🤿 Stereotypes and Scuba Diving: What’s the Connection?

Presented by BetterHelp.

Scuba diving is an underwater activity adored by professionals, hobbyists, and novices. You may even see children scuba diving! Knowing that people of all walks of life can enjoy scuba diving, it is hard to imagine finding stereotypes. However, many people do not understand that scuba diving is open to everyone. Some people believe that only certain people are allowed to enjoy this sport. Learning more about stereotyping can help us break the stigma around diving!

What are Stereotypes?

A stereotype is an assumption made about a group of people or things. For example, a common stereotype is that all blondes are dumb and people who wear glasses are intelligent. When you assume something about someone because similar people are that way, that is stereotyping. 

In many cases, stereotyping is especially damaging to one’s mental health. When people experience intense and prolonged stereotyping, they may also experience low self-esteem and stress concerning their personality and self. 

Stereotypes Found in Scuba Diving

It’s a Male-Dominated Sport

It’s a common misconception to believe that scuba diving is more for men than women. Like many sports, scuba diving was once male-dominated. However, the time has moved forward, and more and more women are diving. The stigma around scuba diving being too difficult is quickly breaking. Previously, many believed that females could not handle the physical and mental strength it takes to scuba dive. This is not the case! With the proper training and instruction, both men and women have what it takes to be a diver. All scuba divers, no matter their gender, have to undergo both physical and mental training. With a trained body and mind, anyone can do it.

Everyone is an Adrenaline Junkies

Scuba diving is not just for the adrenaline junkies. Many have the false belief that scuba diving is an intense activity that pushes you past your comfort zone. Some people also think of scuba diving as similar to sky diving. While many people enjoy scuba diving because it pushes them to better their mind and body, that isn’t the only reason it is enjoyed. Another reason people believe that scuba diving is a sport for the intense is that divers often encounter large and dangerous sea creatures. However, there are many opportunities for people to enjoy the calming nature of scuba diving. Divers often enjoy the solitude and deep breathing exercises that it takes to dive. 

It’s Not For Everyone 

Possibly, the most believed stereotype about scuba diving is that it isn’t for everyone. However, scuba diving is for everyone and anyone! As stated previously, the only thing you need to be a scuba diver is relatively good health and proper training. There are physical prerequisites for scuba diving, such as learning how to swim, lung health, and ear health. Once you’ve answered medical questionnaires, you are ready for training! Many may worry that they will not be able to scuba dive because of physical disabilities; however, many disabled people can enjoy scuba diving! If you have the passion and motivation for scuba diving, call your local dive shop to learn how to get started!

Last Updated on April 25, 2022