On average, a scuba diver can expect a tank of air to last around one hour. But there is nothing average about scuba diving. Strong currents and deeper dives can affect this, as can cautious situations. New divers can go through a tank in 15 minutes, especially if they do not breathe easily. This is quite common, as most new divers need to learn how to breathe calmly and evenly when they are under water. Breathing is a big part of diving. It is also a huge part of yoga. Yoga helps you to regulate your breath, making it easier to take longer, calmer breaths.
When practiced regularly, yoga can really enhance your diving experience. It promotes deep, calm breaths, slow breathing, and teaches you how to calm your mind. All of these things are also used when on a dive trip, which is why yoga and scuba diving are the perfect match! Here are a few reasons why.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that essentially means breath control. It is a way to control your breath, balance your breathing, and calm your mind. There are numerous different kinds of Pranayama, each of which promotes something else. Ujjayi is one of the best ones to practice to complement your yoga and diving retreat.
Ujjayi both energizes and relaxes, promoting long, deep breathing. It improves air combustion, as it completely fills and then empties out the air in your lungs. A regular Ujjayi practice is a perfect match for diving.
Meditation
Both yoga and scuba diving promote a somewhat meditative state that truly allows you to be in the moment and enjoy everything around you. Any avid scuba diver will tell you that when they are under the water taking in the magnificent life, their mind is completely silent. Any yogi will also say the same thing about practicing yoga. They focus on the now and close their mind off to everything else; be it stress, illness, sadness, or even mental health issues. This is partly due to meditation.
Meditation can be done anywhere and at any time. It trains your mind to be still and calm, and completely in the present moment. Diving is so serene that it, in itself, can cause this heightened state of awareness, opening up your senses to appreciate what you are seeing even that much more. A yoga and diving retreat is a fantastic way to learn how to calm your mind, not only for diving and yoga, but also in everyday life. All troubles are removed, and you become relaxed in both your body and your mind.
Yoga Asanas
Suba diving is a physical activity. Sometimes a demanding one. So having a strong and flexible body will only improve your experience. Yoga asanas are the perfect way to do this. They will not only improve your posture, but will also open up your chest cavity, and strengthen your leg and back muscles. This will just improve your dive trip. Here are a few asanas that are great for divers.
Camel Pose (Utrasana)
This deep back bending exercise not only strengths your back but also opens up your chest. It also promotes deep, controlled breathing. Your core and spine are strengthened, while at the same time stretching your hips and shoulders. Camel Pose is also a great asana for stimulating the respiratory system, which will only improve your diving.
Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
This side stretch is done on each side and opens up your spine and your hips. It also corrects the alignment of your shoulders, which will help you when you are scuba diving with a tank on your back. It also strengths the entire body, from your shoulders to your ankles. Plus, Triangle Pose improves circulation and stimulates the nervous system.
Warrior Pose 1 (Virabhadrasana I)
This lounge-like pose increases flexibility in your hips and lower back, while also strengthening your legs, ankles and feet. It also opens up your shoulders and chest cavity, which promotes and enhances your breathing. In addition, Warrior Pose 1 improves your concentration, which we already know will enhance your scuba diving experience.
Seated Forward Bend (Pashcimottanasana)
Just like the name suggests, this is a seated bending pose. It is a deep stretch that improves the flexibility in your hamstrings and stretches your entire back. Seated Forward Bend also calms the mind, improves your breathing, and helps relieve stress. All of these things, we know, are great for scuba diving.
Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
This standing pose improves your strength, flexibility, endurance, and concentration; all things that will just enhance any dive trip that you go on. It also stretches your spine and promotes good posture. Eagle Pose strengthens the angles and calves, which helps you when you are swimming with fins on. It also stretches your thighs, hips, upper back, and shoulders.
There are so much more asanas that will enhance your diving experience. The list seems to be endless. The five above is a great place to start, but going on a yoga retreat will open up the world of yoga that much more, and really let you learn more about your body and how to prepare it for the ultimate dive trip.
Yoga and Scuba Diving Vacation
You now know how yoga compliments and can improve your scuba diving. So what better way is there to combine these two things than to go on a yoga and scuba diving vacation? There is none really. This is the ultimate way to delve into both of these amazing activities and immerse yourself in pure bliss. The best part is that you will be in a beautiful, tropical part of the world that will really stimulate all of your senses.
You will go diving in a magnificent marine park and see some spectacular marine life. You will also enjoy daily yoga classes, or you may even be practicing twice a day! This will be done in a stunning open-air space where you can breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the scenery around you. You will learn asanas that not only enhance your diving but also your day-to-day life. You will learn breathing techniques, meditation, and fully explore the world of yoga.
Most yoga and scuba diving vacations also give you free time to explore the beautiful place you are visiting, be it by enjoying the beach, going hiking, visiting main attractions, or enjoying the local cuisine. All of this will be followed by a comfortable bed to plop down on after a great, but intense day. Yoga and diving really are the perfect match for each other!
Want to join us on a Yoga and Diving Retreat? Check out our Grenada Diving Adventure!
