Scuba Certification In Northern Virginia: Dry Suit Diving Tips

Dry Suit diving is becoming more and more popular in the world of scuba diving.  It allows divers longer bottom times in cold or frigid water conditions and also allows divers to dive in areas that are not fun to dive using a typical wetsuit.  While all divers using Drysuits should have special Dry Suit training a few tips will go along way in improving your dry suit experience.

Item #1: Know how to use your Dry Suit:
Buoyancy control is the single most difficult aspect of scuba diving.  When diving in a Dry Suit you not only have a Buoyancy Control Device or BCD to help control buoyancy but your Dry Suit is often used as a BCD at depth.  Know how to use your Dry Suit.  Take the PADI Dry Suit Specialty Diver Course to learn the safe way of diving with a Dry Suit.

Item #2: Don your Dry Suit at the appropriate time:
Divers choose Dry Suits to dive in cold water, not necessarily due to cold air conditions.  If it is a cold day you can don your Dry Suit when ever you wish since it will help keep you warm on the surface.  However, if it is a particularly warm day, do not don your Dry Suit until you are ready to get into the water.  This will help avoid overheating on the surface, a very real problem.

Item #3: Wear Undergarments appropriate to your diving environment:
Many Dry Suits require insulated underwear to maintain warmth.  This underwear comes in many different thicknesses, which is measured in degrees ranges.  Select the underwear appropriate to the temperature range in which you will be scuba diving.  This will keep you comfortable without the risk of being either too cold or too hot.

Item #4: Always make sure that your Dry Suit fits comfortably and that the zippers are securely closed:
Dry Suits are fitted very precisely.  If you have gained or lost a fair amount of weight your suit may not fit properly.  If it is too tight it will impede your breathing and motion.  If it is too lose it may hold more air then usual causing buoyancy issues and may even leak water.  Needless to say, always, always, make sure that your Dry Suit zipper is securely fastened.

Item #5: Streamline yourself as much as possible:
A Dry Suit has much more drag and resistance then a wetsuit.  Make sure that you are properly weighted and make yourself as horizontal as possible when diving.  This will help cut minimize drag and resistance.

Item #6:  Practice proper Dry Suit Skills:
Make sure that your routinely practice those ever important Dry Suit Dive Skills.  Think about the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Control Course, which will further assist you with proper weighting and streamlining when diving with a Dry Suit.

Item #7: Properly Maintain Your Dry Suit:
Your Dry Suit like any other piece of important scuba diving equipment must be maintained in proper working order to avoid problems.  Check your Dry Suit well prior to using it to make sure that your wrist and neck seals are functioning properly.  Lubricate your Dry Suit zippers with the appropriate wax prior to each dive.  Clean your suit inside and out after each dive.  Allow the Dry Suit to dry after washing.  Store your Dry Suit according to the instructions from the manufacturer.  Be prepared to for emergencies by having a patch kit and tape available should it be needed.

Your Dry Suit is a major investment in both time and money.  By adhering to these simple basic steps you can get years of safe enjoyment and some great scuba diving from your Dry Suit, which will lead to some great Aquatic Adventures.

Scuba Classes in Northern Virginia: Emergency First Response

First Aid and CPR are good skills for anyone, especially those involved in adventure sports.  The Emergency First Response (EFR) Course is a PADI  affiliate course that specializes in teaching these lifesaving skills – and they’re for anyone, not just divers.

The fun part about Emergency First Response training is learning serious medical emergency response skills in an upbeat, positive environment. You gain the confidence that you are prepared to help in an emergency.

Home Study:
When you register for the Emergency First Response course you will receive your student kit, which includes both an emergency care manual and a DVD that clearly shows the proper way to conduct emergency skills.  You review the manual and DVD at home, at your convenience, prior to the actual course.

Hands On Practice and Training:
During the hands on instruction your Instructors will demonstrate the ever important skills and you will practice these under direct supervision where you will comfortably master the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care in an emergency.

What You Learn in the Emergency First Response Course:

• BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR and rescue breathing at the layperson level
• AED (automated external defibrillator)
• Preventing and care for shock
• Spinal injury management
• Use of barriers to reduce disease transmission risk
• Basic first aid and first aid kit considerations

Once you complete the Emergency First Aid Course you are certified for a period of two years.  The EFR course also satisfies the 1st Aid and CPR requirements for both the PADI Rescue Diver Course, the PADI Divemaster Course and the DAN Dive Emergency Specialist Certification.

Emergency First Response Course at Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy

The Emergency First Response Course is offered at Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, a PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Northern Virginia every other month, year round.

Scuba Lessons in Northern Virginia: Night Diver Specialty Course

One of the most popular of the Specialty Diver Courses that are offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI is the Night Diver Specialty Course.  While most scuba diving is completed during daylight hours, scuba diving at night is a very popular activity.  The underwater reef is alive with fish and other critters during the day.  However, not all sea life is out during the day.  Many exotic creatures like moray eels, lobster, shrimp and octopus are primarily nocturnal and the best time to observe them is at night.

The PADI Night Diver Specialty Diver Course is a great way to learn how to scuba dive at night in a safe and responsible manner.  During the Night Diver Specialty course you will learn:

• Night dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems
• How to control your buoyancy at night
• Entries, exits and underwater navigation at night
• Nocturnal aquatic life, since many of the plants and animals you’ll see are different

The Night Diver Course will include some classroom work which can be completed in the classroom or at the dive sight prior to the three training dives, which are naturally conducted at night. that are also part of the course.  The student utilizes a student kit which consists of a Night Diving Manual and a corresponding DVD on Night Diving.  This is usually completed by the student prior to the classroom portion and the dives.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia for Night Diving

In addition to the student kit and normal scuba diving equipment scuba divers who are diving at night will need three underwater dive lights.  One is a marker light that attaches to the scuba divers tank valve.  This is a safely item and illuminates the diver from behind so that he is more visible.  This in turn lessons the possibility of the divers becoming separated during the dive.  The other two lights are standard underwater dive lights.  One, usually the larger of  the two is the primary light.  The second, often smaller, is carried in the Buoyancy Control Device or BCD pocket and is used as a back up dive light in case the primary light fails.

Night Diving will open up and entirely new world of excitement and incredible scuba diving.  If you have not yet tried, by all means do.  Many of us think that it is the most exciting type of scuba diving there is.

Scuba Diving Equipment - the Scuba Mask

For most of us the first piece of scuba equipment that we purchase is the Scuba Mask.  Most of the major pieces of Scuba Dive  Equipment like the scuba regulator, buoyancy control device or BCD, scuba cylinder and the scuba diving wet suit are loaned to you when you are taking your initial scuba lessons.  The personal items, your scuba mask, your snorkel, scuba boots and scuba fins are not.  You are expected to purchase these items.  At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, my Dive Center in Northern Virginia, this is exactly what we do in our Open Water Scuba Course, which is the beginner scuba course.

Why Do You Need A Scuba Mask?

Your eyes require an air space in front of them so that your eyes can focus properly.   When we swim or are in the water we no longer have that air space.  Therefore while you can still see, your eyes cannot focus properly and everything is blurry.  Your scuba mask creates this air space in front of your eyes and thus you are able to see while in the water whether your are snorkeling or scuba diving.  It is an essential piece of Scuba diving equipment.

How to fit a Scuba Mask?

Scuba diving masks do not come in sizes like other pieces of diving equipment.  Scuba Masks, do however, come in a variety of different shapes and colors.  It is essential to find a scuba mask that fits properly to prevent water leakage or rubbing.  The trick is to simply try the scuba mask on without the strap.  While it is in place inhale.  While inhaling the scuba mask should stay in place properly without leaking air.  If it does fit properly the next step is to check and make sure that it does not rub on any place on your face that has a bony prominence, like your nose, eye brows or checks.

If it passes these two tests then you can narrow your search by taking into consideration any special features that the ask might offer.

What Features to Look For in a Scuba Mask?

Two Lenses or One Lens?

There are a wide variety of features available in scuba masks.  Some masks have two separate lenses some only on large lens.  Many of the scuba masks with two lenses, but not all, accept prescription lenses.    If you wear glasses a Prescription Mask is a very nice option.  The single lens scuba mask does let in more light.  Many scuba divers feel the extra light lessons any feeling of claustrophobia.  The single lens scuba mask has a lower volume so it is somewhat easier to clear when you flood it with water.

Side Windows or No Side Window?

Some scuba masks offer side windows.  These side windows allow a degree of peripheral vision.  Many divers like this option and many do not care.  Side windows on a scuba mask do tend to increase the price of the mask by about $10.00.  The side windows also increase the volume of the scuba mask and thus it is somewhat harder to clear when flooded.

Swivel Buckles

Another option that is available on a scuba mask is swivel buckles.  The swivel buckles allow the scuba diver to more easily tilt the mask away from your face when you are letting water in the mask to help defog it.  The swivels are nice but not essential.

Comfort and Fit

The single most important feature of a scuba mask is comfort and fit.  If your scuba mask is not comfortable you will find yourself purchasing a new scuba mask far earlier then you might need to do so.  Always try on several scuba masks and when you narrow down the scuba masks according to the available options let comfort and fit be the tie breaker to help you decide.

How to Care For Your Scuba Mask?

When a scuba mask is manufactured the entire mask is sprayed with silicone spray to coat the mask frame and to make it shiny.  This silicone spray also gets on the glass lenses and should be removed.  The best way is to use either some toothpaste or a product called Sea Buff.  Put a little on your finger tips and rub it onto the scuba mask lenses inside and out.  Rinse it off and you are good to go.

Every time you scuba dive or snorkel you need to rinse the mask prior to putting it away.  Be sure and dry the mask and then store it in the hard plastic box that came with the scuba mask.  If you put it in the box without drying it first the scuba mask will mildew.

There are many very good manufacturers of quality scuba masks.  Scuba Pro Diving Equipment, Sub Gear Diving Equipment, Mares, Sherwood Diving Equipment and Aeris Diving Equipment are only a few.

Scuba Dive Equipment in Northern Virginia or anyplace else is expensive but with a little extra care it will last many years.   Equipment care should be a part of any Scuba Classes Northern Virginia or Scuba Classes anywhere for that matter.

Learn to Scuba Dive in Northern Virginia – The PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Course

Once you learn to scuba dive in Northern Virginia or anywhere else you will eventually want to scuba dive beyond what you already know.  That is why scuba diving continuing education is so popular.  The single most popular PADI Specialty Diver Course is the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Course.  Nitrox is popular since it allows the diver to stay submerged longer then if diving with air.  This particular PADI Specialty Diver Course is classroom only and does not require any dives, making it easier to complete then almost any other PADI Scuba Courses.

How does Enriched Air Nitrox allow you have longer scuba dives?

Normal breathing air contains roughly 20.9% oxygen and 79% nitrogen.  The amount of time that a diver can stay submerged is determined by the amount of nitrogen that the diver absorbs while scuba diving.  When the scuba diver has absorbed a maximum amount of nitrogen he or she must ascend and end their dive or risk the possibility of decompression sickness.  Since Nitrox has less nitrogen and more oxygen then regular compressed air the diver breaths in and absorbs less nitrogen then when diving with air and can stay submerged longer.  That is the primary reason that the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course is the most popular of all PADI Specialty Diver Courses.

What are the Benefits of scuba diving with Enriched Air Nitrox?

While longer bottom times is the primary benefit of  scuba diving with enriched air nitrox, there are many other worthwhile benefits as well.  The benefit that I enjoy the most is that I am far less tired when scuba diving with enriched air then when scuba diving with air.  It is very common to see athletes breathing oxygen on the side lines between plays.  They do that since pure oxygen helps them catch their breath faster then breathing air and the oxygen gives them an energy boost so to speak.  Breathing enriched air nitrox during your dive has a similar effect.  Some people have even reported not feeling as cold during the dive when breathing enriched air.

Scuba Equipment and Enriched Air

Most brands of scuba diving equipment in Northern Virginia can be used with enriched air that is less then 40% oxygen without modification.  Scuba Equipment Manufacturers like Mares Diving Equipment, Zeagle Diving Equipment and Scuba Pro Diving Equipment all offer scuba regulators that can be used with enriched air without modification.  Sherwood Diving Equipment has modified all of their new scuba regulators to do the same.  You should, however, check with the manufacturer of your scuba diving equipment to make sure that it is compatible with nitrox.  This is also something that your Northern Virginia Dive Center can do.

Scuba Diving Computers and Enriched Air Diving

Another piece of important scuba diving equipment to consider when diving with enriched air nitrox is a nitrox compatible dive computer.  Manufacturers like Aeris Diving Equipment and Scuba Pro all make scuba diving computers that are compatible with nitrox and make calculating your oxygen and nitrogen exposure very easy to do.  Scuba Dive Computers also make scuba diving much safer.

Enriched Air Nitrox was once considered a fad, it is now a very important part of scuba diving courses and will continue to be so.

Learn to Scuba Dive – Northern Virginia – The PADI Master Scuba Diver

Over the past few weeks we have looked at several of the many scuba classes that are available to us in Scuba Continuing Education.   We started with the entry level scuba certification or Open Water Course and worked up to the Professional Scuba Diving Certification or Divemaster Program.

Scuba Diving Courses and Scuba Diving Certifications: Recreational vs Professional

From the beginner scuba course or Open Water Course to the more advanced like the PADI Advanced Open Water Course you learn basic scuba diving skills.  When you add the PADI Rescue Diver certification you add skills in dive accident management.  This in turn makes you a better diver and a safer scuba diver.

We spoke about the PADI Divemaster program as recognizing those that achieve professional level dive skills and entry to the professional scuba diving certification, perhaps leading on to Scuba Instructor.

However, what distinguishes the recreational diver that achieves a higher skill level?  That is one of the benefits of the PADI Master Scuba Diver Certification.

The PADI Master Scuba Diver Certification

PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

The PADI Master Scuba Diver Certification is a recreational rating that denotes a scuba diver who has achieved a well rounded background in scuba diving and has also amassed a certain amount of scuba diving experience.   Just what is a PADI Master Scuba Diver?

To earn this distinguished scuba diving certification a diver must have completed not only the Open Water Diver Certification but the PADI Advanced Open Water Certification as well.  These two scuba diving certifications show that the scuba diver possess not only the basic skills to properly scuba dive but has taken the time to add five more dives and several more  essential skills and experiences.

The PADI Rescue Diver

The PADI Rescue Diver course is also required showing that the scuba diver not only has general scuba diving skills but also has knowledge about potential problems that can occur when scuba diving and more importantly how to safely deal with these problems.  Divers completing the PADI Rescue Diver Course must also be current in CPR and First Aid and have usually completed the Emergency First Response First Aid & CPR Course.

The PADI Specialty Diver

PADI offers a host of Specialty Dive Courses that offer the scuba diver the opportunity to experience several different types of scuba diving.  A few of the more popular PADI Specialty Courses are: PADI Underwater Photography where you learn the skills required to safely take photographs underwater.  In this course you learn about underwater photographic techniques, and underwater camera equipment.  You also learn the basics about editing your photographs and proper photographic composition.  This scuba course includes completing two scuba dives using an underwater camera system.

The PADI Wreck Diver course covers the basics of safely diving and exploring sunken ship wrecks.  Proper safety techniques an precautions while wreck diving are covered and the diver will complete four dives on a wreck to enhance their experiences.

Since many ship wrecks lie in deep water the PADI Deep Diver course is another popular choice.  During the Deep Diver Specialty the diver will complete four dives at depths greater then 50 feet, learning the physiological differences in diving deep versus dives that are made to shallower depths.

As we said earlier there are literally dozens of different PADI Dive Specialties.  The PADI Master Scuba Diver is well rounded and to qualify for the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification the diver must complete any five of these exciting dive specialty courses.

Last but by all means not least the PADI Master Scuba Diver must have personally logged a minimum of 50 logged scuba dives.  This shows that the diver has a fair amount of scuba diving experience.  While the Master Scuba Diver certification is not a professional rating it does show that the diver has taken the time to become an experienced and well rounded diver.  It is an accomplishment of which to be proud.

The Best Scuba Diving Lessons Northern Virginia – The PADI Equipment Specialist Course

Every scuba diver knows that the beginner course in scuba training is the Open Water course but few scuba divers are aware of all the available scuba continuing education courses that are available.   Recently we have looked at the PADI Advanced Open Water Course, The PADI Rescue Diver Course and even the PADI Divemaster Course.   Today, we will look at an often overlooked course: PADI Equipment Specialist.

Take Care Of Your Scuba Equipment

Many scuba divers will take the PADI Equipment Specialty course after purchasing their scuba equipment.  It is a very good way to learn the proper care and maintenance on your scuba gear, which can be quite costly.  During the Equipment Specialist course you learn about the proper rinsing and storing of your scuba equipment after your dive.  You also learn about the required and recommended service of your scuba regulator and scuba buoyancy control device or BCD.   During the PADI Equipment Specialist course your Scuba Instructor will also show you many of the features that are part of your equipment so that you can get the most out of it.

At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development IDC Dive Center, located in Alexandria, Northern Virginia, we give the PADI Equipment Specialist Course to anyone who purchases a complete scuba package (regulator, buoyancy control device and scuba gauges or scuba computer) at no charge.  It is our way of saying “thank you,” and it also makes sure that the purchaser knows exactly how to use and get the most out of his or her scuba equipment.

Know What To Look For When Buying Scuba Diving Equipment

Many scuba divers will take the PADI Equipment Specialist course prior to purchasing their new scuba equipment.  Since the course teaches you about the different types of equipment and the features of each the course becomes a very good primer in understanding what features that you may want when you do buy your scuba gear.  Knowing about these features will make you a more educated consumer and assist you in this important decision making process.

At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, if you take the Equipment Specialist course from us and purchase a complete set of scuba equipment within 30 days, we will credit the cost of the class against your purchase.

Be a Safer Scuba Diver

Having been a Scuba Instructor for over 25 years, I know that a great majority of scuba diving problems occur due to equipment related issues.  By making sure that you properly take care of your scuba diving gear and by having it serviced properly you will be far less likely to have any equipment related issues or problems.

The PADI Equipment Course is a great course.  It will help you maintain your investment and get the most out of it.  It will help you make the right decisions on what to purchase and how to make it last.  It can save you quite a lot of money and make you a far safer scuba diver then you might otherwise be.  It is a course that just makes good sense.

The Best Scuba Training Courses – Part 1 – Continuing Scuba Education Courses

Go Diving or Take More Courses?

One of the most common questions that I hear from recently certified scuba divers is: Now that I know how to dive should I go diving or take more scuba courses?  That is a great question and there is no easy answer.  Of course if you go diving you acquire experience and that helps make you a more accomplished scuba diver.  However, when we do things on our own how do we know we are doing them the correct way?  We really do not.  In this case it is through trial and error and we learn what works and what does not work.

The Advanced Open Water Course:  Day 1:

While I am a firm believer in getting out and doing, I really do see the benefits of scuba continuing education courses.  While it has a misleading name, the Advanced Open Water course is not just for advanced scuba divers.  It picks up exactly where the Open Water Scuba Course leaves off and adds some very valuable skills for the newer diver.  At my dive center, Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy,  a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center in Northern Virginia,  we recommend that the new diver continue as soon as possible with the Advanced Open Water Course.  This course includes five dives done over one weekend more then doubling the experience level of the newer diver and goes a long way in adding to their experience and safety.

Peak Performance Buoyancy:

At Aquatic Adventures we always start the Advanced Open Water Course with a Peak Performance Buoyancy dive.  During this dive we concentrate on proper fin kicks and body positioning.  We also emphasize proper weighting.  This makes us much more streamlined and means that we do not have to work as hard during the dive.  Consequently, we use less air and our dives last longer.  

Underwater Navigation:

On land we use maps and GPS units to find our way.  While Scuba Diving we use an underwater compass, an important piece of Dive Equipment.  Proper use of the underwater compass, not only makes us a better diver, but is a safety issue as well.  It means we are less likely to get lost underwater, which could cause problems in returning to the boat or shore safely.  The second dive is our Advanced Open Water course is the first Underwater Navigation Dive and deals with both compass navigation and natural navigation as well.  I, personally, will not dive without an underwater compass.  I consider it an essential piece of dive equipment. 

Night Diver Specialty Dive:

The third dive that we offer at Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, in our Advanced Open Water Course is the Night Diver Specialty Dive.  Diving at night is an incredible experience.  Many of our favorite critters, lobsters, morays, shrimp and crabs are all nocturnal creatures.  Night Diving allows us the opportunity to see what we might otherwise miss.    There are several skills specific to night diving that makes us a better diver and safer as well.

The Advanced Open Water Course:  Day 2:

The Deep Dive Specialty Dive:

One of the most anticipated dives of the Advanced Open Water course is the Deep Dive.  During this dive we look at the physiological differences in diving deeper then normal.  Increased air consumption, shorter allowable dive time, loss of light, loss of color and the possibility of nitrogen narcosis are all characteristics of deep diving.  Completing your first deep dive under the supervision of an Instructor insures that you learn properly and lesson the likelihood of any problems.    This is a fun dive and offers the participant a lot of good practical experience.
The Optional Dive: Underwater Photography, Multilevel or Computer Diving, Wreck Diving

The fifth and last dive of the Advanced Open Water course is what we call an optional dive.  Doing the dive is not optional – it is required, but you get the option of choosing a dive that interests you personally.  We have several options available to our students and the most popular are Underwater Photography, Multilevel Diving also known as computer diving, and Wreck Diving.  These are the types of dives that very personal to the participant and can lead to years of enjoyment.

Now Get Out and Scuba Dive!

Now that you have completed the PADI Open Water Course and the PADI Advanced Open Water Course it is time to just get out and dive.  Put to practice what you have learned.  The best divers are the ones with a balance of proper dive training and experience.

Learn to Scuba Dive the Right Way

When you decide to Learn to Scuba Dive in Northern Virginia or anywhere else  it involves much more then just learning the basic scuba diving skills and theory.  It involves understanding them and putting them to practice the proper way.  At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy in Alexandria Northern Virginia, a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center, we pride ourselves on not only teaching scuba diving but making our graduates safe divers that actively dive and enjoy the sport.  Just what is involved in becoming a safe and active scuba diver?

Learn to Scuba Dive the Right Way

Learning to Scuba Dive the right way involves taking classes at a Northern Virginia Dive Center or a Dive Center located elsewhere that is dedicated to teaching the proper techniques and safety protocols rather then just turning out divers.  Today many dive centers skip the basics like dive tables.  Yes, most of us dive with Dive Computers today but we still need to follow the basic principles of safe scuba diving and the best way to learn those is to learn how to use the Dive Tables and follow those principles whether we are using the tables or a scuba diving computer.  A simple analogy of this is almost all of us use a calculator but we could not use it properly if we did not learn the basics of math (times tables, etc) as a child.  The same is true for Scuba Diving Computers.  If we do not follow the basic rules we learned as a new diver, do your deeper dive first regardless of whether we are using a dive computer or not we are putting ourselves at greater risk of problems by ignoring these rules.

The Proper Scuba Diving Equipment is Essential: Know How to Use It and Care for It

A Dive Center that truly specializes in Scuba Dive Equipment in Northern Virginia or anywhere else that people dive will make sure that their patrons understand and properly use the equipment that they sell.  At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy we instruct all purchasers of equipment on how to safely use the equipment and how to take care of it.  If a diver purchases a package (Scuba regulator, buoyancy control device and computer gauges) we even give them the PADI Equipment Specialist Course at no charge to make sure the they get the most out of their new equipment.  Proper instruction on scuba equipment use and safety is paramount and it is also something that is not received by those who buy equipment on line.

Always follow the manufacturers recommendations as to routine maintenance and care.  Annual Scuba Diving Equipment Service is essential for not only safety but to maintain the warranty that came with the scuba diving equipment.

Scuba Dive Travel: The Best Scuba Divers are Active Scuba Divers

First you Learn to Scuba Dive, then you obtain good quality Scuba Diving Equipment.  The next step is to go scuba diving.  The more that you scuba dive the better the scuba diver that you become.  Practice makes perfect and do not forget that all important Scuba Continuing Education class.  PADI Specialty Diver Courses such as the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Course are great for honing skills and becoming a safer scuba diver.  Courses like the PADI Aware Fish Identification course are great for learning more about what you are looking at and enjoying your scuba dives more.    When you are on that next great Aquatic Adventure you will appreciate the time you spent learning to scuba dive, getting the proper scuba diving equipment and learning how to use and just plain getting out and scuba diving.

Why You Should Learn to Scuba Dive in Northern Virginia

OK, you have decided to learn to scuba dive.  Great decision, it will be one of the most exciting things that you have ever done.  But now the question is where do you learn to scuba dive?  You can learn to dive locally, here in Northern Virginia.  You can learn to scuba dive while on vacation in the Caribbean or you can do the class and pool here and the open water dives while on vacation.  Which is the best for you?

Many of us decide to learn to scuba dive because we have a vacation scheduled at some exotic tropical location, and the thought of scuba diving there is irresistible.  Learning to scuba dive involves taking the Open Water Dive Course, which is the entry level full certification.  This course has two parts: the Class & Pool, where you really learn the skills and theory.  And the Open Water Dives, where you cement those skills and get to practice them in an actual diving environment.  This course is offered locally at your Dive Center in Northern Virginia, it is also offered at many resorts throughout the world.  Which to choose?

Take the Open Water Class & Pool Locally in Northern Virginia

Many prospective scuba divers decide to take the class and pool sessions locally and then complete the dives while on vacation.  This is a very viable option.  Taking the class & pool locally means that you do not waste valuable vacation time sitting in a classroom or practicing in the pool.  You do this at home well prior to your trip, at your local Dive Center in Northern Virginia.  In addition by completing the Open Water Course class and pool at home well prior to your vacation you have extra time to work on things should problems arise. like getting a cold or just needing extra practice time to perfect those skills.  Locally you are not rushed like you are while on a vacation with limited time available.  Your local PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center, like Aquatic Adventures has the PADI Open Water Course scheduled on a regular basis and can easily provide one that fits your busy schedule.   Taking your Scuba Classes  Northern Virginia also give you the advantage of selecting just the right Dive Center for you.  If you wait until you are on vacation you are limited to what is offered at your resort and the schedule may not fit your needs.

Lastly, and just as important when your start your Open Water Course locally you will select various items of personal scuba diving equipment, like your scuba mask, snorkel and scuba fins.  Selecting these at your local PADI Dive Center in Northern Virginia means that you have a far greater selection then at a dive resort and down the line should you need service your local PADI Dive Center can provide that for you.  Your resort is not readily accessible and cannot match the service of your local PADI Dive Center.

Once you finish your Open Water Class & Pool your local Dive Center will provide you with a Letter of Referral allowing you to complete your Open Water Dives at any PADI Dive Center or PADI Resort around the world within 12 months.

Take the entire Open Water Course in Northern Virginia

While taking the entire Open Water Course in Northern Virginia does not sound as exotic as learning to dive in the Caribbean there are many practical advantages to learning to dive in Northern Virginia.  We have already looked at the advantages of taking the Open Water Course class & pool locally now lets look at why we would want to complete the Open Water Course dives locally.

When you complete your Open Water Course dives while on vacation, granted the dive sites are often nicer but you are spending much of your vacation time doing skills rather then exploring the reef.  When you complete your Open Water Course dives locally your are already certified when you go on vacation and can spend all of your dive time exploring and enjoying the reefs.

A second advantage to taking your entire PADI Open Water Course in Northern Virginia is that when you do your dives you are completing them with the same Instructors that you had in the class & pool, so they know you and your strengths and weaknesses and you know them so you will be more comfortable during your dives.  In addition Scuba Diving in Northern Virginia involves using  scuba diving wetsuits and learning better buoyancy skills then in the warm water locations of the Caribbean.

Scuba Lessons in Northern Virginia

Scuba Lessons and Scuba Diving Training involve more then just learning to scuba dive.  Many scuba divers who are already certified will take Scuba Continuing Education Courses prior to their planned vacation.  A good example is the PADI Enriched Air – Nitrox course.  Diving with enriched air allows the diver longer bottom times – that is more time to enjoy exploring the reef.

Regardless of which option you choose the important thing is to get out and learn to scuba dive.  Then you are ready for your next great Aquatic Adventures.