Start Diving
Should I take the plunge?
In short, of course you should ! Obviously, it’s no surprise that every dive centre is going to tell you that, but what’s involved, Is it expensive, how do I know I’ll like it, will I succeed, where can I dive afterwards ?
All of these questions are commonplace for anybody coming into diving. At Aquatechnique we hope to answer all these questions and more besides, we have a real passion for the sport and are committed to welcoming newcomers to this thrilling and unique experience. The PADI diver education system is the most advanced and comprehensive diver training programme in the world, PADI Instructors are diving professionals who have qualified throughout the system and are keen to impart their knowledge on to others through quality Instruction.
The PADI Open Water Diver Course is split into 3 major parts :-
The theoretical part of Open Water Diver training is fully supported by a range of excellent educational materials, it is designed in a way that makes the classroom experience, informative, enjoyable and rewarding. The PADI manual/textbook is provided free with the course, it is a comprehensive introduction to the sport, and a sound companion throughout the theory sessions, it is yours to keep together with the recreational dive planner, another invaluable tool for safe diving. When you sign up for the Open Water Diver course, Aquatechnique will provide you with the Manual in advance, you will be able to read ahead prior to starting the course.
The swimming pool elements of the course (confined water) provide a comfortable safe and fun environment where you can put into practice some of the skills that have been introduced to in the classroom. At Aquatechnique we have use of a private indoor swimming pool.
Once you have mastered, and are comfortable with all the skills in the swimming pool, we are now ready for the Open Water Qualifying Dives of the course. At this point, at the training site, you will be introduced to the underwater environment, see the abundant underwater life and habitat, learn about the interdependence of the aquatic system, and most of all, embrace the experience and have fun in a safe and controlled environment on a one to one buddy system with your PADI Instructor. At Aquatechnique we ensure a one to one open water experience, no large groups, no immediate skills for you undertake, the first dive is simply….enjoy!
Now you have experienced the underwater world on your first dive, we can introduce some of the skills you have mastered in the pool on the next 3 dives, in between the skills, we continue to explore underwater with time spent actually….DIVING…. not just performing skills. This is important because this is where we actually learn to dive!!
If you are not interested in Diving in the UK, or maybe you intend to dive only at your holiday destination, it is possible to complete just the theory and pool training with us and leave your 4 Open water dives until you are abroad. We can refer you to a PADI dive centre abroad to finish off your course. There is a reduced cost in undertaking the referral option of the open water course with us.
All equipment is provided free of charge on the course, suits, masks, fins and all SCUBA equipment, no need to buy anything, we provide it all. Our equipment is the latest up to date quality dive gear from leading manufacturers to the sport. In addition, we provide dry-suits for our students in training, free of charge between October and May, to keep you warm and toasty on those winter dives.
How long will it take? Your learning experience is important to us, we move along at a pace which is comfortable for you. It depends on your time commitment, but as we only train in very small groups and even run one to one sessions, your progress is enhanced. If you are able to read ahead a little from the course manual, then that will speed up the theory element, pool sessions are on a flexible timetable, we can construct a timetable to suit you. We work 7 days per week; evenings, weekdays, weekends, you can choose a combination of sessions using our flexi-scheduling system, just let us know when!
Still not sure whether you’ll like it? Why not come along for a Discover Scuba Experience in the pool, an introductory session, free of any commitment or pressure, see what it’s like to don the equipment and have fun using a SCUBA unit in the relaxed atmosphere of our swimming pool.
If you are still not persuaded, still have questions to ask, then pick up the phone and call us, why not even arrange to pop in and see how it works. Over a cup of Coffee you can ask questions and see how the PADI diver education system works. You will find a warm welcome from our friendly team of professionals.
