Open Water training is a big investment in both time and money. Therefore, I often recommend that the initial exposure to scuba be through what is commonly referred to as a "resort course" or "discover scuba diving" experience. The resort course (common at beach destinations and cruises) comprises approximately a 30-40 minute lecture, a 30 minute pool session and then a supervised shallow dive in open water. Ask your cruise or resort concierge for information.
If you live in colder climes, then a discover scuba session at your local dive shop can be a good local introduction. Discover scuba is just the class and pool portions noted previously. The cost is marginal at $25-75 (sometimes free with promotions) and most dive shops will apply the cost (if any) against your enrollment fee in the Open Water course.
An even more perfunctory (and free) introduction is possible if The Scuba Tour is coming to your town soon. They have a portable, four foot deep pool that gets set up at travel, outdoors and boat shows around the country. You will get 15-20 minutes of supervised time to try it out.
Comments