7 minute read
A woman’s view on diving
knowledge
A woman’s view
ON DIVING
Text ALEKSANDRA ŁYSEK
Photos EDITORIAL TEAM
People laugh at me, like: what, a woman? I ask each customer tons of questions, but I’m doing it to get to understand their needs to the maximum extent possible and make sure I choose such equipment for them that they would always want to buy only from me. It surprises me that men are more eager to answer my questions, whereas women tend to say: “because my husband said this one would be OK for me”, “my diving professional told me so”, not paying attention to whether a piece of equipment feels good, comfortable, but also feminine.
Properly selected equipment, combined with the appropriate knowledge and experience – these three aspects affect not only the diver’s safety, but also their well-being and mental comfort.
We learn the basics before we dive for the first time, but the learning process continues throughout our diving career. Each dive is a unique and priceless experience we gather. On the other hand, we need to bear in mind that no learning is going to be efficient and no experience valuable, if the equipment we dive with is not providing us with safety, comfort and well-being.
In the previous issue, we could see diving women from a man’s point of view. Today, I’d like to tell you what does it look like from a perspective of a WOM- AN – a regulator service engineer, equipment advisor and divemaster.
WELL-FITTED GEAR
As I already mentioned, women mostly rely on men’s knowledge/suggestions. I feel like they were too self-conscious to ask questions, ask for something prettier or more feminine – often they don’t know such versions even exist. When women come to choose a wetsuit for them, it turns out they have no idea about some aspects of it. After taking measurements and checking the proper size with the table, I always offer several options and, sometimes, several sizes, as for example the wetsuit must be longer due to beautiful long legs or an oversized wetsuit must be considered to accommodate beautiful large breasts or wide hips. The ultimate goal is not to squeeze yourself into a wetsuit but rather to be able to move comfortably and be happy with your own looks,the aspect which should never be forgotten.Come on, we all know diving gear isthe sexiest thing you could wear in theentire world ;)
BUT SERIOUSLY…
Nowadays, manufacturing companiesnot only provide their customers withmaximum functionality or the abilityto adjust your equipment to whateverpath you choose to follow, but also to“customize” it, meaning not only thepossibility to print whatever text youlike on your BCD or drysuit but also tomatch the diver’s sex, ensuring an aesthetic look. Modern drysuits are very much different from those from a good few years back. We have waist-cut drysuits – highlighting women’s silhouette, or completely different wing and jacket harnesses – specially profiled for the breasts, so that nothing pinches or causes discomfort. All of this is to ensure that we, women, dive comfortably.
Dear ladies, the diving worlds is changing for us as well! Since there is a possibility to use “female” versions of diving equipment, you just have to use it! Don’t be too shy to ask for colors, patches, cuts, lines; do not avoid talking about your breasts, bum or hips. Remember: the fact that men do not have even the slightest idea about certain topics does not make these irrelevant! Do care to feel underwater not like a diver, but a DIVERESS :)
APPROPRIATE KNOWLEDGE There is no need to hide the fact that women are great divers! It has been known for a long time that we learn completely differently from men (any idea why boys were always asking usfor notes at school?). Personally, I alwaysget stressed with every diving course –maybe I have little self-confidence – butI come 100% prepared and I presumemost of you are the same. I’m not afraidto ask questions if something is unclearto me, if I don't understand somethingor I’m not completely satisfied with themessage. Curiosity is just a part of women’snature… so is contrariness – afterall, we can’t be worse than men :) Thisis beautiful, smart and responsible andthere is nothing to be ashamed of.
During trips and training I’ve noticedthat ladies are more thorough thanmen. If all equipment elements need tobe secured, they really are. There is no“dangling”, nothing left for later and, ofcourse, women are far less likely to belooking for any lost equipment. I alsonoticed that we need to break down technical issues down to the basics and re-assemble them in our own way, which does not mean we are worse in some topics or need special treatment. The diving world is full of female technical divers who are great in what they are doing and often even better than guys :)
EXPERIENCE ACCUMULATED
We gain experience with each dive. Sometimes it takes more time than we would like it to, because of work, home, family, kids, millions of other circumstances that make our time scandalously lengthy… but eyes on the prize!
We often feel stressed, anxious, disoriented or even helpless, but all this put together also enhances our experience, teaching us in particular how to deal with diverse situations not mentioned in manuals.
Don’t forget you are not alone. A heavy cylinder, jacket with weights – do not feel uncomfortable to ask men for help. I keep doing it in my worse moments and, besides the fact that I was never said “no”, I even notice it gives them a kick. We don’t have to be Wonder Women. We are physically weaker than men by design. Being tenacious and stubborn as in “I’ll do it myself”, “I don’t need no one”, “Fake it till you make it” does not do any good – we only get anxious, stressed and worried about being inferior. And for what? Diving is not about competing. It’s a buddy sport, so we help each other.
We gather experience and share it with other divers. If you were taught by a great diving professional, with a fantastic approach – let your male and female friends know; they will be happy to follow your referral. If you visited a shop where you were wisely advised on equipment selection – spread the word! I’m sure both men women and men will make use of it.
TECHNICAL DIVING IS ALSO FOR WOMEN!
If you want to be technical divers, you’re more than welcome. But remember, this is a steep path, requiring
vast knowledge, appropriate experience and unconstricting, well-fitting and safe equipment. A well-fitting wing harness and a tailored drysuit will let you breathe a full breast ;)
The color of the mask does not matter – it only needs to fit well and have reinforced glass. Nowadays, even full bladder issues do not limit you anymore. Now, not only men are able to use a relief valve underwater – we can do it as well.
Dear ladies, girls, baby girls! The world of diving is wide open for us – seize the moment! We only need to know what we want and what we are doing, as a conscious diver is a safe diver! …and if, apart from that, we can look and feel sexy, then… what are you waiting for?
If you would like to talk about diving equipment, you’re more than welcome to reach out. I’m available for you all the time. You’ll find me offline in the Nurkersi Diving Center in Łódź or online on szpejownia.com.
PERFECTDIVER No. 2(20)/2022
