Learning To Scuba
By Roee

You don't know if it was that trip to the Cayman Islands, or the pictures your friends have brought back from their SCUBA trip from the Bahamas that put you over the edge, but you have finally decided to learn how to SCUBA. The only problem is that there are so many institutions, schools and classes out there that you might easily get confused.
Learning to SCUBA dive is almost like learning how to fly. There are good and bad schools with different equipment, different instruction institutions and all kinds of instructors and equipment to choose from. Also, there will be students who will soon master the skills required to be certified as a SCUBA divers and those who will struggle a bit to learn those same skills, but all in all, none of which will leave their classes ready to tackle a deep wreck dive on NITROX with strong current.

Anyone between 12 to 80 years old can learn to dive. All you need is a little bit of self-determination and good health with minimum of fitness. All schools are required to obtain a clean bill of health by the students from their doctors in order to be allowed to enroll in a SCUBA class. A preventive measure to detect any signs of trouble that might be dangerous or even deadly below water.
From the beginning, understand that you can not learn to SCUBA with that friend that "has been scuba diving for years". Even though accidents with SCUBA divers are rare, it is an activity that can be potentially dangerous and deadly for yourself and to those around you. Knowing how to dive is very different from knowing how to TEACH someone to dive plus knowing how to react during an emergency.

Ah, the Open Water Class. The first step and first contact of most people to SCUBA diving. Usually after a few class sessions and a few pool sessions, you are ready for your open water skill test with your instructors. In the Open Water Class, you will learn the basics of SCUBA diving from setting up your dive equipment to how to react and solve basic emergencies under water. You will also learn basic SCUBA terms such as decompression, NARC and safety stop. At the end of the class, you will be rewarded and be certified to dive in open water up to 60ft.

The hardest part isn't taking the course, but to chose the right school for you. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of places that offer the Open Water course. In Los Angeles alone, there are over 50 businesses that offer it, without counting instructors who teach classes outside of their regular jobs. You have also different certifications. NAUI, PADI, PDIC, etc... What do they all mean? They all belong to the RSTC, the association responsible for setting the minimum requirement for diving safety in the United States. So, choosing a business or instructor that is an affiliate of any of these organizations is definetely a must. What is a good place to learn SCUBA? Well, keep in mind these few factors. Size of classes, equipment used, type of pool and location of the open water skill test. Take all these factors into consideration when choosing the right place for you to learn SCUBA. Afterall, money is not the main factor when you encounter an emergency under water, KNOWLEDGE is.

Most of the places will require that you have the minimum set of equipment. ie. mask, snorkel, fins, and knife. When buying these items, keep in mind that they do tend to last for a while so purchase something that you see yourself using in regular bases and not something that is cheap. Not that you can not buy good equipment at low prices, but most people tend to think that they can just use whatever equipment during the class and purchase something they really like afterwards. My feelings on it is DON'T. One of the purposes of the Open Water Class is to have yourself get familiarized with YOUR OWN equipment so you know how to react or solve any problems with them while on a dive. You pretty much can not accomplish that by discarding the equipment you have used in the class right after the class. These are also basic equipment, so comfort is fairly important. You don't want to use a fin that is one size smaller than your feet, or you will risk cramps. A mask that doesn't fit you can leak, etc.
The rest of the equipment you can leave it for later. Those require a substantially greater amount of investment and you might want to try different equipment and choose the right one for yourself.

During the classes, learn as much as you can. Don't hesitate to ask questions as they might save you one day. Knowing the correct ascent rate or the correct procedure for air sharing might prove important on a dive. Practice the skills you have read or learned in class during your pool sessions. Practice makes perfection. Don't let yourself be discouraged or mad if you are not picking up the skills as fast as your friend or collegue. Go at your own pace. The Open Water Class is not a competition. On your final Open Water test, ask your instructor for any last minute advice or simply ask him if what you are doing is right. Most instructors will like hearing from you and help you in whatever way he or she can.

Now that you have gone through the class and now proudly carry your Open Water C-Card with you. Now what? Well, more than likely your Open Water instructor did not teach you everything you should know about SCUBA diving or mastered all the skills you were taught. Now, it is time for real practice. On your first dives, keep in mind everything that has been said earlier. You are a new diver, you might be a bit anxious, but it is normal. Afterall it is an exciting sport. Just stay calm and rely on your knowledge and skills you have learned in your class. Don't be affraid of asking for help at a dive site. Most divers will gladly help you and share with you their thoughts on that particular dive spot. We have met so many wonderful divers during our dives in So. California. After your Open Water certification, you might want to move to the Advance Diver class or even go on to Rescue Diver or Divemaster. You can never have too much knowledge while SCUBA diving, it will only make you a better and safer diver. So go ahead, read some books, participate in dive programs or talk to the guys at your local dive store.

SCUBA diving is a fascinating activity, where you can meet nice people and at the same time, open the door to a whole different world that you were not awared of. If you are not a SCUBA diver yet, I strongly recommend it. Go ahead, and have some fun. Be safe out there and enjoy your dives!!!