We get questions about diving all the time.  Here's a collection of Frequently Asked Questions.  Can't find the answer to your question- no problem- give us a call and we will help you out.

How do I learn to scuba dive?

Becoming a scuba diver is a wonderful adventure! As a certified diver, you get to explore the underwater world, but at home and in amazing places around the world. 

Scuba certification includes three phases- knowledge development, confined water dives and open water dives. The Knowledge development is completed online at your own pace. The skills of diving are learned during the confined water dives. During the Open Water Dives, you demonstrate the in-water skills to a PADI Instructor and become a PADI Open Water Diver.

I am planning a trip to the Caribbean, can I get certified while on my trip?

Yes, you may. You have several options. You can complete your PADI eLearning Knowledge Development course and Pool portion here and complete the Open Water check out dives with a PADI Instructor at your destination. Your instructor here will complete the appropriate documentation for you to take with you. We can also help you locate an instructor and PADI Dive Center for you.

I have a busy schedule, can I take the course on a weekend?

Absolutely! Our Open Water class meets on Saturday and Sunday. This is great for divers that are interested in a quick class and are comfortable in the water. Weeknight schedules can be arranged as a custom class.

Click here to view class schedules.

How old do you need to be to learn to dive?

The minimum age for a PADI Junior Open Water diver is 10 years of age. Junior Open Water Divers complete the same course as their older counterparts. Their certification has some restrictions, such as they must dive with a certified parent or PADI professional and there is a recommended depth limit. Once they turn 15 years of age, they can apply for an Open Water Diver card.

I learned to dive at sea level. I would like to try local diving. What do I need to know?

There are many differences between diving in warm water locations and local diving. The primary differences are that the local dives are done at Altitude. This affects the dive tables that you use for planning the dive. Special training is recommended in planning an altitude dive. Other considerations are visibility and colder water. Most divers use a 7mm wet suit or a Dry suit. Adventure Scuba offers guided local dives to introduce you to local conditions. A great way to get started is to complete the PADI Altitude Specialty.

I've always thought diving would be fun, but I'm a little nervous. Can I try diving before signing up for a class?

Yes, Adventure Scuba offers the PADI Discover Scuba program. Your PADI Instructor or Divemaster will introduce you to scuba equipment, then you go diving. Here's your chance to breathe under water in a fun convenient session conducted in a swimming pool. Be warned, you may never be happy on dry land again.

Who can dive?

If you have a passion for excitement and adventure, chances are you can become an avid PADI scuba diver. You'll also want to keep in mind these requirements:

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 years of age earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for the course.

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course.

Do I have to be a good swimmer to scuba dive?

Before completing the PADI Open Water Diver course, your instructor will have you demonstrate basic water skills to be sure you’re comfortable in the water, including:

• Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.
• Float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods you want.

There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements. People with paraplegia, amputations and other challenges commonly earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Even individuals with more significant physical challenges participate in diving.

My ears hurt when I go to the bottome of a swimming pool or when I dive down snorkeling. Will that prevent me from becoming a scuba diver?

No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ear drums. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how. If you have no difficulties adjusting to air pressure during flying, you'll probably experience no problem learning to adjust to water pressure while diving.

Do women have any special concerns regarding diving?

Aside from pregnancy, no. Because physiologists know little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is not normally a concern

What does having a PADI Open Water Certification mean?

Your PADI Open Water Diver Certification is recognized in more countries and territories than any other card and is your ticket to dive charters and resort diving, equipment rentals and purchases, and opportunities to expand your diving skills through PADI's advanced and specialty dive programs.

I am having trouble fitting my schedule to the course schedules offered. What do I do?

Adventure Scuba offers private lessons and custom courses, where you and the instructor design a schedule to fit your schedule. These custom courses are also available for groups. This is a popular option for families and friends that are planning a vacation. The cost of the course will vary with the number of divers.

Do you offer courses for snorkelers?

Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the underwater world. It's a popular activity for cruises and other tropical vacations. You can increase your enjoyment of snorkeling with proper instruction and proper fitting gear. Snorkeling classes are offered by appointment and are easy to set up.

What's local diving like?

Many divers enjoy exploring the local lakes and rivers in Local Dive Sites Popular locations are Lake DeSmet, Yellowstone Lake, Canyon Ferry and Big Horn Canyon Recreation area. Water conditions are not as clear as in tropical locations, but the sensation of diving is the same. Adventure Scuba plans Camp and Dive weekends throughout the summer. It's a great way to meet other divers and have a lot of fun.

Still have questions?  Contact Adventure Scuba.