Thailand Water Sports

Most scuba agencies require that you have a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification in order to dive with them. The Open Water Diving course is the beginner course; its “performance-based” progress means that it will last as long as it takes for you to pass. Most diving courses consist of a educational section, a skill-training section, and four training dives. There is a 183m nonstop swimming requirement or 300m nonstop snorkel and a 10min. water treading or floating session. Ko Tao is the largest diving training center in Southeast Asia. In addition to having some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, the island also has a plethora of scuba agencies, which are the island’s primary source of income. (For specific listings, see Ko Tao.) All of Ko Tao’s scuba agencies are PADI certified, which means that there can be no more than eight students with an instructor at any time. To get your certification before your trip, see the listings of PADI certification sites in Australia, Canada, the US, and Europe at www.padi.com. It also has listings of dive sites worldwide.

Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling requires no training—anyone can grab a mask and jump right in. Since most snorkeling takes place in water only 1m deep, popping your head above water is always an option. The breathing technique takes adjustment, however; practice by the shore before heading for deeper waters. Travelers can also take classes at scuba centers. Nearly all cater to both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Health Restrictions

While PADI only mandates average health for certification, a prudent traveler will check with his or her doctor before signing up for a scuba course. Travelers with respiratory and heart ailments should be particularly careful with both diving and snorkeling. Contact lens wearers should not have a problem using them with a scuba or snorkeling mask, but prescription masks are also available.

Safety

Before you head out, check with local agencies and fellow backpackers about water conditions, currents, geological features of the area, and weather conditions. A strong current or an unexpected boulder can be extremely dangerous. Always check your equipment in shallow water before using it and swim with a buddy.

When buying or renting gear, make sure that the retailer is both reliable and reputable. There are many discount stores offering top quality merchandise, but keep in mind that the oxygen meter needs to be precise when you are 20m under the sea.

Coral Preservation

Before any trip, it is always a good idea to learn about the marine life in the waters you hope to explore. This will not only improve the quality and enjoyment of the excursion but will give you an idea of which species are particularly delicate and prone to destruction. Never stand or kneel near coral—simply touching it can kill it. And try not to disturb the environment; passive observation provides better sights anyway.