Learn to dive: diving course, basics & vacation – tips for beginners

Learn to dive – gliding through bright blue water and experiencing the depths of the sea up close sounds very tempting.
Diving is an exciting day trip, especially when camping with a roof tent or tent trailer.
However, there are a few things you should bear in mind when diving.
Here you will find tips on how to get started with diving, the diving license and for your first dive.

Pure nature: camping by the water with a diving adventure

Rooftop tents and diving are an unbeatable combination for adventure seekers.
With a rooftop tent, you have the freedom to spontaneously stay overnight at different diving locations without having to rely on hotels or accommodation.
This flexibility takes you directly to the most beautiful natural locations, whether on remote beaches or close to diving spots.
You often share this experience with other divers, creating a community of like-minded people where you can exchange experiences, stories and valuable diving tips.

For these reasons, you can perfectly combine rooftop camping with diving:

  • Flexibility & independence
  • Proximity to nature
  • Community
  • Early with the roof tent to the dive spot
  • A sense of adventure

Learning with pictures: Sports divers explained in a video

At the very beginning, this video explains how diving works and what you should pay attention to so that you don’t damage your body with the differences in pressure and air.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_vVWDiv2mc

Tips for beginners: diving license, diving school & first dive

Before the first dive is planned, every diver should undergo a medical examination.
This checks whether the body can withstand the high physical strain under water.
To get used to the general conditions under water, we recommend a trial dive, which is offered by many diving schools and clubs.
This often takes place at a depth of around five meters with professional help.
A suitable swimming pool or the shallow sea is ideal for this.
These diving courses usually cost 350 to 400 euros.
Given this sum and the general safety risk, it is worth being careful when choosing a diving school or club.
The best thing to do is to check whether the equipment is in good order.
The equipment of a reputable diving school or club should not have any rust spots or holes.
You should check this before you get your diving license:

  • Before: medical check
  • Trial dive
  • Choose your diving school/club carefully

Diving license: Duration for theory & practice

For the diving license, which you need to go diving with a partner at the same level, you have to pass a theory and a practical part.
This can be done in four days, but it can be very stressful for many aspiring divers.
You should therefore make sure you allow enough time for the diving course during your vacation if it takes a little longer.
The diving license at a glance:

  • Diving license: theory & practical part
  • Allow enough time for this
  • Feasible in four days, but very stressful

Once you have passed your diving license, you can go on your first dive.

First dive: preparation, equipment & safety

You should not do this alone.
It is often worth having an equally experienced diver and a diver with more experience with you.
This way you can learn from each other and the experienced diver will still have a helping hand if something goes wrong.
You should also only go diving if you are in good health.
Even if your dive was planned weeks in advance, it doesn’t make sense to do it if you’re not in top shape.
You should also make sure that you drink enough before your dive.
And above all, no alcohol.
Diving under the influence of alcohol can quickly become very dangerous for everyone involved.
You should also tie up long hair so that it doesn’t get caught anywhere.
In addition, sunscreen is toxic to many marine creatures, so you should protect yourself from the sun with your diving suit and avoid using sunscreen.
You should bear this in mind when preparing for your dive:

  • Not alone
  • Only healthy diving
  • Drink enough beforehand
  • But: no alcohol
  • Tie your hair up
  • No sunscreen

Diving partners & equipment: check beforehand!

To do this, you should agree with your diving partners which hand signals you will use and when, so that you can communicate underwater.
It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the equipment beforehand.
There are different versions of dive computers and valves in particular, and you should know how to use them correctly before the dive.
This way, less can go wrong underwater.
In addition, your diving equipment should be serviced regularly by a professional so that dangerous situations caused by broken accessories can be avoided.
At a glance:

  • Consultation with diving partners
  • Know your equipment
  • Check equipment regularly

Under water: Breathing, limits & group pressure

You should also be aware of your physical limits under water.
If something becomes too much for you, you should stop.
It is also important not to give in to peer pressure.
Your diving partners should never push you to do something you don’t want to or can’t do.
Another avoidable beginner’s mistake is breathing incorrectly.
Many beginners make the mistake of first breathing in, then holding their breath, breathing out and then breathing in again straight away.
This actually uses up more oxygen.
It would be better to inhale first, then exhale directly and then hold your breath briefly.
Similar to above the water.
You should bear this in mind in the water:

  • Know your limits
  • Do not give in to peer pressure
  • Pay attention to breathing

Top travel destinations: Germany & Italy

Here you will find popular places for diving.

More activities & experiences for your vacation

Here you can find more activities on wheels and other activities for your vacation.

Water sports on vacation: canoeing, surfing, water skiing & co.

Whether on a canoe, motorboat, surfboard or water ski, water sports are a popular pastime on vacation.
A trip on or into the water is particularly popular when camping.
Whether it’s fishing, canoeing, swimming, sailing, surfing, diving, scuba diving, water skiing or wakeboarding, you’ll find lots of tips for beginners here.

Vacation activities: Water sports, winter sports & co.

Are you planning a vacation but still looking for activities for you, your family, your partner or just for yourself outside the campsite?
Here you’ll find lots of great ideas for experiences that will enrich your vacation.
With lots of tips for beginners, you can also start right from the beginning and get your bearings.

A boat lies on a calm lake

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • Extra strong square T-drawbar 100x100mm for maximum stability and best maneuverability
  • Axle up to 1,500 kg with maintenance-free hexagonal rubber spring axle
  • Optionally with watertight wheel hub
  • 2 crossbars
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
  • Independent suspension
Aluminum body
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Wheels
  • Black powder-coated steel rim
  • 235/85 R16 tires optionally adaptable to towing vehicle
  • Mud Terrain tire tread
  • Special wheel connection for your towing vehicle on request
Terrain values
  • 350 mm ground clearance
  • 570 mm wading depth
  • 27° slope angle
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
  • Visco-elastic mattress.
  • High-quality Tencel® cover (38 % Tencel®, 62 % polyester).
  • Four practical turning loops.
  • Four-sided zipper.
  • Removable, divisible and washable.
  • Four practical turning loops.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.