Myth: You have to be a speedo-sporting competItive swimmer to be a diver

Myth: You have to be a speedo-sporting competItive swimmer to be a diver

Illustration by Dan Vasconcellos

Truth: Sure, ultra-fit, competitive swimmers make great divers because they're comfortable in the water and they're in great shape, but if the logic of this myth were true, I suppose only Tour de France racers would ride bikes.
Diving is an active sport and the better shape you're in, the easier it will be, but any healthy individual with at least an average fitness level can do it. This myth is most likely fueled by the fact that there is a basic swim test at the start of scuba lessons. You'll need the endurance to swim about 200 yards nonstop, but there's no time limit and it's not a race. The instructor also needs to know that you have basic water skills and are comfortable submerging your face in water. That's it. And when you consider that there are divers from age eight to age 80 who have passed this grueling test of physical ability, it's pretty clear that anyone with an activity level above that of a chronic couch potato can do it. So, get off the couch and go diving already. And please--regardless of your fitness level--leave the Speedo at home. OK?

 more on :  http://www.scubadiving.com/training/basic-skills/10-myths-about-diving