Want to learn to scuba dive but don't know where to begin?
Learning to dive is one of the best life experiences you can undertake… whether you are doing it to challenge yourself or to see the amazing underwater life around us, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is THE best place to start!
In simple terms, a PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three parts: knowledge development, confined water and open water dives.
Dive Theory
In this part of the course you will learn about scuba diving rules, the do’s and don’ts, safety issues, dive equipment and more, taking quizzes and exams along the way to check your understanding.
You can do the academic portion online via PADI’s eLearning (earning a bit of a lie-in on the first morning) or using a DVD and manual if you prefer a more traditional style. Either way, our instructors will be on hand to review any gaps in your understanding and to help bring you up to speed.
Understanding the theory of diving will help you prepare for your course and for you to be a better/safer diver, so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time for this, typically 8-10 hours before the start of the course.
Confined Water (Pool training)
You will practice the skills and techniques you read about and watched in the videos in a pool…
These are skills, such as clearing your mask of water, breathing from a buddy’s regulator in a shared-air exercise, hovering effortlessly or the best kicking techniques to get you through the water.
Confined water is where you practice a skill until you’ve mastered it, so it is important you have plenty of space and the time you need to learn properly at your own pace. Our facility offers the best possible options for this, almost 4m deep and not overcrowded, so you can move around freely and practice.
Need more time? No problem! Our goal is to teach you to dive properly and safely, so if you need more time, you get it at no extra cost to you.
Open Water
The open water is where you apply your skills and knowledge in the “real world”. By demonstrating your mastery of your newly found skills and demonstrating your ability to dive independently with your buddy, you earn your certification as a PADI Open Water Diver!
Our boat is custom fitted to make it as effortless and safe as possible for you to do this.
Play by the Rules:
Before signing up, make sure you meet these requirements.
Be at least 10 years old.
Be able to float or tread water for 10 minutes and swim 200m unaided.
Meet medical qualification. Prior to in-water activities, you’ll complete a medical statement. Answer honestly; a “yes” to a screened condition doesn’t necessarily exclude you from diving, but it does mean you must consult your physician and, together, agree that you can dive without unreasonable risk from that condition.
Diving with Kids:
Would you like to introduce your children to scuba diving but don’t know where to start? Here’s what you need to know.
A child must be 10 years old to begin training. Children 10 and 11 years old must dive with a parent, guardian or PADI Pro; ages 12 to 14 must dive with an adult certified diver.
Just like adults, kids must be able to float and swim (see Play by the Rules, above).
There are depth restrictions for children in entry-level training. Children ages 10 and 11 must stay 12m and shallower; junior divers 12 to 14 years old must not go deeper than 21m.
Proper fit and comfort are essential in learning to scuba dive. We have plenty of equipment specifically for kids.
Check out our upcoming Kids Scuba Schools during the school holidays, and plan a trip that will create a lifetime of memories!
Start Now
You can start now! No, seriously, go to our online store, select the Open Water Diver Course and your preferred option. If you take the eLearning option, we will send you the link so you can get started right away.
What Next?
What next you may ask… there are many options once you have certified as a diver, however a great next step is the Advanced Open Water Diver Course, check out our blog to find out more!
