marine life up close. It’s a whole other world! I would know!
(Fun fact: I am certified Scuba Diver. I was certified in Mexico on my 15th birthday!)

Shark Diving in Australia

According to PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors), its community of scuba divers has created a “growing force” that works to protect “fragile aquatic ecosystem.” Despite how amazing this experience can be, and how much of an impact the community of divers can make on the ecosystem, reportedly only 40% of new divers are women! Imagine being part of a community of people who not only get an exclusive view to depths of the ocean but who also get to make a difference in protecting its ecosystem.

When a hobby can become the intersection between opening yourself up to new experiences and truly finding a way to make a difference – even just as an advocate – it can be so incredibly empowering.

What better way as a woman to build your confidence than to learn how to scuba dive and just jump into the ocean? – (We should do this with anything that scares the crap out of us! Haha)

Here are 5 Reasons Women Should Learn to Dive:

1- It’s a great excuse to travel.

Need I say more? I shall repeat: It is a great excuse to travel!

2- Keep in shape.

You don’t need to keep extremely fit to scuba dive, but there is a level of fitness you have to maintain. Besides burning 600+ calories per hour, there are other benefits to diving, like the mental workout you’ll get from this, too. Like yoga and meditation, two other activities that focus on breathing, scuba is a great exercise not only for the physical but for the mental mind. Anything can happen in the ocean and the first thing you’re taught when learning to scuba dive is to never hold your breath. Plus, any good diver knows you should not be drinking the night before diving. So there you go, it’s a safeguard to a hangover.

Padi-La Paz

3- You get to be yourself.

As women, there are so many different facets to who we are – mothers, daughters, sisters, employees, caregivers, planners, providers, protectors… We have so much to offer and yet often we are giving and giving of ourselves and have a hard time finding a way to fill ourselves back up. We are constantly talking and listening and nurturing… There is a natural depth to womanhood that is unmatched – except for maybe by the depths of the ocean. Diving allows you to cut yourself off from the world for a moment and you get to simply be.

When learning to dive, you are also taught the importance of never diving alone. Although you are partnered with someone for the sake of safety, you are also taught to take care of yourself FIRST.

It’s like when you’re on a plane about to take off and the flight attendant is going over the safety rules of flying. They always say that in case of an emergency and the oxygen levels drop in cabin, always put your mask on FIRST before assisting anyone else. It’s the same for diving, and one of the few built-in activities where putting yourself first is required.

Padi- Grand Cayman

4- There are no phones.

Yaya!! SIGN ME UP! You mean you can dive for one hour without phone contact? Anyone reaching out to you? Scrolling through the gram? Nope. It’s too deep and too beautiful to miss. You need to be on high alert and fully aware of your surroundings. It’s a wonderful time to disconnect.

5- We are better than men. 😉 – fact.

I mean I truly believe women run the world. No, I am not a crazy female activist. I just don’t think any man has ever made anything happen in his life if he wasn’t allowed or encouraged to do it by a woman. – quoted by Bob Dylan.

Many guys that scuba dive frequently with women will tell you that female diver are often the best divers. Regardless of whether we are better than them or not, diving empowers us to be our best selves. Each dive leads to personal growth. Whether you’re diving with mantas, participating in your first-night dive or exploring a wreck, embracing new experiences builds confidence.

I would highly encourage you to check out PADI’s website here and dive into all they have to offer. Along with the educational experiences that PADI provides, they offer the opportunity for you to travel the world while diving and making a difference. You can see what parts of the world you can explore as part of the PADI community, and you can book a trip directly through the PADI Travel website.

I love the idea of taking a hobby and building a community of people around it. PADI really embodies what it means to be “driven by social impact and purpose.” So take a look, maybe diving is your way of making an impact on the world and building community around you and others!

Disclaimer: I have partnered with and received financial compensation from PADI. All opinions are my own.