Has any paraplegics scuba dived or snorkeled?
johnsupon1 asked:
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident over a year ago, my best friend has invited me to go scuba diving with him in Hawaii and I really want to go. Do I need any special equipment or recommendations to go diving? I also got my PADI open water diver certification a few years ago, do I need any other certifications since I have a disability now? I also want to go snorkeling, has anyone done this either? I would just like to know who has done it and how so I can be a lil more confident and not freak out.
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident over a year ago, my best friend has invited me to go scuba diving with him in Hawaii and I really want to go. Do I need any special equipment or recommendations to go diving? I also got my PADI open water diver certification a few years ago, do I need any other certifications since I have a disability now? I also want to go snorkeling, has anyone done this either? I would just like to know who has done it and how so I can be a lil more confident and not freak out.
I don’t personally know any disabled divers, but I asked a buddy and he referred me to this:
Yes, you can still go scuba diving and snorkling. The shop that I work for in Chicago is affiliated with HSA (as linked above). My wife and friends are HSA instructors (as well as PADI).
As a paraplegic, you would probably only need some webbed gloves. I would try to schedule some pool time to work your new ways to complete some of the skills.
I would also talk with the shop in Hawaii. Some people are ignorant to the capabilities of others. Just give them a head’s up to alleviate any potential issues once you arrive.
Or you could use an underwater propulsion device. You hold it in your hands and it pulls you along through the water. You usually need special certification to use one, but they might make an exception.
Many people with both minor and severe disabilities and handicaps have gone diving. Given the exact nature of your condition, you may or may not need special assistance to dive safely (if you can’t enter/exit the water on your own, control your own gear or complete other diving tasks without assistance and so forth).
If your disability is more moderate, such as slightly restricted movement, you may find that a few pool sessions help you adjust. However, given the condition you mentioned, this does not sound to be the case. Diving is primarily a kicking based activity and while there are certainly other ways to move while doing it, you need to specially train and have the proper gear. You may also have other safety considerations if your injury has impacted your breathing or other core bodily functions in a way that may affect how the gear works to support you.
Being safe starts with being conscious of your limits and informing others of them as well, but don’t think it can’t be done just because of an injury… there are many divers out there with serve handicaps diving successfully.
I had a foot severed and reattached. Have nerve damage so cant feel if I get cut.and have about 96% movement. This limits my work to shallow dives under 200 ft.
Sucked. I have no problem off gassing and expierence no discomfort in the water. Logged over 2000 working dives and more rec dives than I can remember. 1 third after my accident. Start shallow and if you feel anything make a 10 foot stop for about 10-15 min to ai llow any risidual to ease on out.
NOTE, I am not a dive medic any longer nor a doctor. What worked for me may not work for you. Good Luck