Page 174 - Visitor Guides

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Learn To Dive or Dive To Learn Snorkel Away

Whether you’re interested in a resort program, referral course, open water certification, If you’re not a diver, and are currently not interested in
advanced specialty or Divemaster and Instructor training, our dive operators offer it all. If becoming one, no worries. Some of the very best sites
you’re a diver or snorkeller in need of equipment, there are a number of on-island retailers the Cayman Islands has to offer are in shallow waters,
who can outfit you from head to toe. Just bring your smile and let the folks here hook you tailor-made for snorkelling. If this is your first snorkelling
up with some top-notch gear. trip,there are some things you should be aware of,
particularly when it comes to equipment.
Resort Courses/Discover Scuba – Anyone interested
in diving can experience the thrill of the underwater
world without making the full commitment to a complete
certification programme.All it takes is a couple of hours
learning the basic skills in a pool and you’re ready to enjoy
diving in Cayman’s beautiful waters with your Instructor. #1 Mask – Perhaps the single most important piece of equipment you’ll need. Ideally, you’ll
want a high quality mask with a tight-fitting seal.The easiest way to test the fit of a mask is
Open Water Referrals – Referrals are an excellent option to lift the strap over the top of the mask and press the mask to your face (being sure not to
for visiting divers who have completed the classroom and capture any strands of hair) without breathing in. If it creates a slight vacuum and stays tight
pool portions of an open water certification course and to your face, you’ve got the right fit.
want to make the requisite open water dives in Cayman’s
warm, clear waters. Getting started on this process can be #2 Snorkel – A snorkel is a snorkel is a snorkel. Not true!
made easier if the new divers get in touch with their local There are varying bore sizes, different designs, alternating
dive shops in their hometowns. internal air pockets, etc.,The best advice is to find a snorkel
that is comfortable, delivers air easily and breathes as dry
as possible.
Open Water Certification and Refresher Courses –
Once you’re in the Cayman Islands, your entire open #3 Fins – Fins give you mobility and speed.You have a
water certification can be completed in as little as three choice between full-foot fins (that fit like a slipper around
days. For travellers who haven’t been diving in a while, your heel) or open-heel fins.The latter are usually worn
quick and easy refresher courses are available through with some kind of neoprene "booties" with flexible rubber
most on-island operators. soles. No matter what type of fins you choose, make sure
they fit snugly, but not too tight.
Specialty and Technical Courses – From underwater pho-
tography and wreck diving to navigation and night diving, #4 Outerwear – You may want to use a nylon dive skin or a thin wetsuit, both for warmth
the Cayman Islands offers a complete menu of specialty and for protection from little stinging things and the sun. If you choose not to wear one, at
training options. If you’re interested in something more least don a T-shirt for sun protection.While many of the Cayman Islands’ snorkel sites are
technical, such as nitrox, tri mix, rebreather and extended found just off the beach, a great many more are found off a rocky shoreline called ironshore.
range diving, our on-island professionals can assist you in It’s best to patrol these sites in reef shoes or some other type of protective footwear. It’s also
learning these disciplines as well. against the law to wear gloves when snorkelling or diving in Cayman waters.

Divemaster and Instructor Training – If you are ready Picture This…
to take the plunge and join the ranks of the professional One of the biggest thrills of visiting the underwater realm
dive community, the Cayman Islands provides the best is capturing the beauty and magic for friends and family
training available. back home. Because the marine laws governing our three
islands are so strictly enforced (what’s found underwater
Safety – The Cayman Islands boasts state-of-the-art stays underwater), you’ll need to try your hand at underwater
medical facilities including a hyperbaric chamber (located photography if you want to bring the experience home.
on Grand Cayman) and in the event of an emergency, Fortunately, you will find any number of on-island
quality care can be provided in minutes.All dive boats providers who can help. Many operators also video tape
carry oxygen and have fully trained staff in emergency diving or snorkelling activities – a perfect keepsake, great for bragging rights!
first response & oxygen provision.

6 6 www.divecayman.ky www.divecayman.ky 7
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