History of Scuba Diving in 100 Words
TheScubaDirectory ⋅ May 30, 2024
Scuba diving traces its origins back to ancient times when divers used hollow reeds for breath-holding exploration. In the 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci conceptualized a diving suit, but it wasn't until the 20th century that modern scuba diving emerged.
In 1943, Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan developed the Aqua-Lung, a revolutionary self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Post-World War II, recreational diving surged in popularity. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) formed in 1966, standardizing training.
Advancements in technology and safety protocols followed, shaping scuba diving into a widely practiced sport and exploration activity, offering enthusiasts access to the underwater world.
