Arkansas offers a unique scuba diving experience, with numerous clear lakes, rivers, and springs to explore. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ouachita to the historic wrecks of the White River, there’s something for every diver in Arkansas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, here’s a guide to help you plan your next underwater adventure in The Natural State.
Choosing a Dive Site
Arkansas offers a variety of dive sites, each with its own unique features and challenges. Here are a few of the most popular dive sites in the state⁚
- Lake Ouachita⁚ This is the largest lake in Arkansas, and it offers some of the clearest water in the state. There are several dive sites around the lake, including the famous “Lost Bridge” dive site.
- White River⁚ This river is home to several historic shipwrecks, including the remains of the steamboat “Bertrand.” The wrecks are located in relatively shallow water, making them accessible to divers of all levels.
- Beaver Lake⁚ This lake is known for its largemouth bass fishing, but it also offers some good diving opportunities. There are several underwater caves and ledges to explore, and the visibility is often excellent.
- Bull Shoals Lake⁚ This lake is located in the Ozark Mountains, and it offers some of the most scenic diving in Arkansas. There are several underwater cliffs and canyons to explore, and the visibility is often very good.
- Greers Ferry Lake⁚ This lake is known for its clear water and its abundance of fish. There are several dive sites around the lake, including the “Devil’s Den” dive site, which is home to a large population of catfish.
When choosing a dive site, it is important to consider your experience level and the type of diving you want to do. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a shallow dive site with good visibility. As you gain experience, you can gradually move on to more challenging dive sites.
It is also important to check the weather forecast before you go diving. Diving in cold water can be dangerous, so it is important to make sure that the water temperature is safe for diving. You should also be aware of any potential hazards at the dive site, such as strong currents or underwater obstacles.
Getting Certified
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world, but it is important to be properly trained before you go diving. There are several scuba certification agencies in Arkansas, and they offer a variety of courses for beginners and experienced divers alike.
The most popular scuba certification agency in the world is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). PADI offers a variety of courses, from beginner to advanced, and they have certified over 25 million divers worldwide.
Other popular scuba certification agencies in Arkansas include the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and the Scuba Schools International (SSI). These agencies also offer a variety of courses, and they have certified millions of divers worldwide.
When choosing a scuba certification agency, it is important to consider your experience level and the type of diving you want to do. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a beginner course from a reputable agency. As you gain experience, you can gradually move on to more advanced courses.
Once you have chosen a scuba certification agency, you will need to find a dive shop or instructor who can teach you the course. Dive shops and instructors are located all over Arkansas, so you should be able to find one that is convenient for you.
The scuba certification course will typically involve classroom instruction, pool sessions, and open water dives. The classroom instruction will cover the basics of scuba diving, including safety procedures, equipment use, and dive planning. The pool sessions will give you a chance to practice your skills in a controlled environment. The open water dives will give you a chance to experience scuba diving in a real-world environment.
Once you have completed the scuba certification course, you will be certified to dive anywhere in the world. However, it is important to remember that scuba diving is a potentially dangerous activity, and you should always dive with a buddy and follow all safety procedures.
Safety Precautions
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take the necessary safety precautions.
Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when scuba diving in Arkansas⁚
- Always dive with a buddy. Never dive alone, even if you are an experienced diver.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the depth of the water, the visibility, and the currents.
- Stay within your limits. Don’t dive deeper than you are trained and certified to dive.
- Use proper equipment. Make sure your scuba gear is in good working order and fits properly.
- Follow the dive plan. Don’t deviate from the dive plan without consulting your buddy.
- Ascend slowly. Rapid ascents can cause decompression sickness, a serious diving injury.
- Be aware of the signs of decompression sickness. If you experience any of the following symptoms, ascend slowly and seek medical attention immediately⁚ dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, numbness, tingling, or paralysis;
By following these safety precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of diving accidents and injuries.
In addition to the general safety precautions listed above, there are some specific safety considerations to keep in mind when scuba diving in Arkansas.
One of the biggest hazards to scuba divers in Arkansas is the cold water. The water temperature in Arkansas lakes and rivers can be very cold, even in the summer. It is important to wear a wetsuit or drysuit to protect yourself from the cold.
Another hazard to be aware of is the strong currents in some Arkansas rivers. It is important to be aware of the current before you enter the water, and to take precautions to avoid being swept away.
Finally, be aware of the potential for flooding in Arkansas. If there is a flood warning in effect, do not go scuba diving.
By following these safety precautions, you can help to ensure that your scuba diving experience in Arkansas is a safe and enjoyable one.
Respecting the Environment
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world, but it is important to be mindful of the impact that your activities can have on the environment;
Here are some tips for respecting the environment while scuba diving in Arkansas⁚
- Do not touch or disturb marine life. This includes fish, coral, and other aquatic plants and animals.
- Do not remove anything from the water. This includes rocks, shells, and other natural objects.
- Do not feed the fish. Feeding fish can disrupt their natural feeding habits and make them dependent on humans for food.
- Dispose of your trash properly. Do not litter in the water or on the shore.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid stirring up sediment and damaging coral reefs.
- Use environmentally friendly sunscreen. Some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to marine life.
- Support local conservation efforts. There are many organizations working to protect the underwater environment in Arkansas. You can support their efforts by donating money, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word about their work.
By following these tips, you can help to protect the underwater environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of Arkansas’s lakes, rivers, and springs.
In addition to the general environmental tips listed above, there are some specific things you can do to protect the environment while scuba diving in Arkansas.
One of the most important things you can do is to avoid disturbing the sediment on the bottom of the lake or river. Sediment can contain pollutants that can harm marine life.
Another important thing to do is to be aware of the potential for damage to coral reefs. Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems that can be easily damaged by divers. Avoid touching or standing on coral reefs, and be careful not to drop your scuba gear on them.
Finally, be aware of the potential for pollution from boats and other watercraft. Avoid diving in areas where there is a lot of boat traffic, and be sure to dispose of your trash properly.
By following these tips, you can help to protect the underwater environment of Arkansas and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of its lakes, rivers, and springs.