All of us have an adventurous side, but some people just need a little push to join in on the adventure! In a lot of cases it is the fear of the unknown that holds us back.

Just the thought of learning to scuba dive or going diving for the first time can make some people feel very nervous and apprehensive because breathing underwater seems so unnatural.

Here at Pro Dive Cairns we believe that if you want to throw caution to the wind, live life to the max and take the plunge, we can have you underwater experiencing the spectacular wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with the right dive company in no time.

Below are a few tips from people who have completed their dive course with us. These comments might help you get a better understanding of what to expect when you decide to take your first dive in Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

• Take time to research the course. Where do you want to learn? Which company do you want to go with? Does that company have a good reputation for safety and professionalism?
• Choose a good location - The Great Barrier Reef was perfect with warm water, good visibility and spectacular shallow dive sites.
• Face your fears and don't give up! The end result will a memorable experience and take your breath away!
• Listen to the instructors - they're very professional and know what they're talking about.
• Learning the basics in the pool and then doing your first ocean dives in warm, clear shallow water - gives you a feeling of comfort.
• Learn with a group - everyone is at the same level of experience, more fun.
• Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
• Take seasick medication if you're not sure how you will go travelling on a boat!
• It helps to have HOT Instructors :)
• Group size is important - You don't want to be in too large a group, up to 8 is a good size.
• Do a liveaboard dive course that you gives you more dives than just your 4 training or qualifying dives. The extra practice really helps and the night dive was amazing.
• Try and dive again as soon as you can after you've done your course as it's good to practice what you've learned while it's still fresh in your mind.
• Don't hold your breath! Just remember to keep breathing and try to relax.
• Diving is not a race. Take it slow and steady as this helps with your air consumption and you see more of the amazing scenery.
• Buy a good mask and snorkel. You will appreciate being more comfortable when scuba diving and a good mask is less likely to let water in.
• When you buy a new mask you need to clean it out with toothpaste or defog it before using it for the first time.
• Make sure you are comfortable with your dive buddy - learn to dive with a friend if you can or make sure you are happy with your allocated dive buddy. If not let your instructor know so they can help you find a new one!
• Try to relax and breathe slowly so you don't consume your air too quickly.
• Liveaboard dive trips and courses are much better value for money because you get a lot more dives that'll help you to feel more comfortable underwater and you'll get see heaps more stuff.
• Scuba diving or breathing underwater can be a strange feeling at first but stick at it as it gets better dive by dive and you'll love it.
• Don't drink too much alcohol the night before your dive trip - hangovers aren't good for seasickness if it's a bit bumpy and being seasick is the worst thing.
• Remember not to fly for 24 hours after diving.
• Bring a book or your ipod. There is nothing more relaxing than laying out on the sun deck in between dives and reading or listening to music.
• Don't bother with a cheap underwater camera. While most underwater disposable cameras are cheap but the picture quality is low, the memory storage is limited and you cannot preview them!
• SO STAY POSITIVE! You are about to embark on one of the most exciting and spectacular adventures possible.

We hope the above comments from people who have recently “taken the plunge” and completed their PADI Open Water Dive Course has put you at ease and answered any of your concerns or fears about becoming a scuba diver.