July 17 marks the International Women Divers Day according to PADI. A great occasion to talk about whether the stereotype of diving as an exclusively male pursuit is actually fair.
There's a common belief that diving is a man's world where women would feel out of place. Heavy gear, physical demands, harsh conditions — all of this supposedly makes diving unsuitable for women. But is that really the case?
To find out, we spoke with Nadezhda Narkutskaya, an experienced diver since 2005. Over the years she has dived in dozens of countries — Egypt, Thailand, the Maldives, the Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, Palau, the USA, and the Russian Far East. She dives two or three times a year and has long considered diving an integral part of her life.
— How did you get into diving?
I tried it for the first time in Egypt during a holiday. The underwater world of the Red Sea captivated me so completely that I immediately decided to get certified. When I got home I signed up for a course, and I've been diving regularly ever since.
— Is it physically demanding?
The weight of the gear on land — yes, you feel it. But underwater you don't feel it at all! You're weightless down there. And a little tiredness after a dive is perfectly normal for any active pursuit, not just diving.
— What's the gender balance like in diving?
Men do outnumber women, especially in technical diving. But the atmosphere in the diving community is very friendly and welcoming. Underwater there is no division by gender — everyone is equal. In a challenging situation what matters is skill and composure, not who you are.
— What would you say to women who are thinking about diving but have doubts?
Don't hesitate! Diving is a wonderful world open to everyone who loves an active life. Whether you're a man or a woman doesn't matter — the underwater world is equally beautiful for all. It's a passion that changes your life for the better.
