Scuba Diving? 5 Reasons Why Women Are Awesome at It

For years, popular opinion has always been that scuba diving is a male forte. But, in recent times, more women are stepping into the arena with scientists conceding that the activity may be better suited for the female anatomical structure. It may surprise you to know that close to 40% of certified scuba divers are present are female. Should you check this article on the PADI website, you’ll learn about the many esteemed women that have made their mark in the sphere of oceanic explorations. And, if you’ve been thinking about signing up for scuba diving on vacation this year, know that you absolutely must give it a shot. It could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Women Have Advanced Spatial Awareness

The female psyche has a better awareness of her surroundings and can navigate spaces better when she is underwater. When in a compact area, women are able to move with a keener understanding of the spaces around them as explained by the expert instructors at ScubaTony. As a result, they’re less likely to come into contact with coral and other sea creatures or disturb any other flora and fauna under the sea. Think about it. Simply by stirring up excessive sand with your flippers, you could suffocate marine coral and cause them to die which is something divers absolutely cannot do. You’ll find that you’re instinctively able to control your movements and can use visual cues to navigate. The cautiousness you’ll exhibit when scuba diving certainly makes you a better candidate for the activity.

Women Have the Right Anatomy for Diving

Women have a smaller physical structure than men. Combine the slighter frame with smaller lung capacity and leaner muscle mass, and you have the right mix for using up less air in your oxygen cylinders than men. As a result, you may find that it is possible for you to spend a longer time underwater. Further, typically, women also have a higher percentage of body fat making them more buoyant than most males. This factor could also be the reason why it is easier for most women to learn how to control their buoyancy and dive.

Read this interesting entry on the European Journal of Applied Physiology that talks about the results of a study conducted by Zamparo and others. Scientists found that when provided with the perfectly-sized fins, women can cover longer distances with fewer kicks and lower air consumption. That’s because women tend to focus on their lower body strength as compared to men that use more of their upper body strength. So, you see, women are not only physically designed for scuba diving and swimming underwater, but they’re also likely to need less air making them more efficient divers.

Women Have the Ideal Mix of Hormones for Scuba Diving

Neurobiologist at the Radboud University and cognitive neuroscientist, Mara Mather at the University of Southern California conducted studies on male and female behavior in response to stressful situations. The scientists found that men’s bodies first release cortisol, and then, testosterone. Testosterone is known to rapidly negate the effects of the hormone oxytocin that has the effect of keeping them calm. Finally, the release of adrenalin spurs the male psyche to make bad decisions and take risks when they should be acting with caution

In comparison, the lack of testosterone makes women more alert and rational under pressure. And, the estrogen in their bodies actually enhances the effects of oxytocin helping them remain calm. In case of an emergency situation, women are more likely to act with caution and make the right decisions. These psychological advantages can be crucial when scuba diving. That’s because one of the cardinal rules of the activity is never to panic in danger, but to remain calm and carefully plan the next course of action.

Women are More Perceptive

When training in scuba diving, among the first lessons you’ll learn is that sound does not carry as efficiently underwater as on land. Divers must communicate using a series of gestures and hand signals to relay messages. Studies have shown that women are more perceptive. In addition to understanding the hand signals that instructors teach their students, you’ll be able to read body language and non-verbal clues that indicate what your diving buddies are thinking and feeling. These perceptions can prove to be invaluable in an oceanic setting where the dim lighting and quiet, weightless ambiance can become confusing.

Women are More Likely to Take Safety Precautions

Women are more successful in scuba diving because they follow rules and instructions and are less likely to take risks and show aggression or “show off.” For this reason, you could well make a better diving companion.

Scuba Diving is a Life-Changing Activity

Going on undersea explorations, viewing marine life, the sensations of floating, and experiencing the beauty of the oceans – all of these are only some of the excuses to go scuba diving. Well-known women who have made their mark in the arena talk about how the activity has changed their lives. Like this article on HuffPost reveals, some of them like Sarah Richard, Sylvia Earle, Julia Hartl, and various others have made a commitment to saving the planet while others indulge in diving as a passion. Then, there are women who have turned it into a lucrative profession and now, teach other people how to dive.

Whatever may be the excuse, know that once you fall in love with the oceans, you’ll never be able to give it up. Go ahead and sign up for training in scuba diving this summer and enjoy the immense psychological and physical benefits of the time you spend swimming in the sea.