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