Scuba Diving is perhaps one of the most diversified recreational activities on the face of the earth. And why not? The earth is made up of 70% water and just about every tropical destination in Continental America, the Caribbean or Southeast Asia is home to an enchanting array of marine life that any recreational diver and underwater shutterbug would be delighted to immerse into.

Recreational diving has always been associated with the seas and the oceans. The beautiful coral formations dotting the ocean floor and the mystic appeal of underwater caverns and trenches have been immortalized in coffee table books and literary materials depicting nature at its best. But have you ever thought about what it’s like to dive in lakes, rivers and other freshwater attractions nestled in high altitude locations? Divers (mostly professional divers) who took up the challenge of a freshwater adventure can attest to its more challenging profile but then have been rewarded with a memorable diving experience.

What it like under fresh water?

Many freshwater dive spots are located above sea level and are likely to have shallower depths than their saltwater counterpart. Now advanced OW divers might not find the prospect of a recreational depth exciting at all. Wait till you discover the low visibility conditions of a lake plus the presence of chilly thermoclines and imagine how challenging freshwater diving can get.

In temperate regions, thermocline levels are at their deepest during the summer months, particularly snuggled between the warm surface water and the chilly bottom. Cold water below thermocline levels hardly circulate to the surface, so expect to find limited oxygen supply in the depths as organisms compete for what’s left of the breathing gas. Despite the challenging environment, scuba divers will be rewarded with the experience of unique flora and fauna that can’t be found on the ocean floor.

Gear up for a freshwater adventure

You wouldn’t be needing any specialized scuba equipment to keep up with the conditions and challenges of a freshwater dive. But then again, you will have to be very particular about your scuba gear to guarantee a smooth, comfortable dive. For one, don’t dive in a shorty, lest you want to succumb to hypothermia at thermocline depths. By all means, get a full suit with a considerable thickness that can withstand chilly temperatures with matching diving boots and gloves.

Considering the visibility profile of freshwater dive spots, take note of the following recommendations concerning your scuba equipment [http://www.scubasuppliers.com]

Don’t dive without a headlight or other artificial light sources. Employ a high-performance, balanced regulator set. Use 2 diving cylinders or bring an extra air source or a pony bottle. Bring along a pressure gauge and/or dive computers that allow easy reading in low visibility conditions.

By: Felix Tero