5 Things to Know Before Your First Dive

Your first dive is coming up and you are not quite sure what to expect? That is completely normal. Everyone goes through it. When I did my first dive, I had a thousand questions and nobody to give me straight answers. So here are the 5 things I wish someone had told me before I put my head underwater.

1. Is it normal to be afraid before your first dive?

Let's be honest: the vast majority of people feel some kind of anxiety before their first dive. Fear of running out of air, fear of deep water, fear of panicking... These are perfectly natural reactions. Your brain is not wired to breathe underwater, so it sends alarm signals.

The good news? A good instructor knows how to handle that. At Dive With Lau, we take our time. We don't push you, we don't rush you. We do things step by step , first on the surface, then in shallow water, and only when you're ready do we go a bit deeper. Many of my students arrive nervous and leave asking when the next dive is.

2. Do you need to be fit to go scuba diving?

Contrary to what you might think, scuba diving is not an extreme sport that requires peak physical fitness. You need to be able to swim a bit (comfortable in the water, able to swim 200 metres without a timer), but that's it. No marathons required.

That said, there are a few health things to check. Asthma, heart conditions or ENT issues are worth a doctor's opinion beforehand. Nothing complicated: a simple medical clearance is enough. If you have any doubts, we can talk about it before you book , that's what we're here for.

3. What do you need to bring for a first dive?

For a discovery dive or an Open Water course, all equipment is provided: wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator, BCD, tank. All you need is your swimsuit, a towel, and some sunscreen.

A practical tip: avoid eating a heavy meal just before diving (a full stomach and the motion of the water don't mix well). And make sure you stay hydrated , dehydration is the diver's silent enemy, even though you don't feel like you're sweating underwater.

4. How do you equalize your ears when diving?

As you descend underwater, pressure increases and your ears feel it. It's exactly like being on a plane, but more pronounced. The solution is simple: you need to "equalize" , gently blow through your nose while pinching it, or do jaw movements to balance the pressure in your ears.

It's a skill you learn in two minutes but it changes everything. The key point: do it early and often as you descend, don't wait until it hurts. If you have a cold or a blocked nose on dive day, it's better to postpone , forcing equalization with blocked sinuses is the best way to hurt yourself.

5. How do you choose a good diving instructor?

Let's not kid ourselves: your first diving experience depends 80% on the person guiding you. A patient, educational instructor who pays attention to your emotions will make the difference between "I loved it" and "never again."

Look for someone who takes the time to explain things, who answers your questions without making you feel silly, and who keeps groups small. Small groups (3-4 people max) change everything. You get more attention, more safety, and more fun.

That's exactly the approach at Dive With Lau: small groups, tailor-made experiences, and always with a smile. Whether you're considering a discovery dive or a full certification course, we adapt to your pace.

The bottom line

Diving is accessible to everyone. You don't need to be sporty, brave, or adventurous. You just need a bit of curiosity and good guidance. If you're tempted, the hardest part is taking the first step , everything else follows naturally.

And if you still have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. I answer everything, even the questions people are too shy to ask.