The Most Popular Scuba Diving Stories of 2020
Despite everything that changed in 2020, divers' passion for the sport did not. These top stories show you continued to expand your skills—researching scuba gear, certifications and tips—while marveling at unique wonders of the scuba world.
10. VIDEO: 5-Year-Old Cage Dives with Great White Sharks
The Bucket List Family InstagramThe Bucket List Family shark dives
One of our most popular stories this year was also one of the most controversial. Would you bring a young child cage diving with sharks? Watch the video before you decide!
9. Where to Go Scuba Diving in Florida
ShutterstockFlorida diving proved an irresistible allure this year.
Ever popular, the Sunshine State was the only destination guide to crack our top ten list this year. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular — from caves to wrecks to reefs to manatees, Florida diving has something for every diver!
ShutterstockSometimes equalizing is not as easy as plugging your nose.
Little can derail a dive faster than ear pain. Hopefully these 11 equalizing tips mean Scuba Diving readers never again have to call a dive for inability to equalize.
7. COVID-19 Updates for Scuba Divers
PADI StaffDivers' go-to for industry pandemic updates.
This running COVID blog kept divers up-to-date with how the global pandemic was impacting scuba safety, travel and resorts through 2020’s twists and turns.
6. The Best Scuba BCDs of 2020 Reviewed
Scuba Diving editorsImproving your buoyancy frees you from fiddling with your gear so you can focus on the wonders around you instead.
As the foundation of your kit, it’s key to get a quality BCD. Our ScubaLab team tested 15 head-to-head to find the best BCD of the year.
5. Buoyancy Calculator: How Much Do You Need in Dive Weights?
ShutterstockWearing just enough weight diving underwater allows your BC to save air, giving you longer dive time.
A lot goes into how much weight you need for perfect trim: Are you in fresh or saltwater? What kind of tank do you have? How thick is your wetsuit? This simple, six-step guide to nailing your buoyancy can help you submerge smoothly.
4. Practical Guide to Nitrox Diving
ShutterstockStay down longer and dive deeper with Nitrox.
Nitrox extends your safe bottom time; I wonder why Scuba Diving readers were looking to spend less time on land this year...
3. Your First Set of Gear: A Buyer’s Guide
Shutterstock.com/Kasarp studioDeciding what to buy first can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
Buying your first set of gear makes it official: you’re in a long-term relationship with the ocean. Investing in that relationship was clearly high on divers’ to-do list this year as our tips for buying your first kit took the bronze medal for most-read stories in 2020.
Kristian LaineInspector Clouseau
Who says nothing good happened this year? Inspector Clouseau, the ocean’s only recorded pink manta, entranced divers and landlubbers alike when he was photographed earlier this year near Lady Elliot Island.
1. House with Private Scuba Diving Tunnels for Sale in Kansas
The Perfect Spot for You, LLCThe most expensive house in Kansas boasts a private diving grotto and custom tunnel diving network.
Home is having a moment, so it’s no surprise our look at a house where you can dive was the most popular story of the year! It’s every diver’s dream come true (if you have $11 million, that is).
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