| Starting scuba diving lessons is easy, but can be | | | | buy equipment when you start the course, there will |
| daunting. Here are some tips to help you get started. | | | | be time for that later. |
| Finding a course. | | | | Course structure. |
| First step is to find a local school or club. PADI | | | | Different dive schools will structure the course |
| (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) have | | | | differently, but the basics to expect are; |
| an easy to use search tool on their website to help | | | | Theory sessions - introducing the concepts of scuba |
| you find a local school. If you are in the UK you might | | | | diving Confined water / pool sessions - in these |
| also check out the BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) | | | | sessions your instructor will demonstrate basic scuba |
| website to find a local club. | | | | skills to you, you then show them back. This is the |
| What to look for in your teachers. | | | | time to learn, practice, make mistake and perfect |
| It is important that you are comfortable with your | | | | skills. Open water sessions - when your instructor |
| scuba diving instructor. Even if you haven't signed up | | | | feels you are ready they will take you to on a dive |
| yet a good instructor will make time for you and | | | | at a site suitable to your experience. Now is the time |
| answer your questions. Ask questions about group | | | | to show those skills you have just perfected in the |
| sizes, schedules and what is included in your course | | | | pool. The course is your time to learn, a good |
| prices. Make sure you are comfortable with what you | | | | instructor will teach at your pace, answer questions |
| here, if you aren't shop around. | | | | and give you help on any skills you get stuck on. |
| Equipment | | | | Need more information. |
| To begin with you should only need your swimsuit | | | | There are lots of scuba diving forums and websites |
| and towel. Most centres should provide you with | | | | where you can ask questions and get honest |
| equipment for your course, this may or may not be | | | | answers. Remember there are no stupid questions, |
| included in your course fees. Don't feel pressurised to | | | | only stupid answers. |