{"id":5650,"date":"2025-01-08T12:51:39","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T04:51:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/?p=5650"},"modified":"2025-01-08T12:51:39","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T04:51:39","slug":"diving-experience-ability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience is overrated. Diving ability matters!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Experience is overrated. Diving ability matters!<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">If you want to be a competent scuba diver, then you need to practice. Obvious, right?&nbsp; It seems not. Sadly, divers are hoodwinked. The lie is that improving diving ability will happen by gaining more <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/what-is-diving-experience-diving-expertise\/\">diving experience<\/a>. This article puts that fallacy firmly to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Article Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Diving-practice-is-neglected\" >Diving practice is neglected<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Divers-take-courses-for-a-certification-card-not-to-improving-their-diving-ability\" >Divers take courses for a certification card, not to improving their diving ability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Why-dont-scuba-divers-practice\" >Why don\u2019t scuba divers practice?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Diving-experience-is-used-to-discount-the-value-of-good-training\" >Diving experience is used to discount the value of good training<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Is-diving-experience-just-an-excuse-for-low-quality-dive-training\" >Is diving experience just an excuse for low-quality dive training?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#The-route-to-scuba-diving-ability\" >The route to scuba diving ability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Why-care-about-improving-diving-ability\" >Why care about improving diving ability?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Enjoy-becoming-a-better-diver\" >Enjoy becoming a better diver<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#What-is-enjoyable-about-scuba-diving\" >What is enjoyable about scuba diving?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Is-your-diving-course-a-bait-and-switch\" >Is your diving course a bait-and-switch?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Training-failure-is-not-tolerated-in-other-sports\" >Training failure is not tolerated in other sports<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Why-do-divers-fall-for-the-%E2%80%98gain-more-experience-scam\" >Why do divers fall for the &#8216;gain more experience&#8217; scam?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Why-diving-ability-practice-is-critical\" >Why diving ability practice is critical<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Scuba-diving-ability-doesnt-improve-by-magic\" >Scuba diving ability doesn&#8217;t improve by magic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#How-much-skill-practice-happens-on-a-normal-scuba-dive\" >How much skill practice happens on a normal scuba dive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Deliberate-practice-for-diving-ability\" >Deliberate practice for diving ability<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Focused-diving-ability-practice\" >Focused diving ability practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Specific-diving-ability-practice\" >Specific diving ability practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Immediate-feedback-during-diving-ability-practice\" >Immediate feedback during diving ability practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Going-scuba-diving-is-not-an-effective-practice\" >Going scuba diving is not an effective practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#It-takes-an-expert-to-develop-diving-ability-in-others\" >It takes an expert to develop diving ability in others<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Self-training-for-diving-ability-Are-you-a-competent-autodidact\" >Self-training for diving ability. Are you a competent autodidact?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Video-your-dive-training-for-self-critique\" >Video  your dive training for self-critique<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Training-that-fails-to-deliver-diving-ability-results\" >Training that fails to deliver diving ability results<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Clowns-entertain-coaches-crack-the-whip\" >Clowns entertain, coaches crack the whip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Reshaping-The-Brain\" >Reshaping The Brain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#IQ-doesnt-determine-what-you-can-learn\" >IQ doesn&#8217;t determine what you can learn<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Is-achieving-high-levels-of-diving-ability-realistic\" >Is achieving high levels of diving ability realistic?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Its-the-journey-to-diving-ability-not-the-destination-that-matters\" >It&#8217;s the journey to diving ability, not the destination that matters<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Experts-show-us-how-diving-ability-is-gained\" >Experts show us how diving ability is gained<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#A-personal-account-of-practicing-to-improve-diving-ability\" >A personal account of practicing to improve diving ability<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#The-first-encounter-with-an-expert-changes-the-path\" >The first encounter with an expert changes the path<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#The-opportunity-to-dive-enough-to-pursue-diving-ability\" >The opportunity to dive enough to pursue diving ability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Learning-diving-ability-from-teaching\" >Learning diving ability from teaching<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#The-temptation-to-disassociate-from-diving-ability\" >The temptation to disassociate from diving ability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Start-practicing-to-improve-your-diving-ability-and-stop-chasing-experience\" >Start practicing to improve your diving ability and stop chasing experience<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#If-you-pay-peanuts-expect-to-get-monkeys\" >If you pay peanuts, expect to get monkeys<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Recognize-value-for-money-in-dive-training\" >Recognize value for money in dive training<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Remember-it-is-performance-related-pay\" >Remember it is performance-related pay<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#About-The-Author\" >About The Author<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-experience-ability\/#Purchase-my-exclusive-diving-ebooks\" >Purchase my exclusive diving ebooks!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diving-practice-is-neglected\"><\/span>Diving practice is neglected<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Practice is grossly neglected in scuba diving. It\u2019s not a performance sport and nobody wins a gold medal for scuba diving.&nbsp;As a result, most divers don\u2019t see practice as an imperative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put simply, there isn\u2019t any motivation to do so. Practice for the purpose of skill acquisition isn\u2019t identified as a gratifying benefit in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the only practice most divers undertake is limited to formal certification courses.&nbsp;Even then, many specialty diving courses are experiential, rather than performance development focused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Divers-take-courses-for-a-certification-card-not-to-improving-their-diving-ability\"><\/span>Divers take courses for a certification card, not to improving their diving ability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For many divers, the gratification of doing these courses is the prestige associated with a new certification card. Simultaneously, they view this as obtaining a \u2018diving license\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, the diving license myth is about becoming entitled to push their diving beyond their actual diving ability limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Very rarely do divers enroll in training courses for the simple purpose of improving their diving ability. If they did, they wouldn\u2019t invariably be choosing the quickest, cheapest, and most convenient courses available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversely, if performance development was their aim, they might be scheduling extra training time after qualification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, they&#8217;d want to practice what they learned; instead of rushing out immediately to undertake dives \u201cat their new level\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-2\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-1545401617\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2393012471\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-dont-scuba-divers-practice\"><\/span>Why don\u2019t scuba divers practice?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We universally accept that \u2018practice makes perfect\u2019. We readily acknowledge the benefits of practice in other disciplines; such as playing a musical instrument or sports performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This common knowledge is rarely applied to scuba diving training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason is that we, the diving community, created a perfect excuse to not practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How many times have you heard the phrase \u201cexperienced diver\u201d?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How many times have you been told that your diving will improve \u201cwith experience\u201d?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diving-experience-is-used-to-discount-the-value-of-good-training\"><\/span>Diving experience is used to discount the value of good training<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Diving experience is the dive training industry&#8217;s weak excuse. Most importantly, diving experience is not practice. Going scuba diving is not an effective method of improving skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience, without practice, typically leads to degraded overall ability over time. Focusing entirely on diver experience absolves us from having to confront skill deficits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n.jpg\" alt=\"Diving ability is different to scuba diving experience\" class=\"wp-image-5652\" title=\"scuba diving training\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Labeling divers by their relative \u2018diving experience\u2019 is nothing more than the blinkers of delusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">At best, it\u2019s an insult to those who improve their ability through hard practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">At worst, it\u2019s the leading deception in a scam where divers lose their money on training courses and have nothing to show for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nascar and Formula 1 drivers are lauded for their skill and ability. In contrast, my grandmother was an experienced motorist. See the difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most agencies and instructors don\u2019t remedy this delusion. Actually, they constantly reinforce it. You\u2019ve heard: \u201c<em>Dive within the limits of your experience and training<\/em>\u201d.&nbsp;You rarely hear \u201c<em>Dive with the limits of your ABILITY<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-diving-experience-just-an-excuse-for-low-quality-dive-training\"><\/span>Is diving experience just an excuse for low-quality dive training?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the conspiracy theory-minded, there might be a leap to conclude that agencies and dive centers wanted to trap you in a loop of limited training and \u2018experience\u2019 diving. Sadly, some diving courses don&#8217;t improve your ability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, you go off to gain experience, hoping that a miracle will occur. Consequently, when it doesn&#8217;t, you go looking for more training. It\u2019s a negative feedback loop that, at every stage, makes them money.&nbsp; It\u2019s a cycle of training dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s just for conspiracy theorists though. I personally don\u2019t think the dive training system is deliberately engineered for nefarious purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At worst, I think the <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-industry-evaluation\/\">dive training industry<\/a> has just become disorientated as to what they are trying to create.&nbsp;That being: able divers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-route-to-scuba-diving-ability\"><\/span>The route to scuba diving ability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The route to diving ability doesn\u2019t demand an endless string of training courses. In ability-focused training, divers learn what skills are necessary and how to perform them correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are educated on how to practice, review, analyze, and improve their skills independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students are empowered to graduate training with a formula to subsequently develop their ability over time. After sufficient time to practice and gain the ability, they are ready to add further skills and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-care-about-improving-diving-ability\"><\/span>Why care about improving diving ability?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For most, scuba diving is an occasional or infrequent hobby.&nbsp;For some, it is a passionate obsession that they are committed to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, the quest for greater diving ability is easy to quantify in the passionate ones.&nbsp;So what factor should motivate casual divers to seek diving ability?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That factor is simply ENJOYMENT.&nbsp; That is, after all, why they scuba dive in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enjoy-becoming-a-better-diver\"><\/span>Enjoy becoming a better diver<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I can\u2019t imagine that golf is very enjoyable if you never got closer to par. Likewise, I don\u2019t think I\u2019d enjoy fishing if I never caught a fish.&nbsp;Similarly, I wouldn\u2019t enjoy soccer if I couldn\u2019t ever make a pass, score a goal or tackle the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure\u2026 I might find myself sitting on a river bank relaxing on a sunny Saturday morning, or enjoying a leisurely walk across well-tended grass each Sunday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I might even enjoy hanging out with eleven of my friends for ninety minutes. That isn\u2019t actually enjoying the activity itself.&nbsp;It\u2019s merely enjoying the environment and the social factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welcome to diving!&nbsp;People enjoy the underwater environment; and why not?&nbsp;They enjoy the social aspects of a shared experience. Of course, that\u2019s valid too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But do people actually ENJOY SCUBA DIVING?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-enjoyable-about-scuba-diving\"><\/span>What is enjoyable about scuba diving?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Does the average diver simply enjoy the pleasure of submerging themselves in scuba equipment? Do those divers attain satisfaction from observing their abilities progressively increase?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the fake stimulus of high-fiving dive instructors deceitfully proclaiming \u201c<em>you\u2019re awesome!\u201d;<\/em> do scuba divers really gain any personal pleasure from their improving abilities underwater?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, they don\u2019t. They enjoy seeing pretty fish or muddling around shipwrecks. The <em>actual<\/em> diving part is just a necessary evil that has to be endured if they want to enjoy being underwater spectators.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The actual scuba diving aspect is the frustrating part of it because they lack the ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"442\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/technical-sidemount-diving-course-subic-philippines-4.jpg\" alt=\"Experience alone does not create diving ability\" class=\"wp-image-5653\" title=\"scuba diving training\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/technical-sidemount-diving-course-subic-philippines-4.jpg 442w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/technical-sidemount-diving-course-subic-philippines-4-300x271.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-3\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-1841589314\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6151212517\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-your-diving-course-a-bait-and-switch\"><\/span>Is your diving course a bait-and-switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prospective scuba divers are told they will \u201cenjoy being weightless\u201d.&nbsp;Is that promise fulfilled?&nbsp;Not often. Qualified divers struggle with buoyancy.&nbsp;They don\u2019t get that \u2018weightless\u2019 enjoyment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Worst still, their lack of ability only detracts from their aquatic spectator activities. But hey, here comes the classic excuse, the newly certified diver has to first \u201cgain more experience\u201d before that simple, sublime, enjoyment will finally reveal itself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is essentially just a bait-and-switch scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Training-failure-is-not-tolerated-in-other-sports\"><\/span>Training failure is not tolerated in other sports<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine paying hundreds of dollars to learn tennis from a \u2018pro\u2019. Having completed that course, bought the expensive racket and proper attire, you were still unable to ever return a serve.&nbsp;Would you be content? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you paid a golf pro for lessons, would you be happy if they told you to just go away and play more golf? Of course, you would know that the expensive training failed to deliver what was promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-do-divers-fall-for-the-%E2%80%98gain-more-experience-scam\"><\/span>Why do divers fall for the &#8216;gain more experience&#8217; scam?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Scuba divers are prone to swallowing that pathetic \u2018diving experience needed\u2019 excuse for terrible training outcomes. Why are they so content to accept the blame for their woeful ability at the time of certification? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well\u2026 It\u2019s because the fish are pretty and what they think they paid for was just a \u2018license\u2019 to go and see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the truth.&nbsp;Scuba diving should be awesomely enjoyable.&nbsp;Fish or no fish.&nbsp;Diving is about weightlessly gliding, the sublime experience of effortlessly moving through three dimensions, soaring aloft by unconscious whim, blissful suspension over the abyss perfectly relaxed and with utmost <a data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/overconfidence-in-scuba-diving\/\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/overconfidence-in-scuba-diving\/\">confidence<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being underwater should be idyllic and meditative. Diving should be a transcendent experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have the ABILITY to truly enjoy diving?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Embarking on a quest for expertise in scuba diving training opens Pandora\u2019s box of delights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-diving-ability-practice-is-critical\"><\/span>Why diving ability practice is critical<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Assuming we haven\u2019t invested our pursuit of diving ability in some roguish notion of an indefinable scale of \u2018diving experience\u2019 acquisition, we should be wholeheartedly concerned with improving our <em>ability<\/em> as scuba divers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/diving-buoyancy-control-tips\/\">Buoyancy control<\/a>, trim, situational awareness, <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/air-sharing-scuba-emergency-tips-how-to\/\">air sharing<\/a>, emergency ascents, gas switches, deco stop stability, frog kick, CCR bailouts, compass reciprocals, DSMB deployment, etc, etc, etc. These are all SKILLS. They are critical abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are the necessary competencies for safe, comfortable, confident diving at your level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sidemount-course-philippines-subic.jpg\" alt=\"sidemount scuba diving training -philippines-subic\" class=\"wp-image-5654\" title=\"sidemount scuba diving training -philippines-subic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sidemount-course-philippines-subic.jpg 640w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sidemount-course-philippines-subic-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scuba-diving-ability-doesnt-improve-by-magic\"><\/span>Scuba diving ability doesn&#8217;t improve by magic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Focusing entirely on \u2018diving experience\u2019 assumes that we will efficiently develop all of these necessary skills simply by doing more routine diving. It\u2019s a flawed and illogical notion.&nbsp; It\u2019s wishful thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How many air donations do you conduct on a typical dive?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How many emergency ascents do you conduct in 100 routine dives?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For the vast majority of scuba divers, the answer is few or none. Those skills rarely arise on routine dives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diving skills <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-deliberate-practice\/\">deliberate practice<\/a> sessions improve ability because they enable far more repetition of specific skills; compared to the skills applied to a vastly higher amount of routine dives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practice sessions accelerate ability development because the diver is entirely focused on specific skill outcomes and is critically cognizant of their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-4\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-3736643789\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2954736365\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-much-skill-practice-happens-on-a-normal-scuba-dive\"><\/span>How much skill practice happens on a normal scuba dive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On a routine 60-minute dive, you might deploy a DSMB once. Your goal would be no more than to get the DSMB to the surface without catastrophe. You wouldn\u2019t get feedback on your method. Nor are you likely to critically assess your performance of the skill and its subcomponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, in a 60-minute DSMB practice session, you might deploy your DSMB more than a dozen times. You\u2019ll be focused on HOW you deploy the DSMB.&nbsp;You will break down every aspect of the skill, noting where errors occur and improvements can be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Experience is a grossly inefficient method of improving ability. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine dives don\u2019t provide a sufficient frequency, or focus on, the skill performance needed to trigger real improvement. Some critical emergency skills are absent altogether in routine, incident-free, dives. Those unused skills diminish rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deliberate-practice-for-diving-ability\"><\/span>Deliberate practice for diving ability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There have been many decades of research into the pursuit of diving ability. That research has encompassed scientific studies on expertise development within the fields of athletics, business, government, and music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-andy-davis-sidemount-technical-wreck-diving-blog wp-block-embed-andy-davis-sidemount-technical-wreck-diving-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"wkCrEQ1RKJ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-deliberate-practice\/\">Scuba Diving Mastery: The Deliberate Practice Approach<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Scuba Diving Mastery: The Deliberate Practice Approach&#8221; &#8212; Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-deliberate-practice\/embed\/#?secret=DsUKtDMRvQ#?secret=wkCrEQ1RKJ\" data-secret=\"wkCrEQ1RKJ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The prevailing theories subscribe to the notion that expertise is little to do with innate talent and everything to do with hours of practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<p>Psychologist Anders Ericsson devoted thirty years to research before collaborating with Robert Pool and publishing the book \u201c<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Peak-Secrets-New-Science-Expertise\/dp\/0544947223?crid=18V7XS4CYMP9T&amp;keywords=anders+ericsson&amp;qid=1671182656&amp;sprefix=anders+eri%2Caps%2C1824&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=scubtechphil-20&amp;linkId=25fd0daff47e296bd64a60feed6e0398&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise<\/a><\/em>\u201d.&nbsp; <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<iframe sandbox=\"allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin\" style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&#038;OneJS=1&#038;Operation=GetAdHtml&#038;MarketPlace=US&#038;source=ss&#038;ref=as_ss_li_til&#038;ad_type=product_link&#038;tracking_id=scubtechphil-20&#038;language=en_US&#038;marketplace=amazon&#038;region=US&#038;placement=0544947223&#038;asins=0544947223&#038;linkId=7ceaecbaa8e4a4cec9903148bc51c3c3&#038;show_border=true&#038;link_opens_in_new_window=true\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In that book, he expostulates a concept that expertise stems from 10,000 hours of practice.&nbsp;In particular, Ericsson and Pool specify that the TYPE of practice is what differentiates experts from the inexpert masses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the wrong type of practice can lead to the erosion of ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ericsson and Pool define the right sort of practice as \u201cDeliberate Practice\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-deliberate-practice\/\">Deliberate practice<\/a> must involve two key aspects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><i>A focused<\/i> effort to improve a <em>specific <\/em>skill.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Immediate<\/em> feedback from someone who understands exactly what improvement looks like.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The importance of those two aspects is held in the specific definition of the words used. I will outline those definitions to help prevent any misunderstandings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focused-diving-ability-practice\"><\/span>Focused diving ability practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>Focused<\/em>\u201d means that the diver is totally concentrating on the skill being performed. No distractions or ulterior motives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The activity conducted is the purpose of conducting the skill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The skill isn\u2019t a component of another primary activity or goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, focused <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-skill-development\/\">skill development<\/a> should be mentally tiring.&nbsp;Ericsson and Pool state that even an \u201cexperienced expert\u201d wouldn\u2019t be able to sustain a sufficient level of focus for more than four hours a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Specific-diving-ability-practice\"><\/span>Specific diving ability practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>Specific<\/em>\u201d refers to the identification of a particular component of an overall skill. This would include using predetermined drills to isolate and develop core aspects of a greater ability, task, or protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Immediate-feedback-during-diving-ability-practice\"><\/span>Immediate feedback during diving ability practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>Immediate Feedback<\/em>\u201d refers to accurate critique being received promptly after the skill is completed.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an example, in American football, that\u2019d require each pass, tackle or goal kick to be analyzed and debriefed on the spot.&nbsp; It wouldn\u2019t mean generic feedback, such as saying \u201c<em>good game!\u201d<\/em> postponed until the game concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"753\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Tec-Sidemount-Course-Philippines-1a.jpg\" alt=\"Diving ability versus diving experience\" class=\"wp-image-5655\" title=\"scuba diving training tec sidemount philippines\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Tec-Sidemount-Course-Philippines-1a.jpg 753w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Tec-Sidemount-Course-Philippines-1a-300x184.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Going-scuba-diving-is-not-an-effective-practice\"><\/span>Going scuba diving is not an effective practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Ericsson and Pool are vehemently clear when they explain that simply \u201cdoing the activity\u201d is neither focused nor specific enough to be categorized as deliberate practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Unspecific, unfocused activity won\u2019t be sufficiently rigorous to enable true ability improvement. Delayed feedback does nothing to help remedy errors and enable improvement through subsequent repeated skill performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It-takes-an-expert-to-develop-diving-ability-in-others\"><\/span>It takes an expert to develop diving ability in others<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I should also comment about \u201c<em>someone who understands exactly what improvement looks like<\/em>\u201d.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The obvious example of this would be an instructor, coach, or mentor. That\u2019d probably be a person at a higher level of ability; as this enables an understanding of how the skill needs to be performed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would certainly be a person who possessed an unflinching attention to detail and possessed the abundance of moral character necessary to provide accurate, if not flattering, feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-training-for-diving-ability-Are-you-a-competent-autodidact\"><\/span>Self-training for diving ability. Are you a competent autodidact?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some, rare, cases it might be the individual themselves.&nbsp;The practitioner might have access to \u2018role model\u2019 demonstrations and examples of the skill being practiced; for instance, video tutorials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They might also possess the \u2018perfectionist\u2019 qualities necessary to demand sufficient attention to detail and honest self-appraisal for effective internal feedback.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All that remains is the need to observe the skill performance. A video with instant playback provides that capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Video-your-dive-training-for-self-critique\"><\/span>Video  your dive training for self-critique<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So, all that\u2019s needed for effective practice is a GoPro camera, an internet connection to YouTube\u2026 and a sincere commitment to perfection bordering on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Failing that, simply hire a \u2018professional perfectionist\u2019 to enable your effective practice and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Training-that-fails-to-deliver-diving-ability-results\"><\/span>Training that fails to deliver diving ability results<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is here, I must lament, that many diving instructors fail to deliver the goods. Rather than perfectionism, their area of expertise is actually in entertaining students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, they masquerade as motivators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, all those insincere high-fives and vapid encouragements really just serve to enable students to ignore the nagging voices in the back of their minds that question the vast gulf between expectations and reality in the actual development of their diving ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clowns-entertain-coaches-crack-the-whip\"><\/span>Clowns entertain, coaches crack the whip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, if you want to develop a real ability, pass over the clowns and appeasers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, find yourself a straight-talking tyrant. Seek out an instructor who won\u2019t put up with any of your nonsense.&nbsp;Anything less is a decision to accept mediocrity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiring an entertaining instructor is more fun in the short term. However, that short-lived gratification will deprive you of the opportunity to develop. As a consequence, your enjoyment of diving will remain limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The theory of \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-deliberate-practice\/\">Deliberate Practice<\/a>\u2019 illustrates that \u201cdiving experience value\u201d is actually of little value at all. Not if we are seeking to develop&nbsp;real diving&nbsp;ability and striving towards expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reshaping-The-Brain\"><\/span>Reshaping The Brain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ericsson and Pool also theorized that conducting deliberate practice caused changes in an individual\u2019s thought processing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They used the term \u201creshaping the brain\u201d.&nbsp;It was a literal term, as they noted from experiments that legitimate world-class experts displayed brain area growth linked to the discipline they performed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, expert violinists grew more brain mass in the region of the brain responsible for controlling the left hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IQ-doesnt-determine-what-you-can-learn\"><\/span>IQ doesn&#8217;t determine what you can learn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ericsson argued that the ability to reshape the brain was independent of general IQ.&nbsp;Furthermore, it showed specific neural connection adaptation to improve specific competency requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, this is a trait identified in those who conduct deliberate practice, not those who simply gain experience doing an activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"622\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10171865_789428857735857_3167193809615165581_n.jpg\" alt=\"diving experience advanced training\" class=\"wp-image-5656\" title=\"scuba diving training wreck course philippines subic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10171865_789428857735857_3167193809615165581_n.jpg 622w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10171865_789428857735857_3167193809615165581_n-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-achieving-high-levels-of-diving-ability-realistic\"><\/span>Is achieving high levels of diving ability realistic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I can guess what you are thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be something along these lines: \u201c<em>Andy is some sort of hardcore diving guy that expects people to devote 10,000 hours to dedicated, grueling practice with a tyrannical and uncompromising coach. I can\u2019t afford the time or financial commitment necessary for that.&nbsp; I don\u2019t even want to do that. Having seen what it entails, I now have no great desire to attain world-class diving ability. Diving is my hobby, not my obsession<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You aren\u2019t wrong to think along those lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Realistically, all things are best in moderation.&nbsp;Few people will spend 10,000 hours practicing anything, let alone diving skills.&nbsp;For that reason, Ericsson and Pool\u2019s definition of world-class expertise is unobtainable to all but a select few.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honestly, competing in the Olympics, becoming a chess grandmaster, performing as a prima-donna ballerina, or playing the lead violin in a capital orchestra is way beyond the motivational spectrum of most of us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, so is becoming a world-class expert diver. And that\u2019s perfectly ok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10297665_789428577735885_2300365806518881428_n.jpg\" alt=\"scuba diving training advanced wreck subic philippines\" class=\"wp-image-5657\" title=\"scuba diving training advanced wreck subic philippines\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10297665_789428577735885_2300365806518881428_n.jpg 640w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/10297665_789428577735885_2300365806518881428_n-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Its-the-journey-to-diving-ability-not-the-destination-that-matters\"><\/span>It&#8217;s the journey to diving ability, not the destination that matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We just want to actually improve our diving, right?&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, we want value for the money we spend on training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, we\u2019d like the satisfaction of seeing tangible ability improvement over reasonable timescales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, we\u2019d like to be rewarded with genuine ability gains for the time and money that we can devote to diving training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Experts-show-us-how-diving-ability-is-gained\"><\/span>Experts show us how diving ability is gained<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What remains constant is that we can develop real diving ability by emulating the methods of those who strive for expertise.&nbsp;For that reason, forget about doing instant-gratification courses and the aimless pursuit of experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, devote a little time to deliberate practice. Keep it real. When you have time to train, make sure you aim for perfection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you don\u2019t know where to aim, find a legitimate expert to aim you in the right direction. Ultimately, the more effort you put into your diving ability, the more enjoyment you\u2019ll reap as a reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, a little amount of deliberate practice goes a very long way, especially with fundamental skills.&nbsp;A handful of hours conducting deliberate<em> practice<\/em> will stimulate more ability than a vast amount of time spent sight-seeing on reefs and wrecks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I cannot <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-diving-stress-management-and-diver-panic\/\">stress<\/a> enough how undertaking deliberate practice rewards huge ability development. Especially so, even for a modest commitment in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A-personal-account-of-practicing-to-improve-diving-ability\"><\/span>A personal account of practicing to improve diving ability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As I write this article, I\u2019m still a long way short of the 10,000 hours predicted to make me a world-class expert in scuba diving. Whilst I have done more than ten thousand dives over three decades, only a moderate fraction of that was deliberate practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, I was a recreational diver at the outset. As such, I wasted time trying to gain \u2018diving experience\u2019 and doing insipid diving certification courses. Regrettably, I developed little proficiency during that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-first-encounter-with-an-expert-changes-the-path\"><\/span>The first encounter with an expert changes the path<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It was only when I started <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/what-is-technical-diving\/\">technical diving<\/a> that I began learning what real diving ability means.&nbsp;I thank Mark Powell for that awakening. His expert training provided me with a road map for future development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, when I later became a tech instructor, I understood the benefits of routine deliberate practice.&nbsp;Enlightenment took years, but the more I understood, the more effective my training became.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-opportunity-to-dive-enough-to-pursue-diving-ability\"><\/span>The opportunity to dive enough to pursue diving ability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My full-time job for the last decade has been teaching advanced-level diving. As a result, I was privileged to dive with some truly expert divers over the years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, I learned to understand what performance development means. Additionally, I was fortunate to work in an environment that allows me to conduct frequent deliberate practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst teaching students, day in, and day out, every skill I\u2019ve demonstrated was also my own deliberate practice.&nbsp; I became a ruthless self-critic, wanting to emulate those with greater diving ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learning-diving-ability-from-teaching\"><\/span>Learning diving ability from teaching<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I studied the finer aspects of world-class diving ability. Competencies are broken down into small details, practiced in isolation, and then stitched back together to function like clockwork.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also constantly learned from my students and fellow divers. It helped me comprehend the details of common errors and devise effective drills to rectify them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the abilities I wanted to develop that go beyond what I can practice \u2018on the student\u2019s dime\u2019, I found the \u2018alone time\u2019 necessary to focus on the specifics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That was mostly through devoting hours in the shallow water and then by solo technical \/overhead diving; during which I\u2019d analyze and critique every aspect of my performance in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-temptation-to-disassociate-from-diving-ability\"><\/span>The temptation to disassociate from diving ability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, you might be thinking \u201c\u2026.<em>but Andy is hardcore<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yeah, I probably am. My brain may have started to reshape itself a little over years. The \u2018high-five\u2019 node may have indeed shrunk to make more room for the \u2018buoyancy and trim\u2019 nexus. I sincerely enjoy the results of what I do. Improvement gets addictive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sidemount-course-philippines-2.jpg\" alt=\"technical scuba diving training subic philippines\" class=\"wp-image-5658\" title=\"technical scuba diving training subic philippines\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sidemount-course-philippines-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sidemount-course-philippines-2-300x206.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As an ethical and results-focused diving instructor, what I noticed is that when I conducted deliberate practice sessions for my students their abilities improved rapidly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I got impressive results in a short time if students were prepared to work hard in class. Students\u2019 acquisition of ability was far more profound than other students who are given only \u2018experience\u2019 or don\u2019t receive \u2018focused\u2019, \u2018specific\u2019, and immediately critiqued practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Needless to say, training results were light-years ahead of those budget-focused diving courses whose instructors deceitfully accelerate students through the bare minimum standards of skills training; riding a wave of false-positive performance feedback. And then\u2026 \u201c<em>go get yourself some experience<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start-practicing-to-improve-your-diving-ability-and-stop-chasing-experience\"><\/span>Start practicing to improve your diving ability and stop chasing experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With respect to developing diving ability on qualification courses, you truly get what you pay for. It\u2019s HARD work for the instructor who provides students with deliberate practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result it\u2019s not unforgivable for people who work HARD to expect more financial compensation than people who don\u2019t work hard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If-you-pay-peanuts-expect-to-get-monkeys\"><\/span>If you pay peanuts, expect to get monkeys<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, it\u2019s also understandable that instructors who obtain tangible ability results for their students should charge more than instructors who don\u2019t.&nbsp;Of course, let\u2019s not forget that deliberate practice takes longer than superficial practice.&nbsp;Typically, longer courses cost more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognize-value-for-money-in-dive-training\"><\/span>Recognize value for money in dive training<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst it may take thousands of deliberate practice hours to obtain \u2018world-class diving ability\u2019, just a few hours can revolutionize your diving ability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find an instructor who can introduce you to that standard of training and it\u2019ll change your diving outlook forever. You\u2019ll improve your diving ability consistently thereafter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the longer term, you\u2019d never regret the initial outlay of money and hard work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remember-it-is-performance-related-pay\"><\/span>Remember it is performance-related pay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the instructor who gets results for students is the one who\u2019s committed to substantial deliberate practice over the course of their own development.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ll do more to improve your ability in days than a string of non-practiced instructors and \u2018experience dives\u2019 could do in a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-300x296.png\" alt=\"Andy Davis Technical Sidemount Wreck Diving Subic Bay Philippines RAID Courses Training\" class=\"wp-image-6812\" style=\"width:225px;height:222px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-1024x1009.png 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-768x757.png 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-The-Author\"><\/span>About The Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"274\" height=\"77\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1.png 274w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1-250x70.png 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 274px) 100vw, 274px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\">Andy Davis<\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/raid-diving-courses-philippines\/raid\/\">RAID<\/a>, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC, and SSI-qualified independent technical diving instructor who specializes in teaching <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/sidemount-courses\/\">sidemount<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/technical-diving-courses\/\">trimix<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/technical-diving-courses\/\">advanced wreck<\/a> diving courses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently residing in <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/subic-bay-wreck-diving-sites\/\">Subic Bay, Philippines<\/a>; he has amassed more than 10,000 open-circuit and CCR dives over three decades of challenging diving across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andy has published numerous diving magazine articles and designed advanced certification courses for several dive training agencies, He regularly tests and reviews new dive gear for scuba equipment manufacturers. Andy is currently writing a series of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/extras\">advanced diving books <\/a>and creating a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redbubble.com\/people\/andydavistech\/shop\">tech diving clothing and accessories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize, and Cyprus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, Andy was named in the &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/gue.com\/blog\/sidemount-andy-davies\/\" target=\"_blank\">Who&#8217;s Who of Sidemount<\/a>&#8221; list by GUE InDepth Magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-palette-color-7-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-dd81a6de961563c5bf17302e4376cbd2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purchase-my-exclusive-diving-ebooks\"><\/span>Purchase my exclusive diving ebooks!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233191\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Gas Management For Scuba Divers Book\" class=\"wp-image-26264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Become A Shearwater Power User Book\" class=\"wp-image-26382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-978x1536.jpg 978w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-95x150.jpg 95w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/111242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/262907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A Comprehensive Guide to Backplate &amp; Wing BCDs\" class=\"wp-image-26808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/260377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Diving Psychology The Path to Proficiency: Mental Strategies for Scuba Divers (eBook)\" class=\"wp-image-26633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, 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Read this to learn what is really necessary to develop expertise as a scuba diver!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21745,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1825,2471],"tags":[709,1634,1639,1638,1640,1632,1637,1636,1633,234,1635],"class_list":["post-5650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scuba-diving-safety","category-diving-psychology","tag-deliberate-practice","tag-gaining-diving-experience","tag-how-to-be-an-expert-scuba-diver","tag-how-to-get-better-at-scuba-diving","tag-how-to-master-scuba-diving","tag-improving-diving-skills","tag-improving-diving-through-experience","tag-is-diving-experience-important","tag-mastering-scuba-diving","tag-scuba-diving-experience","tag-what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-experienced-diver"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Diving Ability Matters! 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