Who dives?
Pretty much anyone who has an appetite for adventure and discovery. Look around your local superstore, and you'll see a good cross-section of who dives!
Is diving very physical?
Diving does involve physical activity, but it might just be the most fun experience you'll ever get to have! You can burn up to 700 calories an hour without even breaking a sweat!
What about medical conditions?
For safety, all students must complete a brief medical history questionnaire. Medical issues usually don’t eliminate a person from diving; however, you and your physician can evaluate your ability to dive. Download the medical questionnaire here.
Am I too old to dive?
If you want to learn, and you are in reasonably good health, then the answer is no! It’s one of the wonderful activities with which you can age without creating bad knees, shoulders, etc. We think diving keeps you young!
How good of a swimmer do i have to be?
It is a water sport, so you do need basic swimming skills. Swimming or snorkeling and keeping yourself afloat for 10 minutes are the basic skills necessary.
how old do you have to be to take scuba?
You must be at least 10 years old. Certification restricts a 10 & 11-year-old in depth. The skills and class materials are the same for adults and juniors. Due to national standards, restrictions on class size with a 10-year-old apply. SportsCo teaches the younger divers on a private basis (see Junior Divers). The restrictions are relaxed for 12 years old and above.
is there any outside work for this class?
You will receive a Diver’s Crew Pack when you sign up. This contains all of the learning materials you will need for class. You will also receive the required companion DVD. You can read the book, watch the DVD, and complete the academic portion in the comfort of your home. During class we’ll have a short review of what you learned, but the majority of our time will be spent in the pool where the real fun is!
Do i have to own anything for the class?
You do need your own scuba mask, fins, snorkel, and dive boots. Dive quality gear is different than basic snorkeling equipment. If you already own your snorkeling equipment, we can evaluate it for you. We offer a complete selection of affordable gear, and if something doesn’t fit properly, we can exchange it for something that does. The first lesson in scuba equipment is that fit and comfort are paramount to your enjoyment of this class!
Is it expensive?
Not compared to other sports. You could spend more on golf lessons, cooking classes, or even one amazing night out! We pride ourselves on quality at an affordable price, and scuba is a lifelong activity.
After I'm Certified, do i have to own everything to dive?
No. You can rent gear at a special reduced rate when you are certified by SportsCo. If you travel, rental gear is available at most resorts. If you really get into diving, then you will probably want to own your own personal scuba system, because, at that point, it will become more cost-effective than renting. Once you have your own gear, diving costs almost nothing but the expense of driving to the lake!
where will i do my open water dives?
We are fortunate to have Beaver Lake nearby. Divers from the surrounding states visit Beaver Lake due to its excellent clarity and available shore diving. If you are going on a trip and wish to make your certification dives on-site, we can assist you with that as well.
Does my certification ever expire?
No. If you go a significant period without diving, you may want to come back and take a Scuba Review. We conduct these on a regular basis, and you will review all of the skills you learned in your Open Water course to refresh you.
what if my schedule doesn't fit in with a regularly scheduled class?
Not to worry! Since our pool is located on the premises, we are quite flexible in scheduling. Private classes are always available.
If i have another agency's certification, can i take a padi class?
Yes. You can take classes beyond the open water level with any other certification. We’ll make sure that you are current on skills and welcome you to the PADI family!
Do i get a discount from you if i take lessons from you?
Our students are valued by us, and we offer many benefits at discounts to them. Rental equipment is available at reduced rates, pool use is discounted, and when it comes time to buy gear, we have some other great money-saving options.
