Guides - Adventure Sports Comparison

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Up The Mountain or Down the Ocean?

Where would you rather be? Up the mountain or down the ocean? Is it as simple as asking where you would rather be? Or are there things you must consider before you decide? 

Mountaineering has recently become a growing interest among our young and not-so-young population. A couple of years ago, one would have to go to specialty shops to find quality mountaineering backpacks. Today, a large number of styles and brandnames can be found in many department stores. 

Mountaineers wearing massive shoes, carrying huge packs towering over their heads, can be seen milling around in bus stations and bus stops. It isn’t much of a surprise now when we learn that an old friend is already into climbing, too. And did you hear that the Holy Week climb of Mt. Halcon had a headcount of close to 300? 

Scuba diving, on the other hand, has always been a favorite recreation in the islands. Foreigners travel far to dive into our rich and enchanting seas. Scuba lessons are conducted every weekend at dive spots all over the country. During summer, planes full of divers fly from Manila to Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay. 

Both activities require an intense passion in the enthusiast. Mountaineering is definitely not for the faint of heart. And scuba diving also calls for conquering a certain level of fear. Mountaineering demands endurance and strength. Physical fitness is the investment. Scuba diving requires special gear. ‘Financial fitness’ is a must. 

Still can’t decide? Let’s do a point-by-point comparison. This way you’ll have a clearer picture of what mountaineering stands for and what scuba diving means. 
 

Criteria	Mountaineering	Scuba Diving
Required Skills	balance endurance cooking first aid survival techniques	basic swimming threading/floating holding your breath (at least 1 minute) equalizing inner pressure (popping the ears) staying relaxed
Basic Equipment	trek shoes mountaineering backpack tent mini-stove lightweight cookset waterproof sleeping bag & earth pad first aid kit swiss knife	mask, fin, snorkel regulator -- for normal breathing at any depth BCD -- bouyancy compensator device weight belt wet suit & booties air tank gauges (time, depth/pressure, air)
Accessories	flashlight lantern parka jacket altimeter/thermometer watch thermal blanket water purifier compass whistle belt bag rope sandals	knife flashlight
Average Investment on Equipment	~P12,000 (self-contained mountaineer)	~P35,000 (excludes air/tanks)
Minimum Level of Fitness	good -- strength and endurance necessary doctor’s assurance of fitness to climb (no heart ailment, minimum allergies, no bone/muscle handicap)	fair -- strength and endurance optional
Preparation	learn basic mountaineering (trail signs, ropemanship, compass/map reading, backpacking, camp management, first aid, survival techniques) jogging 5 to 10 km, 2 to 3 times a week -- to build endurance good health (enough sleep, carbo-loading) itinerary of climb	learn basic scuba diving (hand signals, buddy system, equipment assembly/monitoring, diving principles) good health (no colds, no alcohol, enough sleep) itinerary of dive
Favorite Sites	Mt. Banahaw (Quezon), Mt. Kanlaon (Negros) , Mt. Halcon (Mindoro), Mt. Apo (Davao), Mt. Isarog (Naga), Mt. Arayat (Pampanga), Mt. Makiling (Laguna)	Anilao (Batangas), Puerto Prinsesa (Palawan), Hundred Islands (Pangasinan), Agoo (La Union), Puerto Galera (Mindoro) must have dive spot
Duration of Activity	1 to 5 days (Mt. Halcon’s peak can be reached after 2 whole days of trekking)	45 min. to 5 hours (dive depends on depth and quantity of air available; 1 tank of air lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour)

 

Criteria	Mountaineering	Scuba Diving
Cost of Activity (excl. transpo, food, lodging)	practically none	air = P100 per tank rental of BCD, regulator, weight belt = ~P500 per weekend
Other Costs	transportation to/from jumpoff point	transportation to/from dive spot board and lodging (usually hotels) bangka ride fee
Logistics	travel packed food, clothing, and shelter (tent) coordination with guide (if necessary)	travel board and lodging bangka ride equipment rental (if necessary)
Risks	hypothermia exhaustion/fatigue heat stroke sunburn hyperventilation falling off a cliff accidents (sprain/fracture/concussion) deadly plants/creatures of the forest	‘medical’ risks (decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, etc.) deadly creatures of the sea sunburn equipment malfunction
Hardship Factors	dealing with forces of nature (heat, rain, winds, cold, rough trail, leeches, thin atmosphere) carrying weight of pack (~10-20 kilos) up inclines of as much as 90o trekking for many hours water discipline getting lost no restrooms	rough bangka ride cold waters sharp corals running out of air
Enjoyment Factors	the view fresh air sleeping under the stars reaching the peak conquering physical heights/extremes camaraderie and teamwork the height (above the clouds)	observing/discovering marine life swimming among the fish the depth (a totally different world)
After the Activity	air/dry tent, wash cookset, wash off mud/dirt from trek shoes and backpack rest to regain energy	rinse and air/dry all scuba gear enjoy the hotel amenities and the beach
Calories Spent	dependent on weight carried, length of trek, incline of ascent, speed of ascent	practically zero

So, what will it be? Up the mountain or down the ocean? Or would you rather fall off the sky? 

• Two Mountains - Insights on mountaineering

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