If you’ve been diving for a while, you’ve surely heard or read the phrase: air is for tyres, nitrox is for divers.
Even after all these times, this phrase still makes us laugh. But really, why are so many experienced divers opting to breathe enriched air (more commonly known as nitrox) on their underwater adventures? Let’s dive into it and see why getting a PADI Nitrox Certification is one of the smartest moves you can make as an experienced diver.
Nitrox, or EAN enriched air, is a breathing gas that contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than regular air. Why is this important? Less nitrogen in your mix means less nitrogen absorbed by your body during a dive. It's as simple as that. Less nitrogen translates into several benefits for divers, especially those who are making multiple dives.
The most immediate advantage is that diving with nitrox can significantly extend your no-decompression limits. In simple terms, it lets you stay underwater longer, particularly at mid-range depths, where all of us recreational divers spend most of our time. Imagine being able to explore that beautiful wreck or reef for an extra 10, 20, or even 30 minutes without having to surface. More time to photograph that nudibranch, or to be patient and let that shy turtle get used to your presence.
Another game-changer is how nitrox can help you feel post-dive. Regular air can leave you feeling tired, especially after multiple dives in a day. But with less nitrogen in your system, many divers report feeling noticeably more energized and less fatigued after using nitrox.
So it’s clear, there are only benefits associated with diving with nitrox. And here’s the kicker: learning to dive with nitrox is surprisingly easy. The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is a quick certification that you can complete in as little as a day. It covers everything you need to know, like how to analyze your tanks, set your dive computer, and plan your dives to maximize safety and enjoyment. And bonus—if you want to fast track your certification, the course can be done as a dry course, without the need to perform a single dive, it's up to you.
While nitrox isn’t a magic diving wand you can use without any preparation and without limits, it’s a remarkably powerful tool for experienced divers looking to make the most of their underwater time. Whether you’re a wreck enthusiast, underwater photographer, or just someone who loves the idea of diving longer and feeling better, nitrox is a game-changer.
So, what are you waiting for? Stop breathing like a car tyre and start diving like a pro. Contact us and get your PADI Nitrox Certification today!
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