SCUBA
stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This recreational
activity originated from various cultures in which the people would dive
for tropical fish and pearl oysters.
The Polynesians
were the first to create their own goggles by polishing pieces of transparent
turtle shell, and then inserting them into hollowed pieces of wood or bamboo.
The Japenese were the first to create the single-lens
face mask in the late 1920’s. They would place a round pane of glass
in a large piece of bamboo. The bamboo was then whittled to fit the
forehead, cheeks, and under the nose. Rubber or cloth cushioned the fit.
The face mask we are familiar with today was first manufactured in 1938.
Owen Churchill,
an Olympic yachting champion during the late 1930's, first discovered
"fins" while watching South Pacific divers dive for fish. They
were using reed mats tied to their feet to help them glide smoothly through
the water. When Churchill returned to the United States, he attempted
to do the same, only he tried using pieces of plywood. He later
discovered that Louis de Corlieu of France had patented rubber fins that
served the same purpose. Churchill obtained permission to produce these
"swim fins" in the US.
In 1943,
Emil Gagnan and Jacques Cousteau invented a breathing tool to allow divers
to descend to greater depths for longer periods of time. This breathing
tool was a tank of compressed air that was strapped to the back of the
diver and was known as the "aqualung."
For years,
divers tried various insulators and sweaters to help them tolerate water
temperatures below 60 F. The first successful insulating suit
was made of sheet rubber with sealing devices at the wrist, neck, and ankles.
Extra insulation, such as wool or cotton clothing, was worn underneath.
Eventually a hood, boots, and gloves were added. Finally, the "wet
suit" that we know today was created. It is made of foam rubber.
The suit allows some water to enter, which is warmed by the body,
and thus acts like a hot water bottle. This was the suit that finally
allowed divers to plunge into waters below 40 F.
Today, there
are over 850 diving clubs in the world. Approximately 20 million people
dive, spending around $60,000,000 each year.