There is no denying the scuba diving is one of the most popular and well-liked sports and recreational activities in the world today. Because of the exhilarating feeling that anyone can get its becoming of little wonder why more and more individuals have wanted to try scuba diving despite the pre-conceived danger it entails.

The most basic in scuba diving is the open water. In fact a scuba diving certifications are can be issued to applicants who are applying for open water certification. They can be as young as 10 years old depending on the accrediting organization to which the agency is affiliated. Like for PADI accredited agencies the age requirement is 10-14 years old while a higher age requirement is set by NAUI, which is 12-14 years old.

Before anyone gets confused with open water, it should be remembered that could mean two things--- snorkeling and diving. However open water scuba diving is the most popular though a bit more expensive. Learning the basics of how to scuba dive in the open water can actually allow anyone to not just appreciate the dive but snorkeling as well. It is like hitting two birds with one stone. More appropriately in this case it like catching two fish with single bait.

Because of the popularity of this scuba diving discipline, scuba diving enthusiasts Laura Lau and Chris Kentis had funded a film entitled Open Water back in 1998. The film was actually an entry in the Sundance Film Festival, which owes is popularity from Robert Redford. Lion Gate Films actually bought the film for $2.5 million from its original capital of $130,000. The film earned both negative and positive reviews. One of the many groups that lambasted the film is the open water scuba dive operators pointing out that there is no way that open water scuba divers will be left.

These operators claimed to have employed the strictest safety procedures in departing both from the resort and from the diving spot. One of the important protocols employed is the head count, so leaving divers behind from the diving spot is a very unlikely thing to happen. Furthermore scuba divers are equipped with open water equipment which will help the dive boat crew to locate the divers at the same time will help the divers in looking for help.

However if anything like this could happen like those being depicted in the movie, experts offers some suggestion on how to go about it. The most basic of all is to never panic. It is a must to maintain a calm disposition in order to think clearly what better things to do in times like this. Once this one is attained, it is time to ask for help. One way of doing it is to use one of the fins by waving it in the air to catch attention. If its a must to shout or yell then it should be done by all means. Lastly, an attempt to move any farther should be avoided so that it will be easier for the dive crew to locate when they come back.

If you are one of those who can’t stand the feeling of being stranded in the middle of the sea, then perhaps open water scuba diving is not the sport for you. But if must insist to enjoy the water, then might as well try open water swimming. In this token, open water does not necessarily and automatically refer to scuba diving and snorkeling because it could also mean open water swimming, which has also been the latest craze among water sports lovers.

This activity refers to the fitness activity done in open bodies of water like lakes, rivers, seas, and even oceans. This one however is dedicated to swimming on much longer distances. Considering the waves and the current, hence it is more challenging than engaging in several laps in the pool.

Open water be it for scuba diving, snorkeling or long distance swimming is truly one activity that never fails to provide the adrenalin rush needed, no matter how demanding. Indeed this is one of the aspects that all enjoyed in this activity.