My heart is pounding, my body is shaking and my mind is racing. I’m terrified … but of what? Jumping into the ocean – something I had done countless times before. So, why am I so afraid this time?
It is our first day scuba diving and due to a mix up at the dive shop scheduling PADI open water courses, we find ourselves kitted up and jumping in the water before receiving any classroom instruction. For some reason this scares me. Shouldn’t I at least have something beyond basic theory before jumping in with both feet – literally?
With a lot of coaxing from our instructor and Alex, who has no problem jumping right in, I take a few deep, calming breaths and give myself over to the moment. I take that first big giant stride, and guess what? It’s no big deal! What I realize is that my yoga training has helped me overcome my fears and enjoy the experience. I also realize that yoga and scuba diving have much in common. The focus for both is breath, body and mind.
Diane swims with a French Angelfish and Hawksbill Turtle near Cozumel, Mexico
Breath
The first thing I learned in yoga was how to control my breathing. Pranayama is taking in long, deep breaths through the nose, expanding the lungs and releasing the breath slowly while relaxing the body and mind.
The first lesson in scuba diving, even before we jump off the side of the boat, is to never, ever hold your breath – the number one rule. The next lesson for diving also involves breathing. If you find yourself in a challenging situation or dealing with fear, the first things to do are stop, breathe and think. Good advice yoga and scuba diving – in the water, on the mat, and in life.
Buoyancy and control are two essential elements to becoming a skilled diver. Once a diver can control their buoyancy and movements, diving becomes an amazing underwater experience. The secret to control? You guessed it – breath.
Body
Potato Grouper at Cod Hole, Australia
While fitness is not necessarily the main focus of both yoga and diving, it is definitely a benefit. Scuba diving can be a physically demanding sport. The gear alone weighs quite a bit, and often you may find yourself lugging tanks down the beach for a shore dive, hauling yourself out of the water onto the boat in rough conditions, or swimming against a strong current.
Yoga asanas done regularly will help you to become fit and keep you strong and flexible. This will help you avoid fatigue and injury in less than ideal conditions and become a better diver.
Mind
I’m an anxious person and when the divemaster starts the briefing for the dive ahead, my anxiety increases. This is when my yoga and scuba diving training really come together.
I stop, breathe and think – what if something goes wrong? Most likely nothing will go wrong, and I tell myself I have the skills to deal with it on the off chance something does. Deep breaths help to calm and focus the mind for the upcoming dive. Once in the water, the dive itself is a meditation of its own.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination
and brings eternal joy to the soul.”
– Robert Wyland
Unfortunately, something that also comes to mind when scuba diving are the effects of human carelessness on the underwater world. Seeing discarded trash and fishing equipment in the ocean makes me mindful of my responsibility to preserve the places I visit. Everywhere I dive, I am reminded of the ocean’s fragility, which makes us want me want to see as much of it as I can.
Diane at a Shark Dive near Osprey Reef on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Yoga And Scuba Diving
In addition to my regular home practice, I like to do a few Sun Salutations before doing any yoga and scuba diving. The beauty of sun salutes is that they can be done anywhere – at home, on the dock or even on the boat (if it’s large enough). They slow your breathing, stretch and warm your entire body, and calm your mind to prepare you for the rigors of the dive.
Relaxing after a dive at Chimu near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
So, I jump in the water, take my first breaths beneath it surface, and my life is transformed from that moment on. Scuba diving has become the focus of my travels and provides balance in my life. There’s something about being underwater that makes everything else disappear. There is no yesterday or tomorrow, only the present moment and incredible sights I am seeing right now.
The Blue Path article explores the harmonious combination of yoga and scuba diving, highlighting how yoga practices can enhance the diving experience. It discusses the benefits of yoga for improving breath control, mental focus, and physical flexibility, all of which are valuable skills for divers. The article also touches on the spiritual and meditative aspects of both activities, suggesting that they can complement each other for a holistic and enriching experience.
Thanks again Orca Dive Club. We’re thrilled that you like our article so much!
Wonderfully connects the serenity of yoga with the thrill of scuba diving. The idea of combining these two practices is intriguing and seems like a perfect way to enhance the diving experience. It’s a refreshing perspective that adds a new dimension to both activities.
Thanks for the comment! We agree that yoga certainly enhances our scuba diving adventures. It looks like you are close to some great diving adventures on the Malabar Coast!
Absolutely loved reading about the incredible fusion of yoga and scuba diving on The Blue Path! It’s fascinating how these two seemingly disparate practices harmonize to offer a holistic approach to well-being. As someone intrigued by both yoga and scuba diving, I appreciate the insight into how yoga enhances mindfulness and breath control, complementing the exhilarating experience of exploring the underwater world. The mention of scuba diving training piqued my interest – it’s fantastic to see a comprehensive guide to embarking on this thrilling journey safely. Can’t wait to delve deeper into both practices and explore the synergy between them!
Hi Orca Dive Club. Thank you for the comment! We strongly believe in the meditative and mindful benefits of scuba diving and all activities that immerse us in the ocean. We travelled up and down the Malabar Coast twenty years ago and were surprised at the absence of dive and surf shops in places like Goa and Varkala. It’s great to see that locals and visitors can now explore and experience the wonders under the waves of India’s coastline. Namaste!
Nice blog post. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sanctum,
Thanks for the comment – we’re glad you enjoyed our article. It looks like you have epic diving in Sulawesi and we hope to visit Indonesia one day to experience it for ourselves.
Stay safe and fins up!
Breathe…. repeat. I ask myself how many time have I sent that missive to co-workers. Thank you.
Thanks Grant. We’re happy you enjoyed the article. We feel it’s always helpful to find the zen in all situations.
Great article! I love Scuba diving! It is so relaxing for me. I have become very good at breathing and conserving my air consumption so much that some people think I “make” air while diving because I end every dive with so much left in my tank. I’ve never tried Yoga…I lie, I did it 2 times, but I think it is a great idea to practice yoga before diving. It makes so much sense. I will have to get my husband to try yoga before diving because he uses a lot of air. Thanks so much for this information I really enjoyed the article.
Thanks for the comment, Renee! Although Alex has a hundred more dives than Diane and works as a dive instructor, Diane almost always surfaces with more air than he does. Here is a good article about air consumption when scuba diving.
https://www.sportdiver.com/scuba-diving-training-tips-save-air-longer-bottom-times