For many people, scuba diving offers a thrilling and exciting experience. And its history is equally thrilling, as the story of diving started all the way back in 500 BC. Yet, it wasn’t until modern technology advanced enough to allow for the breathing apparatuses available today that diving truly took off. Here’s a quick look at everything you should know about the history of diving.

The History of Scuba Diving

Early History

Stories of diving date back centuries. In fact, as one story tells it, a Greek soldier in 500 BC used a hollow reed to breathe while underwater. It’s said that the device lasted for hours, though there is no way to confirm this. Additionally, Aristotle reported that Alexander the Great managed to use a barrel as a diving bell, which allowed him to stay underwater and hide from the siege of Tyre.

Jacque Cousteau

Despite these early beginnings, however, it wasn’t until the 1940s that Jacque Cousteau and Emilie Gagnan managed to develop a breathing apparatus that actually worked. Cousteau even filmed his underwater experiences and wrote a book about the adventures, which made people around the world want to start diving.

Diving Today

In the late 1960s, diving associations began to develop. This made it easier for normal citizens to learn how to dive and earn their scuba certifications. And, with today’s continuous innovations like dive computers, the activity has become simpler and more accessible to divers around the world.

 

If you’re interested in becoming a diver—or simply want to enjoy a new adventure in Hawaii—reach out to the scuba diving experts at Banzai Divers. Based in Honolulu, their team of highly trained instructors can help you become a confident diver. Plus, they even offer snorkel tours and lava tube tours for those who truly want to see what makes Hawaii such a unique underwater location. Give them a call today to learn more about their services at (808) 462-8290. You can also like them on Facebook for news and updates.