Interested in becoming a certified SCUBA diver? The SDI Open Water SCUBA Diver course is an excellent way to begin diving. This introductory-level diving course will give you the foundational skills and knowledge needed to conduct recreational dives in open water. Most importantly, becoming a certified diver is your gateway to a lifetime’s worth of adventures and experiences underwater.
I currently offer private 1-on-1 training, or training in small groups to folks throughout the Raleigh and broader Triangle area.
What does the SDI Open Water SCUBA Diver Course entail?
Ready to become a certified diver? Here’s an overview of what’s involved with the course.
Academics and Orientation
You’ll start off by hitting the books, or in this case, you’ll go through an online eLearning program to prepare you for the rest of your training. SDI pioneered eLearning for SCUBA academics back in 2002 and continues to improve both the learning platform and the course content they provide. A huge benefit of the eLearning approach offered is it enables you to maintain access to the course materials at any time, from anywhere — so if you ever want to brush up in the future, the most recent version of the course content will be right at your fingertips. Plus, you can make progress from virtually anywhere!
Once you’ve mastered the academics for the course and passed your exam, we’ll set a time to get together and talk through any areas you struggled with or have questions about. We’ll then spend some time exploring equipment and you’ll get some practice assembling, checking, and disassembling SCUBA gear as practice to prepare you for the next stage of training.
Confined Water
Ready to take your first breaths underwater? Confined Water (often called “pool training”) is where the real fun begins! After you complete a swim test, we’ll put on gear and hop into the water where you’ll take your first breaths underwater. From there, we’ll work through a series of skills that will soon become second nature to you as a diver. We’ll work together to build your confidence in the water, troubleshoot anything that doesn’t feel quite right, and practice the skills you might need should there be an emergency situation while you’re underwater. All of this is in preparation for a series of at least 4 “check” dives in open water.
Open Water Sessions (4 dives over 2+ days)
After you’ve mastered all the skills in confined water, it’s time to put them to the test in open water! Usually we’ll head out to one of the local quarries for your first open water dives, but we can also discuss other options if you would like to conduct your check dives in the ocean. During our open water sessions, we’ll continue to build your confidence, help you practice skills, and start exploring the underwater world. We will conduct at least 4 open water dives over the course of at least two days.
How much will the SDI Open Water SCUBA Diver course cost?
I run all courses through Air Hogs SCUBA in Clayton, NC, a highly-regarded, top-notch, dive center with a long history of impeccable customer service and a huge emphasis on putting safety first.
I’ve elected to work with Air Hogs for many reasons, one of which is their training philosophy and customer-first mindset, both of which align well with my values as an instructor. Furthermore, AHS is the only quality dive center in the area to offer a flexible course pricing model that keeps your best interests in mind by enabling you to pay per session and learn at your own pace. So, In addition to a flat rate fee for your eLearning ($80), you’ll pay $120 per training session (plus entry fees at the quarry when we do open water sessions) which enables you to not only pay as you go but also learn at your own pace.
Open Water SCUBA Diver Course cost breakdown
- Personal gear: You will need to purchase your own mask, fins, snorkel, and boots for the open water course. I am happy to provide advice and/or meet you at Air Hogs Scuba to assist while you explore options and try on masks if you’re feeling a little shy, but I can assure you you’re in great hands with them. All other equipment (BCD, tanks, weights, regulators, computer, compass etc.) will be supplied.
- Elearning code: $80 (when purchased through us)
- Training Sessions: the SDI Open Water SCUBA Diver Course will require at least 4 sessions of training ($120 each + $20 cash quarry entrance fee during OW sessions)
Start your SCUBA diving adventure today!