Scuba diving has become one of the most popular recreational activities in the world today. For as long as we know people have been fascinated with the ocean and the creatures that inhabit the waters beneath our feet. It wasn't until recent times, that people have had the opportunity to see what lurks beneath our oceans due to the advancements in scuba diving technology over the last few decades. This article will discuss everything there is to know about Scuba Diving.

When Did Scuba Diving Begin?

Well when we talk about scuba diving, we tend to get a little confused. Really, it has only been around for the last couple of decades. Other forms of diving such as free diving date back thousands of years ago to 4500BC when coastal cultures in Greece used to practice diving for methods of gaining food, warfare purposes and commerce such as gathering underwater pearls for example.

Throughout the centuries, divers were used to sabotage enemy ships during times of warfare. They were a valuable asset to any army and are still used in modern warfare today. In 1691 Edmund Halley designed a diving bell that was connected to a long pipe that reached the surface and that could be replenished at any time.

It wasn't until 1833 that a man by the name of Yves Le Prieur developed the first oxygen tank that enabled scuba diving to become a fully independent activity. No longer would divers have to be connected to a hose. They were free to roam around the open water. Back then though the suits were heavy and not appropriate for spending long sessions underwater.

It wasn't until 2 years later that the same man invented the first ever diving fins that are still used in scuba diving today. In 1956 the first wetsuit was designed and made life a whole lot easier for divers. From this point on scuba diving started to become more of a recreational activity and people started to see the benefits of learning more about what lurks beneath our oceans.

Today this recreation is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide and there are many societies and clubs set up for people who are interested in this wonderful recreation. If you want to start scuba diving all you have to do is find where the nearest scuba diving school is and complete a short course that will teach you everything you need to know about spending time underwater. Once you have finished your course you will have the opportunity to dive in the open ocean and explore the fantastic array of activity beneath the ocean.