How to Start an Amazing Adventure: DSD or Open Water?
Indonesia is one of the best countries in the world to experience amazing diving. The Komodo National Park is for sure one of the highlights in Indonesia.
Our dive sites in Komodo are fantastic and good for all diving levels. Even if you have never dived before, we want to make sure that you have an awesome and safe Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience. To go scuba diving in Indonesia is an incredible adventure.
Exploring the underwater world with all its marvellous marine life is impressive. Imagine descending down in a beautiful world filled with gorgeous and diverse corals. Wouldn’t that be great?
The decision to go scuba diving for the first time
It’s a big decision to discover diving for the very first time. You might have concerns about the whole procedure of diving. The idea of breathing underwater can be terrifying. Not to mention the diving gear which can be bewildering in the beginning.
It can be overwhelming when you’re starting, but don’t worry too much about it. First of all, you’re not alone! A lot of people struggle in the beginning. Overcoming your fear might be the biggest problem.
Tips to overcome your concerns
We listed a few things which might help you to overcome your fear:
Choose the right dive shop for you! It’s important that you feel comfortable with the staff, the dive sites and the dive gear! For example, we’re a family-owned business and we focus a lot on the safety aspect. For us, it is important that every customer is well served.
Read about scuba diving and inform yourself about the risks it brings with it. The more you know, the more you’ll see that it’s a lot safer than you thought!
If you ask, you’ll get answers! Don’t be afraid to chat to your dive shop and explain your concerns. Most instructors are very helpful and have seen your worries a thousand times. (You can always come to our shop or write us an email if you want to have more information!)
Remember that this is something you want! You want to be free under the water, see the beautiful fish or swim over mountains of coral. You can move like you are flying or get excited about swimming with manta rays! Once you discover diving, it’ll be an inspiring and addicting experience.
Everything takes time, so give yourself the time you need! Motivate yourself by looking at pictures or watching some videos before you dive. You’ll get excited to experience it yourself and it also can bring a sense of calmness to you. Moreover, it will remind you why this is such an awesome thing to do.
The difference between DSD and Open Water Course
You finally decided to discover diving in Indonesia for the very first time. That’s a big step! Now the question is: DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) or Open Water Course? What exactly is the difference between these two?
DSD (Discover Scuba Diving)
The DSD is a try-diving experience for adults and children who are ten years and older. It’ll introduce you to the basics of diving but doesn’t certify you as a diver.
It’s a one-day activity, so it’s a great option if you’ve been thinking about trying diving for a while. A DSD is perfect to build up confidence in the water. It’s good to have a rough idea before jumping straight into a full course.
In our case, the DSD consists of two dives and with detailed briefings before every dive. It’s important to know how water pressure affects your body. You also get information about the dive sites in the Komodo National Park.
Furthermore, you’ll learn how to communicate underwater and how your equipment works. Then you’re ready to enjoy a safe dive!
5 things to do before you start your DSD
- Get a good night’s sleep! You’ll enjoy your first dives more when you start the day refreshed and full of energy.
- Drink a lot of water. Keep in mind that you cannot consume any alcohol prior to diving, and it’s recommended to not drink alcohol the evening before either.
- Pack your stuff in advance, so you don’t get stressed in the morning.
- Don’t skip breakfast and make sure you show up on time.
- It’s very important to listen to what the instructor is saying. Also, make sure you ask questions if you don’t understand something.
The Open Water Course
The PADI Open Water course takes 3 full days and consists of knowledge development, confined water sessions, and open water sessions. You’ll also get the PADI e-Learning which is an online book that includes knowledge reviews, quizzes and a final exam.
Furthermore, you’ll have a water skills assessment and confined water practice sessions. To complete the course you also have to do four open water dives.
You’ll learn how to assemble and disassemble your own kit, and how to care for it in a proper way.
In both the confined water and open water dives, you’ll have to master a series of essential skills. Your instructor will show and teach them to you, step by step.
After completing the course, you get certified to dive up to 18m, anywhere in the world. The course takes longer than a DSD but is very informative and rewarding.
Our recommendation for the very first dive
It always depends on the person but we would recommend starting with a DSD first. Then you’ll see if you actually like it. Besides, you’ll get more confidence with the ins and outs of scuba diving. Plus, you don’t have to start a course straight away.
Enjoy the diving, enjoy beautiful marine life and don’t worry too much about skills. Everything you need to know for your very first dive will get explained to you. (Always remember that kids can do it!)
Our mission is to give you the best possible experience. Have your first time breathing underwater feel confident, safe and unforgettable!
A DSD is also the first step in the Open Water course and counts as your first open water dive! So you can even decide after that day if you want to continue with a course.
Discover scuba diving and overcome your fear
Many believe that we belong on the surface and not in the deep water. Of course, it might feel strange and dangerous to you.
Even so, treat this as an opportunity! It’s incredible to explore the deep blue with all its marine life and beautiful coral. Take the chance to discover diving in Indonesia and do something different.
It’s an amazing experience and can be an awesome hobby. Most people won’t discover scuba diving in their lifetime. They never overcome their fear. Now it’s your time to enjoy a new style of life. Start your DSD and get to know a whole different world!
Discover diving in Komodo
Komodo is one of the best diving destinations in the world. You can experience a huge diversity of marine life. You’ll encounter napping turtles on the reef or huge groups of fish passing by. Not to mention the giant and beautiful manta rays.
While diving in Komodo, you never know what is waiting for you underwater! It’s like going on an adventure every time you descend down into this marvellous world.
If you still feel nervous about your very first dive, you can always contact us. Also, get some inspiration from our Instagram page. We have awesome photography of all types of Komodo’s marine life there.