OK, so you think you want to learn to dive,
but you still have some questions about the whole process. Well, hopefully
you will be able to find the answers to your questions here. If not,
that's still ok, we are here to help. If you don't find the answers
you are looking for here, just drop us an email
and we will do everything we can to get you the answers you need!
How does all
this work?
Simple, dive training is basically split up into 4 parts. First, upon
receiving the Training Deposit, the students receive their crew packs
which contain a dive log, dive tables, a training DVD and their study
manuals. Before the first class the students watch the DVD and read
the manual, completing knowledge review questions at the end of each
chapter. Second, the students come to class where the instructor (that's
me) will review the questions, go over some of the more important topics
and make sure the students understand all aspects covered in the manual
and on the DVD. The students will also be quizzed on each section after
each review and take a Final Exam at the end. (Don't worry, I can get
you through it just fine!) The third part is where you get wet! Here
the students and the instructor will meet at the pool where the "confined-water"
portion of the training happens. A calm, safe environment where everyone
has an opportunity to learn about the gear, how to put it together and
how to use it. There will also be some skills to learn and master during
the session at the pool. Finally, the last portion of training is in
an "open-water" environment (usually a local lake) where the
students get a chance to actually dive, master their underwater skills
and complete their certification.
See, simple!
How long does
it take?
The length of time required to complete the certification process
depends a lot on the student and their schedule as well as how prepared
they are when beginning training. The classroom session can usually be completed
in a day or evening session lasting about 3-4 hours. The confined-water
portion or pool session can be completed in one full day session lasting about 6 hours, and the open-water portion
is split up over two sessions over two days, 3-4 hours each day. The
largest determining factor is your schedule, since training is done
at YOUR pace, we can move along as quickly or as slowly as you wish.
The classroom training and the confined water portion of the training
can also be combined depending on schedules and available facilities.
Call for more info on this.
What do I
need?
Each student must purchase their own "personal gear" which consists of a mask, fins, booties, and snorkel
prior to attending the first water training session. If you need assistance
with what you need or where to buy, we would be happy to help you with
recommendations and any assistance you may need. We have relationships
with several quality Dive Shops here in town and often can get special
discounts on some items.
What makes
SCUBA-AZ different from a regular Dive Shop?
Well, for starters,
we don't sell any gear or equipment nor do we have a retail outlet.
We offer PRIVATE and semi-private lessons. These lessons can be conducted
right in your own living room and your own pool, if you wish. We schedule
your training around YOUR schedule and we move along at YOUR pace. You
get one-on-one attention and instruction just for you or your small
group. The SAME PADI directed quality training and instruction you would
receive from any PADI dive shop from a PADI Certified SCUBA Instructor. We all teach to the same standards.
Doesn't Private
Instruction cost a LOT more?
NO! While
we do structure our pricing a little differently from the shops, if
you are researching pricing, make sure you are asking ALL the right
questions. Our pricing for PRIVATE lessons is about the same or often less than that of many valley dive shops for the FULL certification.
They may offer cheap $125 certification classes, but these classes only
cover the classroom and pool sessions. To complete your certification,
you still have to complete the Open Water portion, which they charge
quite a bit more for and often do not include your gear, costing you
even more money. Some don't even offer the Open Water portion here,
they want to sell you a trip to California or Mexico on top
of the training costs to complete your certification. Make sure if you
research price that you find out the ENTIRE cost of the FULL certification.
We offer ONE price for ALL of the necessary training.
Is SCUBA Diving
safe?
YES, absolutely! With the proper instruction and training,
diving is one of the safest and most exciting recreational activities
around. We WILL teach you how to dive safe and have a great time!
Where do we
do the pool training?
We come to YOU for that as well. If you have access to a pool
that is at least 6ft. deep or deeper, we can train right there. (It
also needs to be heated in winter months...) If you don't have access
to a pool that meets these requirements, that's OK. We have access to
several large aquatic facilities for pool training, however
we are subject to their availability for training dates and there can be additional costs. Often we are able to combine the training classes of a couple of
clients for just this portion of training thereby minimizing any additional costs to any one student. In semi-private classes such
as these, class size should never exceed 4-8 total students. The rest
of your training sessions will remain private. Contact us for more information
if you have specific questions about pool use or shared facility policies.
Part of the
training includes "open-water" training, where can you do
that in Phoenix?
The open-water portion
of the training can be completed in any open environment. In the Phoenix
area the most popular location is Lake Pleasant, however depending on
the time of year and current conditions, there are several other lakes
around the Phoenix area that can be used. We can also plan a weekend trip
to Mexico or California to complete your certification depending
on schedules and preferences. (Our Travel Professionals can help us
with any of those plans!) Of course the expense of the trips would be
over and above the cost of the dive course.
Why PADI?
PADI is the largest
and most respected dive training and support organization in the world.
PADI certified divers make up over 80% of the diving community. Their
training and instruction programs are some of the best and most highly
rated anywhere. Rather than take up a bunch of room here, just CLICK
HERE to visit PADI's site and find out "Why PADI?" (It
will open a new window for you...) The PADI certification you will receive
through SCUBA-AZ will be accepted and recognized world-wide by thousands
of dive shops, tour organizations and charter companies just about anywhere
you wish to travel.
Is it true that I can earn College Credit for getting certified?
Absolutely! In fact PADI is the only Dive Certification agency approved by the American Council of Education (ACE) to allow students to earn college credits for dive training. Credits can be earned not only for receiving Open Water instruction, but addiitonal credits can be earned for continuing your dive training. Here is a link to PADI's information page on this program. Give us a call if you are interested and we can provide any additional details.
Who can dive?
Just about anyone! The minimum age for full certification is 15 years
old. Other than that, anyone who likes adventure, can swim (at least
a little), and has no major medical conditions can dive. We can even
train those with some medical conditions as long as your doctor says
it's OK and signs a medical release. Contact us for more information
if you have specific questions about limitations.
Our family
wants to Dive, but the kids are under 15...
No problem! You
have to be 15 for a full certification, however PADI also has a Jr.
Open Water Certification for those between 10 and 15. The classes are
the same, however once certified they must dive with an adult certified
diver (Preferably mom or dad...) or a PADI Professional at all times.
There are also Bubblemakers and PADI Seal programs for kids ages 8 to
10 which are programs held in local swimming pools (including yours!)
in a controlled safe environment where the kids begin learning the basic
skills while playing games and accomplishing goals. The programs can
also be set up for kids parties too. Please contact us for more details
on these programs.
We have a
trip planned, can we start with you and finish on the trip?
Yes, you can. As long as there is a PADI Certified Instructor
at your vacation destination, you can complete the classroom and confined-water
portions of your training with us, then we will provide you with a "referral"
which includes all the necessary forms and documentation for you to
complete your certification while on your trip. The only draw-back to
that is you will spend two days of your vacation completing training
dives for the open-water portion of your certification before you will
get to experience diving as a fully certified diver. We recommend completing
your certification prior to your trip so you can spend your vacation
enjoying yourself and diving when and where you want to, that's what
vacations are for, right?
I am a certified
diver, but it has been a few years, what can you do for me?
Wow, loaded question...Just
kidding. We also offer PADI Refresher courses for those already certified
to get you back up to speed and make sure the important points of diving
are still there for a safe and enjoyable time back in the water.
What about
PADI Specialties and other advanced certifications?
Just because you
have earned your Open Water Certification doesn't mean you have to stop
learning. The more knowledge you have the better diver you will be and
the more fun you can have doing it! We offer a full line of continuing
dive education including Advanced Underwater Diver, PADI Dive Specialties,
Rescue Diver, Master SCUBA Diver - the highest PADI certification available
in the recreational dive community, and Divemaster - the first level
of PADI's Professional Certifications and the first step in becoming an Assistant
Instructor or Open Water SCUBA Instructor for those seeking a possible
career path. Contact us for pricing and more details on all of these
programs.
I'm still
not sure if it's for me, any ideas?
Well of course!
If you're still not sure if it's for you, or you want to, but your prospective
dive buddy that you are trying to get to come along is a little hesitant,
NO PROBLEM! Give us a call and we can schedule a PADI Discovery Dive.
A chance to "try it out" in a nearby pool, no strings, and
see what you think.
How much does
it cost and how can I pay?
We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards through
Paypal online. You don't even have to have a Paypal account to use this
service. Prices for all of the classes can be accessed through our Training
page. When you are ready, just
click on the yellow "Payments" tank in the middle of the page which will take you to our payment gateway if
you choose the credit card option or we can provide address information
if you wish to send a check.
What is your
Refund Policy?
Since setting up Private Instruction
relies heavily on scheduling and making sure your time is set
aside as well as making sure all necessary training materials we provide
are available, all training deposits are non-refundable. (Discounted specials require full payment at the time of purchase and are also considered non-refundable) Any monies
paid toward training classes beyond the deposit are 100% refundable
if cancelled at least 48 hours before training classes are scheduled
to begin. If classes are cancelled within the 48 hour period we will
do our best to reschedule your training at a time more convenient or
should you decide to cancel all courses, your balance monies will be
refunded less a $100 cancellation fee. Once training begins all fees
become non-refundable. Proceeding with payment processing demonstrates
your understanding and willingness to abide by these policies. Please
contact us to address any questions or concerns BEFORE you proceed with
payment.
What's next?
Call and schedule
a class of course!!!! If you still have questions, please email
us or call 602-361-1300 and get those questions answered
or schedule YOUR class TODAY!!!
We're
waiting for you and the water is GREAT!!!