Most people who walk into a Scuba shop for the first time are thrown into sensory overload as to the mountain of equipment in front of them is so daunting and foreign to them. With a glazed look in their eyes, they approach the dive professional behind the counter and tell them they are interested in getting certified. At that point, the glazed look becomes permanently fixed as the dive professional starts discussing schedule, equipment needs, risk and liability, costs and more. All the while, visions of the underwater world become closer to the soon-to-be-diver as he hurriedly hands over his credit card and schedule his or her class for the upcoming weekend. This is the point to slow down, start asking some questions and do a little due diligence. Following is a list of tips and questions to use while conducting your research to choosing a Scuba instructor:
Don’t just interview the closest shop to your home or work. Spend a Saturday and drive around to several shops in the area. Phoenix has over 20 different dive shops that can certify divers. Get to know the shop culture, how they approach training, and what differentiates them from everyone else.
Get to know the agencies that are available in your area. Each dive shop and/or instructor has an affiliation to a Dive Agency. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and SDI are among the largest and oldest. However, there are dozens of agencies that offer extensive programs and extremely professional curriculums. Many of them have become members of the RSTC which is an industry based umbrella that allows the different agencies to network among themselves and effect industry standards. Understand, from the candidate instructors and dive shops, what is different about their agency and why they chose them to be affiliated. Being the biggest or the “best” is not always the right match for your needs.
Take your time to research and find the best instructor in your area. Ask around to different friends who are certified. Ask them about instructors they like and don’t like. Ask what qualities make up a good instructor. Do a lot of research on the Internet within the different online Scuba communities. Also, consider alternatives to dive shops. Some of the best instructors are independent or affiliated with colleges, universities or the YMCA. Most importantly, don’t just jump into a class with any old instructor because that is the next one on the schedule and he or she is the one teaching it.
Interview potential instructors before you take a class. Most beginner divers never ask any questions beyond price. As the old say goes, “you get what you pay for.” Find a professional instructor that will provide direct answers to your questions and not just give you rhetoric. When they tell you something, ask them why? It’s during this interview that you will learn if this instructor has the mastery necessary to give you the knowledge and skills to meet your needs.
Following is a list of questions to ask your instructor:
How long have you been teaching? Experience is a great educator. Find someone who has been teach a while and is passionate about their profession.
How many students have you certified? Just because they have been an instructor for ten years doesn’t mean they have been active. The Scuba industry breeds a lot of part time instructors.
How many students have you certified at this level? If the instructor has certified very few people at this level, he or she may not be familiar with the curriculum and material being presented. You want someone who knows the material.
Do you certify all of your students? How many have you not certified? Not every student is ready to be certified. An instructor who (overly) confident states every student has passed his course, may not be doing a thorough job or may have very low standards for mastering skills.
Do you teach skin diving skills? What skin diving skills will I learn? Skin diving is a great way to get familiar with equipment, build up confidence in the water and have a lot of fun during surface intervals. If your instructor is not teaching you some valuable skin diving skills, you may want to look elsewhere.
What is the maximum ratio (dive professional to students) in the pool and open water?
The lower the ratio the more 1 on 1 time you have to develop skills with an instructor. If a class is overloaded with students, the instructor may not be able to spend the personal time you need to master the key Scuba diving skills.
What certifications you earned and what classes have you taken in the last year? Any instructor who is not actively taking classes is destined to become a stale instructor. Further, by taking classes, an instructor can learn different styles and techniques from a student perspective.
Typically, how many hours does it take you to teach a student at this level? This is a difficult question, as it has to make economical sense. A beginner Scuba class does not need to take 100 hours. However, the more hours of training, theoretically, the more information being conveyed and learned. The real thing to look out for is the minimum number of hours. Some instructors breeze through class without any regard that you are there to immerse yourself in Scuba. One thing to consider is the smaller the class, the fewer hours needed and vice versa.
How many people will be in my class? Generally, any more than 8 people in a pool session is probably overcrowding a class. Lower numbers are better for you.
How many certified assistants will you be using in my class? Most instructors don’t have eyes in the back of their heads. It is a good idea to always have a second set of eyes in the water.
Where did you last go diving for fun? If an instructor isn’t diving for fun, then he will not be fun from which to learn. A Scuba instructor must have passion. The best way to do that is get on a plane and go some place fun and exciting. I want to learn from instructor that is still having a lot of fun with what they do.
Now that you have asked the instructor a lot of questions, you need to ask yourself a few questions:
Was the instructor patient? If the instructor wasn’t patient, or talked down to you, while answering these questions, he will probably have the same character trait during class. You want a patient instructor that will allow you to learn at your speed.
Would I be happier learning from a man or woman? Only you can answer that question. Good and bad instructors come in all sexes. However, this is a physical sport and someone with the same physical concerns may be a better teacher.
Would I let this instructor take my loved ones underwater? If the answer is no, run fast.
Scuba diving offers a lifetime of adventure. Finding the right mentor and role model is essential in developing your dive path. Do your due diligence, take your time and have fun.
For more information about the author and where he teaches, please go to the Academy of Scuba.
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(ArticlesBase ID #1156643)
John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years having explored almost every ocean and/or sea in the world off
the coasts of 6 continents.
Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.
Mr Flanders has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers and the Phoenix Examiner at Examiner.com.
John is an avid cave and wreck diver. He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, camping, golfing, sky diving, reading and writing.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/tips-and-advice-for-choosing-a-scuba-instructor-1156643.html
Scuba diving is a wonderful sport and with the right equipment it can prove to be one of the most fulfilling experiences. Here is what you need to know about your scuba equipment.
What gear will you need when diving?
When you first start out there are five items you will need for basic scuba diving and training.
Scuba Mask: Perhaps this is the most important of them all. This is the mask that will let you see the wonders of the under water world. When buying a scuba mask it is very important to try a wide variety on. Try different makes, different shapes and sizes, not every mask will fit every person so it's important to find the one that will fit you best as the mask also provides a seal against water entering your eyes.
Scuba Booties: These boot like shoes will be your best friend when walking along rough surfaces or slippery rocks. These boots are designed to protect the feet from rough surfaces. They have a non-slip grip on the bottom to assist with walking on slippery surfaces such as rocks.
Swim Fins: These shoes allow you to experience the water as other water creatures do. Fins allow you to propel yourself through the water in fluid movements with less effort. Scuba equipment can be heavy and awkward at times so having the fins allows you to move easier and more efficiently in that water. There are a variety of swim fins to choose from. There are fins that are webbed like a ducks' feet, there are fins that are shaped more like the fin of a dolphin. Make sure to try on a variety of fins to choose one that fits well and will suit your needs.
Scuba weights and belt: This is essential as the weights and belt are what allows you to stay underwater. These come in a variety of makes so trying a few out to get the one that feels best for you would be idea.
Snorkel: This will allow you to enjoy the view from the surface of the water without using your regulator. Using the snorkel while on the surface either before or after a dive will help to conserve the air in the tank and also as a safety mechanism. The rule of thumb is to always have one of the two in your mouth at all times. Either the snorkel or the regulator will help should be caught up in a wave. Either of these devices will allow you to breath.
Always remember when looking to buy your very first scuba equipment, this is one sport that buying second hand is not a good idea and can actually pose to be dangerous. Scuba diving is not cheap but the reward you will get on your first dive will make it worth every penny. The key to a successful dive is successful equipment. Shop at reputable stores where the owner or employees have a strong knowledge in scuba diving. Bring along a friend who may be a seasoned scuba diver or an instructor who may be willing to assist you in your shopping endeavour.
Never buy scuba equipment online as most of the equipment requires you to try ti on. It is essential that you feel completely comfortable in your gear as you will be descending many feet underwater and that is not the time to be uncomfortable.
Remember as you shop for your scuba equipment to be cautious and know what you need before you go. Having a clear understanding of the sport and what is needed will ensure that you have the best experience possible.
Nothing makes a trip to a beautiful tropical island more exciting then scuba diving. This loved recreational sport will allow you to view the beauty of the underwater life up close and personal. There are many resorts and vacation spots in this vast world of ours that offer some of the most beautiful places to dive. Here is a few places that would promise to be some of the best diving experiences .
Cozumel Mexico
There are few places in Mexico that would prove to be a wonderful scuba diving spot. Mexico is very reasonably price and has all you could ever want in a scuba diving vacation. This is a great destination for those living in north america. There is no over sea's travel expenses, and for those in the southern states its really just a hop, skip, and jump away!
Cayman Island:
This is another piece of paradise and the perfect spot for scuba diving. Adequate in pricing the Cayman islands are one of the top places for scuba diving. Known for their famous seven mile beach, it is a picture of perfection. What better end to your scuba diving day then to relax on the beach with a drink and the memories.
Hawaii
Aloha! This is probably one of the most popular destination spots for scuba diving. There is a reason why people gravitate towards the state of flowers. There are endless vacation spots to stay in that cater to those that dive. Hawaii waters are clear, clean, blue and amazing. The various reefs and great diversity of coral and underwater creatures are truely a treat for any divers. Don't forget how warm the water is either! Ahhhhh.
Thailand
Not many would have guessed but Thailand is a hidden beauty. There are countless hidden gems to scuba dive around. Whether it be the Ocean or caverns the beauty is endless. From the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea there is never a dull moment in Thailand for a scuba diver. Thailand diving can be difficult at times because english speaking guides are rare. Have a clear plan before you go if your not already a seasoned diver!
No matter where you choose to dive there is no question that the wonder and beauty of a dive in any of these destination would be an honor to behold. So next time you are considering a vacation plan one around scuba diving and see the underwater world in a whole new way.
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Scuba Diving is a wonderful activity and a great way to experience the beauty of underwater worlds. But one has to be careful when diving. Otherwise your fun adventure could quickly turn into an underwater nightmare.
Here are three great tips every diver should know to keep safe and have fun.
1) Don't Drink and Dive
Everyone wants to have a fun time on their vacation or trip. For some people that means the inclusion of alcohol. But if you are going to scuba, it is very important that you limit your alcohol consumption. The less aware you are underwater, the greater danger you get into. Also drinking leads to dehydration those pesky hangovers!. So when scuba diving remain well hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of bottled water, get sufficient rest, and hold off on drinking alcohol until your diving day is done.
2) Optimize Your Dive Gear
Anyone who has ever done a cave dive has probably learned the importance of streamlining, and tightening up your dive gear. Dangling hoses, straps, or other items that might entangle you pose a serious threat to your safety. There are many things underwater to get caught on such as seaweed, a shipwreck, coral, or even the dive boat as you are getting into the water.
3)Monitor Your Air Supply
Nothing is more important to your safety then your air supply. To ascend slowly, you must have air in your tank. Watching your air supply and consumption frequently is important for the duration of the dive. If you are down to 1,000 p.s.i., you should be well aware of the proximity of your dive boat or the beach. After 500 p.s.i. you should be in the process of making a slow, controlled ascent back to surface. I know it sounds dumb but please watch your gauges constantly throughout your dive and never, ever run out of air!
There is much more to scuba diving safety, but remember these tips the next time you are in the water, after all better safe then sorry!
Scuba diving tours are a great way to explore new water.
click here for more information on great scuba diving tours
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/3-scuba-safety-tips-1101186.html
Koh Tao is a small tropical island, located in the Gulf of Thailand. It's sheltered position means Koh Tao offers great year round diving, with many deep pinnacles and coral reefs close to the island.
The vast array of marine life is staggering. Within a short twenty minute boat ride you can reach more than 25 dive sites, serving as a home to thousands of tropical marine species. On almost every dive you can see wrasses, butterfly and angel-fish, squid and cuttle fish, hawksbill turtles, sea snakes, sting-rays and more. If you're lucky you can even see the biggest fish in the sea - the whale shark.
Learn to Dive with the PADI Open Water Course
Over the duration of the four day diving course Koh Tao's Simple Life divers can show you all the best scuba diving sites - you'll be sure to have an awesome time.
The Koh Tao Padi open water course begins with an orientation and some scuba diving theory, then we get our dive gear on and head into shallow water. You'll practice more than 20 scuba skills in a controlled environment, getting you relaxed and comfortable in the underwater environment.
Then the best bit. Four open water dives on the coral reefs around Koh Tao. Expect to see moray eels, sting-rays, blue ringed angel-fish, turtles, puffer-fish and more. Experience the amazing weightless underwater world of scuba diving.
Also importantly, Koh Tao is a great destination for the apres-dive. Evening time, there's nothing better than to enjoy a cold beer in one of the laid back beach bars, and chat about the days diving stories!
Our PADI Open Water Koh Tao package puts together absolutely everything you need - the four day Koh Tao diving course, use of all scuba diving equipment, your own PADI manual and dive certification and four nights accommodation.
For more information on diving Koh Tao, visit our website at http://www.simplelifedivers.com
Posted by Simple Life Divers
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Thailand, 84360
Tel/Fax +66 77 456 329
web: http://www.simplelifedivers.com
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Eyes wide open and heartbeat just rest in every dwelling "in awe" moment. The underwater world is glorifying to anyone that takes the challenge of scuba diving. This is where life and reality meet. Browsing through the rocky coral reefs, you see creatures that blend in to their surroundings. You have to look closer to be sure they are creatures and not part of the beautiful scenery.
The creatures can look like seaweed, rocks, sea shell, turtle, coral and even other fish. Pink, blue, green, turquoise, yellow, orange, red, purple, grey and black are just some of the most beautiful colors you will see in the most exuberance presentation known. How would you discover such amazing creatures and colors if you never took the chance to go diving? It is only through scuba diving that you will learn and become the next adventurer into the underworld.
You have all your gear in check, and you are already on the boat riding to your drop off destination, somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Tropical waters provide you with warm temperatures and bright, bold, intriguing colors. You are now waiting for the "OK" signal to splash into the everlasting pool of water. "Splash" and you are ready for the float of your life. Open your eyes to a wonder world of fish, coral reefs, seaweed, sharks, dolphins, and those creatures that are invisible to the naked eye.
Scuba diving gives you the experience of a lifetime. What if you ran into a group of dolphins or whales on your sea voyage? What would your reaction be? Perhaps you would hitch a ride on the back of a gentle spirited dolphin, or you would just watch in amazement as that pod of killer whales jump out of the waters doing marvelous acrobats? Killer whales are amongst the most extraordinaire creatures to follow and learn about. Their behavior has been scientifically proven to match that of the human.
As you climb aboard the boat, you look back into the water for one last look. A dolphin splashes in the distance, almost as if to say "goodbye and thanks for visiting my home". You are now back into the human world of fresh air and salty sea spray on your face as you take off towards the beach. To find out more about scuba diving with All Underwater Blog.
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Water World
How much does it cost to go Water World?
HI! IM nasto4563! Today I want to go Water World...the one in Concord! I want to know ho much it is? Because I know Water World is huge. So how much is it?
General admission -$31.95
If you buy tickets online for a weekday, though, you can get them for $19.95
I hope you have fun! Water world is an amazing water...world!
For More Water World Info Click On The Blue Links Below
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Nedalee Ruiz has authored numerous books including The Desperate Parents Handbook. She has seen amazing health results from drinking alkaline ionized water.
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