There’s a myth floating around in the scuba world (excuse the pun) that, in order to dive, you have to be good at studying. Today, we’re busting this myth and letting you know that this is absolutely not the case.
If you’re interested in getting your PADI Open Water Diving certification, you’ve come to the right place. This article is all about what to expect and some helpful tips to get you prepped for training.
What does dive training involve?
Dive training involves three components; theory, practice, and application. Our experienced instructors teach in a safe environment where you learn at your own pace.
Our main goal is to get you out into the ocean and explore the underwater world as safely as possible. At Big Ocean Dive, we have a perfect safety-rating score, and we’ve certified hundreds of new divers – regardless of their studying skills!
The three components of a PADI Open Water Diver course:
• Theory is learned in a classroom or online. During CMCO, new divers can have 1-on-1 Zoom class sessions with our instructors to help them during the courses. You’ll start with 3x two-hour sessions at our dive shop or through an online Zoom class.
Here, you’ll learn the theory of diving, including how to use your life support equipment underwater, breathing gas and the effects on your body, the value of a dive buddy, executing your dives, and more.
• The practice sessions are typically completed in a confined water space, such as a swimming pool, where students learn breathing techniques, safety procedures, and practical skills.
The comfortable conditions of a confined water space allow students to master the equipment, manoeuvre underwater, practice neutral buoyancy, and get familiar with breathing through a regulator.
• The last stage, application, is the FUN part. This is when we put our students’ new knowledge and skills to use in the open water. Students will need to complete four open water dives to complete the course and gain their certification.
Once you’re certified, you have a lifetime of ocean adventure waiting for you! You can also supplement your training with some of our other courses, including:
• Buoyancy Clinic
• PADI Nitrox Course
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
• PADI Seal Team (for kids)
• PADI Rescue Diver + Diver’s First Aid
How do I prepare for my first diving course?
Our best tips on how to prepare for your diving course is to:
• Keep an open mind.
• Don’t put pressure on yourself to master these skills right away.
• Be patient with yourself as you go through the process.
• Trust the abilities and knowledge of your instructor.
• Choose a facility that has a high safety-rating score.
• Expect to continue refining your skills – practice makes perfect, and;
• Have fun!
At Big Ocean Dive, we’re here to guide you, answer all of your questions, ease any nervousness, and make sure that you’re equipped to enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
