Most Commonly Asked Questions
Millions of people have learned how to dive, so why not you? You've probably seen divers heading to local lakes or enjoyed the underwater world vicariously through TV programs and movies. This kind of exposure has helped diving become a fast-growing activity for people of all ages. And, they are doing it for a variety of reasons: adventure, sightseeing, photography, travel, and relaxation. There is no such thing as a “typical diver.” Although divers come from all walks of life, what they have in common is the belief that they can learn to do something a little different and desire to visit one of the planet's most beautiful realms.
Estimates vary, but there are approximately 3 million recreational scuba divers in the United States. There is a very good system in place for learning the sport. Training typically centers around a dive center and finding a reputable one is important. Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service has been in the business of educating divers for over 25 years. We have such high standards and an excellent reputation that most colleges and universities (WMU, KCC, LMC, KVCC, Albion College, Kalamazoo College, Olivet College) have us teach their accredited classes. We don't offer the fastest scuba class, the easiest scuba class, or the cheapest scuba class. We offer you a safe and enjoyable educational experience by a well-trained staff. You'll not only be a certified diver but also a qualified diver. There is a difference.
Is learning to dive easy?
Learning to dive is not hard but like learning any new skill, there are procedures and techniques that must be mastered. Your course will comprise of two sections, the classroom/pool sessions and the open water training dives. First you will learn the “why” and “how” in class, and put what you've learned into practice in the water. In class, such things as the effects of pressure changes, how to read and use the dive tables, underwater communications and navigations, dive trip planning, how the equipment works and much more will be covered. Next you'll head to the pool where you'll be taught how to adapt to the underwater world. You'll use the equipment and gain practical experience in buddy-system procedures, problem management, equalization techniques and the many other components that make you a safe and confident diver. You'll conclude your training with several open water dives. In effect, these dives are your final exam. Under your instructor's supervision, you'll put all that's been learned into real world practice. With you're instructor, you'll experience diving a real environment verse a pool. At first it may seem like a lot to learn. But learning to dive can be a gratifying experience, so remember you're not going to learn it all at once. By devoting a little effort you'll become a safe and competent diver.
How Long Does it Take to Learn to Dive?
Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service offers several options to fit anyone's schedule, from group classes to executive classes and private classes. Group courses are the most affordable and run on a frequent bases at many locations. Executive and private classes are quicker, but require more home-study dedication but fit into tight schedules. Generally speaking, in a group course you'll receive 20-30 hours of instruction. Some courses meet once a week for 6 weeks and others meet twice a week for four weeks. Please ask Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service for a current schedule.
Quickie Classes: Some dive centers offer group weekend courses where you're certified in “Just 2 Weekends!” We've tried them; we don't like them. In our 25 years of experience, we have found that few people are comfortable divers after completing a quickie class. As tempting as these classes sound, taking the easy road is not the best road when in comes to learning to dive. Our quality education is proven in the fact that Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service is the largest NAUI training facility in the mid-west. We didn't become that way because we're the easiest or have the fastest classes. We did it based on our reputation of producing comfortable scuba divers. So, what we're saying is take it slow. Diving is a wonderful way to escape the cares of the day. The learning process is fun so don't rush the experience. You'll meet people in class with whom you may want to share the adventure with in the future. Diving is a social sport.
Schedule: These meet either once or twice a week for 4-6 weeks.
Classroom: Lectures are given by one of our instructors either by power point presentation or slide presentation. This allows for open conversation on the subject matter.
Pool Sessions: The group as a whole will work on each dive skill. If you miss a pool session, you will need to make
it up by attending another class or by making special arrangements with your instructor.
Size of Class: 6-12 students
Open Water Training: These dives are scheduled for the weekend usually after your last classroom/pool session. If
you cannot make this date, other dates are usually available. If you take a course during the winter months, please contact us about your options.
Class Includes: Instructor fees for class, pool and open water training, pool fees, all scuba equipment for pool sessions and
registration fees to NAUI for certification card.
Not Included: NAUI textbook/dive tables ($42.45), or Deluxe Kit ($79), optional open water scuba rental ($60) and snorkeling
equipment ($75 to $375).
Get a group of friends together and make your own class. You set the schedule. Complete the home study program or do classroom lectures with an instructor here at the store (add $25/person). Pool time is based on current availability or we can you your own pool. Minimum number: 4 people. Cost includes: classroom, pool and open water training, pool fees, all scuba equipment use for pool sessions and NAUI registration fees for certification card. Not Included: NAUI Textbook or Deluxe Home Study Kit, optional open water scuba rental ($60) and snorkeling equipment.
This is the ultimate in personalized education. Use NAUI'S Home-study kit in the privacy of your own home or office. It consists of the textbook, dive tables, video tape/cassette tapes or DVD. Pool and open water training dives are completed based on YOUR schedule and pool availability. All water work is done one-on-one with an instructor. Cost Includes : Private instructor fees for pool and open water training, pool fees, all scuba equipment use for pool sessions and NAUI registration fees for certification card. Not Included: Deluxe Home Study Kit ($79 to $109), optional open water scuba rental ($60) and snorkeling equipment ($70-$370).
Is Learning to Dive Expensive?
Expensive is a relative term but when compared to the cost of purchasing a jet ski or downhill ski, scuba is actual quite affordable. If you choose to purchase gear, the price will vary depending on the type of diving you plan on doing. An infrequent, warm water diver may spend $600 on equipment while a cold-water, frequent diver may spend between $2500. Remember, SASS also rents this equipment for those on a limited budget. If you are considering purchasing scuba equipment, ask about our student offers. It will save you a lot of money!! We also offer 90 days Same as Cash financing with approved credit.
For this class, the following in included: instruction fees, NAUI registration fees and certification cost, and use of scuba equipment for the pool portion of the class. Not included are textbooks/home-study kits ($45 - $80), snorkeling gear ($70-$370) and optional rental fees ($60) for scuba equipment for open water training. It is important to SASS that you understand the total cost for the class. No one likes “hidden expenses” so we try to be a through in explaining the training process and expense upfront. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
What is NAUI?
NAUI stands for the National Association of Underwater Instructors. It is one of the largest scuba certification agencies in the United States. NAUI is recognized worldwide and your certification is good for life. NAUI's training standards are the highest in the industry and you will find your course complete and thorough. Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service is the largest certification facility for NAUI in the mid-west. We have the most experienced staff in the area and our educational director has been teaching for over 20 years. Our standards are high and you are guaranteed a quality course.
How Old Do I have to be to Dive?
Youngsters between 12-14 can be certified as Junior Scuba divers, which means they must dive with a certified adult diver. For an adult certification, you must be at least 15 years old. Occasionally, we are asked to certify kids younger than 12. As much as we enjoy the underwater world and want to share it with everyone, we feel children younger than 12 are not mentally ready to handle the sport. Scuba diving is a deceivingly easy sport and problems can arise because of that. Young children may not full appreciate the underlying dangers of the sport if proper procedures are not followed and may not be mentally capable of handling an emergency. For this reason, SASS, holds firm with our minimum age policy of 12. Call us ultra conservative, but we've never had a diving accident and plan never to have one. There isn't a maximum age as long as you are in good health and we frequently certify people after retirement. Our oldest student began diving at 72.
What are open water training dives?
In order to become a certified diver, you must complete two days (5 dives total) of diving in a “real” environment such as a lake or ocean. This will allow you a chance to acclimate to wetsuits, cooler water temperatures, less water visibility, etc. while still diving with your instructor. You have four options in completing these dives.
1) Join a scheduled group training dive weekend.
This is the most popular and economical way to complete your class. Your course fee covers instruction for these dives. Training dives are scheduled from late April to early November. They are held mostly on weekends. Your instructor will schedule one particular weekend for your class to complete these dives. If you cannot make this weekend, you may call the store for an alternative date.
2) Take a Sub-Aquatic Sports group sponsored trip and complete training on location.
We offer trips from Canada to Australia. Please contact the store for our most current schedule. There will be no extra instruction fees for completing the training dives. From our experience, people who take a dive vacation immediately after completing the course are most likely to stay in the sport. Seeing the beauty of a reef or the mystery of a shipwreck first hand can't help but stimulate your love for the sport.
3) If you already have a trip planned, you may obtain a referral card.
A referral card states Sub-Aquatic Sports has completed the class/pool portion of the course. You will need to find an instructor to complete the training dives at your vacation destination. This instructor will charge a fee. Sub-Aquatic Sports may be able to recommend instructors at various dive destinations.
4) Private open water training.
If your schedule does not allow for any of the above listed options, you may complete your dives privately. Based around your schedule, we will give one-on-one instruction. You will still need to allow two days to complete the training . The cost for private open water instruction is $150
What if I have asthma?
Lung disorders such as asthma and emphysema are contradictory to diving. If you have a mild case of asthma in which you do not need an inhaler, you may be able to dive. In such a case, you will need a doctor's approval and verification.
What if I'm not in good shape?
You do not need to be a strong swimmer, however you do need to be comfortable in the water. Your first pool session will consist of a swimming evaluation. This is the most strenuous portion of the entire class. The evaluation will be used to determine everyone's skill level, which will then allow for any course adjustment that may be needed. We are most impressed with people who know how to pace themselves. The evaluation consists of swimming pool laps, treading water, diving to the bottom of the pool, and an underwater swim. After the first session, the pool work is more mentally challenging than physically exerting. Humans instinctively hold their breath underwater, which can lead to serious problems while scuba diving. The skills taught will break the breath holding instinct plus allow you ample time to become familiar with the dive gear.
How long will a tank of air last?
First of all, lets clarify that the tank is filled with compressed, dry, filtered air, not oxygen or any specialty blended. An experienced diver will be able to stay underwater at 60 feet for approximately an hour HOWEVER; there are many factors that effect your ‘bottom time”. As a new diver, you will use a tank faster. In colder water, you will also go through your air supply faster. Finally, body size will determine how long a tank will last. A smaller person (will smaller lungs) can last longer than a larger person.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
347 North Helmer Road - Battle Creek, MI 49037
Phone: 269-968-8551