Are you ready to take your scuba diving adventures to new heights? The PADI Altitude Diver Course offers a unique and exhilarating experience that adds extra excitement to your underwater explorations. Imagine diving in the crystal-clear waters of Switzerland’s Alpine lakes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. In this blog article, we delve into the reasons why taking an Altitude Diver course and exploring altitude dives in Swiss Lakes can redefine your diving journey.
Why is Diving at Altitude Different?
Recreational altitude diving refers to scuba diving conducted in freshwater environments at high altitudes, typically higher than 300 meters/1000 feet above sea level and limited to heights of 3000 meters/10,000 feet above sea level. Altitude diving presents unique challenges compared to diving at sea level due to decreased atmospheric pressure, which impacts decompression calculations, as well as potentially colder water temperatures. Divers must adjust their dive plans and equipment configurations accordingly to ensure safety and enjoyment during altitude dives.
Switzerland’s Alpine Lakes
Switzerland’s lakes, with their pristine waters and stunning backdrops, provide a perfect location for altitude diving adventures. One local favorite for altitude diving is Caumasee in the canton of Graubünden, located approximately 997 meters/3271 feet above sea level with a maximum depth of 30m/100 feet. Nestled in woods just below the ski resort of Flims, it is a picturesque Alpine setting. The lake itself was created by a prehistoric rock slide and is fed from underground sources rather than by river or rain fall. Today, it can only reached by footpath or by a funicular railway that was built in 1939.
Alternatively, situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman as it’s locally known, beckons divers with archeological artifacts and wrecks. As one of Europe’s largest lakes, its serene depths offer a mesmerizing dive experience framed by the towering snow-clad peaks of the Alps.
The PADI Altitude Diver Specialty Course
The PADI Altitude Diver Specialty course equips you with the skills and knowledge to dive safely in high-altitude environments. It helps you better understand altitude diving and decompression theory, including how to identify an altitude dive and the necessity of a special dive table. You will also learn about the physiological effects of altitude diving and how to prevent and handle the potential risks. Additionally, you will become familiar with altitude diving equipment considerations, including buoyancy adjustments and appropriate dive accessories. The course covers adjusting your dive computer for altitude diving or calculating altitude dive profiles using the RDP Table or eRDPML.
Taking the PADI Altitude Diver Course opens up a new world of scuba diving adventures. Exploring the breathtaking Swiss Alpine lakes surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes provides a unique and exhilarating experience. With the necessary skills and knowledge gained from the course, divers can safely navigate the challenges of altitude diving. So, get ready to redefine your diving experience and dive into the wonders of altitude diving in the Swiss Lakes.
