TDI Intro to Technical Diving Course
If you’re an experienced diver looking to explore the world of technical diving, the TDI Intro to Tech course is the perfect starting point—no decompression dives, just solid skill-building and gear mastery.
What Is the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course?
“This entry-level technical diving course builds your foundational skills, knowledge, and equipment familiarity for future tech training. You’ll refine buoyancy, trim, and dive planning—preparing you for advanced environments while staying within recreational limits.
What You'll Learn
How to configure and use technical diving gear (including twin sets or sidemount)
Advanced dive planning, gas management, and emergency procedures
Precision buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques
Team diving concepts and communication protocols
- Optional: Nitrox refresher or integration for extended bottom time
What's Included:
1 Classroom Session (1 day, 10am-4pm)
3-5 Open Water Dives at Beaver Lake, AR (2 days, 9 AM–4 PM)
Gear demo
Certification card
Who Can Join?
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Certified as an Advanced Diver (or equivalent)
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Minimum age: 18, or 15 with parental consent
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Recommended: Minimum of 100 logged dives
Certified as SDI Computer Nitrox (or equivalent)
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Good buoyancy control and comfort in cold water
- A desire to take your diving beyond recreational limits
pricing:
eLearning + Certification Fee (Online):
eLearning: $144.15
Certification Fee: $25
Training (Minimum 3 days of Training):
Group Sessions (Pre-scheduled): $250 per day in cash
Private Sessions (Flexible dates): $350 per day in cash
Technical dive training is performance-based, so it’s priced per day instead of a flat course fee. Every diver learns at a different pace, and day-based pricing ensures you get the time and attention needed to master the skills. This flexible structure allows for customized instruction and scheduling without compromising safety or quality.
Personal Gear Required:
Backplate and wing BCD system (or side mount wing)
Dual Cylinders with isolator manifold (or side mount)
Primary and backup regulator (Both 1st / 2nd stage)
2 Dive Computers (Or one computer and timing device)
1 SPG for twinset or 2 for side mount (Transmitters allowed)
Exposure protection suitable for environment
2 cutting devices
2 masks
Reel / spool / lift bag
Wet notes
Compass
Basic SCUBA gear (Fins, boots, bolt snaps, etc.)
You’ll need to bring all of this equipment to the classroom session, and the lake dives. If you do not have all the required equipment, it is available in store for purchase.
TDI Intro to Tech – FAQ:
Q: Do I need to be a tech diver already to take this course?
A: No! This course is designed to introduce recreational divers to the concepts and skills used in technical diving—no prior tech experience needed.
Q: Will this course certify me as a technical diver?
A: No, it’s not a full tech certification. It’s a foundational course that prepares you for more advanced training like TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures.
Q: Will we be diving deeper or doing decompression dives?
A: No. All dives in this course are within recreational limits—no decompression, no extreme depths. It’s about refining skills and learning the mindset of technical diving.
Q: Is this course difficult?
A: It’s more challenging than a typical recreational course, but also very rewarding. You’ll get detailed, personalized instruction and plenty of time to practice.
Q: Do I need to buy special gear before the course?
A: Some things, yes. For example ~ you’ We’ll discuss gear options and may have rental or loaner equipment available. Many students use this course to test gear setups before buying.
Q: What kind of dives will we be doing?
A: You’ll focus on skills like buoyancy, trim, propulsion techniques, and team diving—not sightseeing. These are structured dives designed to build control and awareness.
Q: What’s the benefit of taking this course?
A: You’ll become a more skilled and confident diver—even if you never go further into tech. It’s also the first step if you’re planning to pursue advanced training or exploration dives in the future.