Scuba diving is an incredible experience whether it’s your first dive or you’ve been diving all your life. However, you should definitely be aware that there could be effects on your body. With this in mind we’ve put together a list of things you should and shouldn’t do after diving to keep yourself fit and healthy. Gangga Divers at Lotus Bungalows operate to the highest PADI diving standards and will happily advise you on how to dive safely around Candidasa.

Things to do after diving:

1. Hydrate

You’ll want to stay well hydrated while you dive and also make sure to drink plenty once you’re out of the water. It can be very hot in Bali and you may sweat a lot more than usual. Try to drink around 2 litres of water while diving. Dehydration is one of the main causes of decompression sickness, so this is very important!

2. Eat well

As you may know, divers are warned against eating heavy meals before diving and should only eat light snacks in between dives. You may be hungry after a day of diving, but you should still try to keep your meals healthy. Lotus Bungalows restaurant has a great selection of salads, fresh fish and Mediterranean dishes that will revive you but not make you feel overly full.

3. Get a light massage

After diving you may have sore muscles from swimming for prolonged periods. A light massage is great for relaxing your muscles and can even help to release smaller nitrogen bubbles. However, you should never have a deep tissue or any other kind of strong massage. This may cause smaller nitrogen bubbles to form a larger bubble. It could also cause muscles to ache making it more difficult to diagnose decompression sickness if it does occur.

4. Rest

Diving can be just as taxing on your body as an aerobic workout. There is a beautiful pool at Lotus Bungalows where you can lay in the sun, read a book, listen to the ocean and let your body totally relax.

Things you shouldn’t do after diving

1. Fly

Flying after diving is a well-known risk to divers. The pressure in a plane’s cabin is comparable to a fast ascension while diving. This increases the chance of decompression sickness. The general rule is to wait 24 hours to fly after diving. However, 12 hours is regarded as ok after a single no-decompression dive, 18 hours after multiple dives or multiple days of diving and at least 24 hours after dives requiring decompression stops.

2. Drink heavily

There might be nothing better than an ice-cold beer after diving, but drinking alcohol after diving is not recommended. Alcohol may affect the way the body eliminates excess nitrogen in the blood. Dehydration is also one of the main causes of decompression sickness, and we all know alcohol is the best way to get dehydrated fast. Try to wait at least a few hours after diving to have a drink, and save your heavy drinking for a time when you’re not diving.

3. Climb a mountain

Many scuba divers are real adrenaline junkies and love all outdoor sports. In Bali you may have the chance to climb Mount Batur or Mount Agung, which are both incredible experiences. Beware, that mountain climbing should be avoided for at least 24 hours after diving due to the change in altitude when climbing. It’s probably best to plan your climbing trip before diving, or a few days after so your body has the chance to rest, recover and get rid of any excess nitrogen.

Taking the Best Care of Yourself

Gangga Divers at Lotus Bungalows are ready to advise you on the very best techniques to take care of yourself before, during and after diving. However, you are ultimately responsible and should be prepared to stick to a few simple guidelines to get the most out of your diving holiday. If you have any questions about dos and don’ts of diving just leave us a comment below.