Introduction To Scuba Diving Class

If you want to try scuba diving, but aren't quite ready to fully commit to a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving class is for you !

In this blog post we'll talk about what to expect from this class, and will also cover the basic scuba diving gear, types of scuba certification, and scuba diving certification cost.

Introductory diving ( also known as trial diving and/or resort diving ) is for people without diver training or certification who want to experience scuba diving under the guidance of a recreational diving instructor.

Introductory diving is an opportunity for interested people to find out by practical experience if they would be interested in greater involvement in scuba diving.

If you're looking for a discover scuba diving introduction course, or scuba diving lessons in your area, just Google "scuba diving certification near me".

Almost all scuba diving schools offer "Intro To Scuba Diving Class" nowadays.

Another way to find introductory scuba diving class ( and save money !! ) is to check your local Groupon ! Often, this class will cost you as little as $50 with all scuba diving gear included !

The average price for an introduction to scuba diving class is ~ $99

The class usually takes place in a warm swimming pool, so you won't really have to worry about getting cold. Just bring your swimsuit, or if you want to stay extra warm and comfortable, get a "shorty" ( a short wetsuit for tropical diving... like this ones ).

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Bring your own snorkeling gear... unless you're not too disgusted to put a snorkel into your mouth that's been used a thousand times by others.

Different schools offer diffrent scuba diving certifications.

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Don't be in a rush to commit to the school's full scuba certification right after your intro to scuba lesson.

There are many types of scuba certification with PADI, NAUI, and SSI being amon the most widely accepted around the world. 

At a beginner level, the certification agency doesn’t play too much of an importance as the courses they offer as more or less similar courses and any main agency will be recognized by dive operators anywhere in the world. Right up to the professional level training the agencies recognize each others qualifications for recreational diving.

However, when it comes to diving professionally they may not recognize each others qualifications.

So, if you're planning to be just a recreational diver, don't worry too much about the differences.

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When it comes to different types of scuba certifications, the main difference to look at is the cost. 

From my personal experience, PADI certification is the most affordable one ( often, during some scuba diving fairs, you can find a full PADI scuba diving "Open Water" course for just $99 (!)... plus ~$35 for the books).  

Basic scuba diving gear to invest in :

As I've mentioned above, your own snorkeling gear would be a great investment even if you decide not to obtain a scuba certification.  

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A very popular (nowadays) full face snorkeling mask will NOT work for your scuba intro course or future scuba diving lessons !!

The mask doesn't allow access for your scuba regulator ( that you put in your mouth ).

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If you're planning to buy your own pair of snorkeling/scuba diving fins, watch out for open heel vs. full foot fins/close-heeled fins. Your choice will depend on the type of scuba diving you'll be doing in the future ( tropical vs. cold water diving ).

Another important piece of gear for any water sports enthusiasts is a wetsuit ( "shorty", or a full size one ).

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Buying a wetsuit is not as simple as it sounds ! You'll need to take into consideration not only your height/weight/fit but also the thickness of a wetsuit. Will you be mainly diving in tropical waters, or in places like Pacific Northwest ?

The best part of "Introduction To Scuba Diving Class" is that you'll get a taste of real scuba diving, you'll learn something new, and most important - you'll get to ask as many questions as you'll need to make an informed decision whether you'd like to become a lifelong scuba diving enthusiasts !

Scuba diving could be a great family bonding activity ! 

After getting certified, you'll be going on vacations with amazing underwater adventures waiting for you ( instead of just wasting your time sipping pina coladas on the beach, and going on lame touristy tours ).

Kids as young as 12 y.o. can become scuba certified !

My son had a blast during his "intro to scuba diving class", and can't wait to get certified to travel to excotic tropical desination, or to dive locally in PNW ( which, according to Jean-Michel Cousteau, "Cold But Colorful" ).