niedziela, 5 października 2008

Snorkeling vs Scuba

Scuba is undeniably one of the great pastimes one could possibly have dressed in rubber.

Unfortunately scuba as a sport also has its drawbacks. Going on holiday to a remote destination means having to transport expensive scuba gear, or paying handsomely for equipment from an operator - not really knowing in what state of repair it is in. Some divers on a charter boat in choppy water get seasick and do not enjoy the eventual dive.

Certifications, evaluations and medical examinations have to be repeated. Dive charts need to be consulted. Medication has to be taken for allergies, sinusitis and asthma to avoid extreme pain or lung damage. Babysitters are expensive, and some parents feel uneasy about leaving young children with total strangers. Some life insurance policies even have penalties for people who scuba.

Snorkeling as an easy vacation alternative has few of the disadvantages mentioned above. A mask and snorkel will not take up too much space in your luggage. It can even be purchased relatively cheaply at most destinations. There are numerous spots where the whole family can float on a relatively flat surface of water without any effort to see tons of fish, beautiful underwater formations and even old wrecks. No need to worry about air reserves, rate of ascent and a host of other factors that could be life-threatening.

The addictive thrill of danger is still present as anything can swim up out of the blue distance, and that might be why the mask and snorkel of a true enthusiast never gathers too much dust in the closet.

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