If you’re curious about scuba diving but unsure where to start, the SDI Open Water Course is designed for beginners with no prior experience.
Your Path to Certification:
1. Academics: Complete your online learning
2. Review: Complete your classroom review (approx. 2 hours)
3. Pool Sessions: Two evenings spent mastering essential skills and gear assembly (approx. 3 hours each night)
4. Open Water Dives: Four dives over a weekend at Beaver Lake in Arkansas. You’ll demonstrate the skills you learned in the pool.
5. Your SDI Certification: After completion of all of the above, you’ll earn a global certification from SDI to dive with a dive buddy down to 60 feet (40ft for Jr. Divers ages 10-15).
What You'll Learn:
How to safely use SCUBA gear: Gear setup, streamlining, and personalization for your diving style
Proper Dive Execution: Entries, exits, dive planning, emergency procedures, and more.
Skills: Buoyancy control, navigational skills, out-of-gas emergencies, and more.
Optional Nitrox: Extended bottom time, added safety, and less fatigue on dives.
How to feed the fish: On the last dive at the lake, we feed the locals!
What's Included:
- SDI Online eLearning (complete at home)
- 1 Classroom / Review Session
- 2 Pool Sessions
- 4 Open Water Dives at Beaver Lake, AR over 2 days
- Rental of Basic SCUBA gear (BCD, regulator, computer, tank, weights)
- 15% off a full scuba set within 30 days after course
- Air fills for pool and lake dives
- SDI certification processing fee & card
Age requirement:
Ages 10 – 14 will be certified as a Junior Open Water Diver and can only dive with a parent or instructor. Requires parental consent.
Ages 15-17 will be certified as a Full Open Water Diver and can dive with any Scuba diver. Requires parental consent.
Ages 18+ will be certified as a Full Open Water Diver and can dive with any certified Scuba diver.
Good swimming skills are required!
Price:
GROUP SESSIONS: (Pre-scheduled dates)
– Open Water: $449
– Open Water + Nitrox Course: $549 (Normally: $608)
PRIVATE SESSIONS: (Flexible dates)
– Private Open Water: $695
– Private Open Water + Nitrox Course: $795 (Normally: $889)
Group sessions follow a set schedule. Private sessions are tailored to your availability—ideal for busy lifestyles or personalized instruction.
What you need to provide:
- Your own mask, fins, and boots.
- Transportation to the pool and lake
- Lake entrance fee
why add the computer nitrox course?
Extended Bottom Time: Increase your no-decompression limits and stay longer underwater, without the need to constantly worry about air consumption.
Less Nitrogen Absorption: Nitrox reduces the amount of nitrogen your body absorbs, meaning shorter surface intervals and a faster recovery time between dives.
Safety: With proper training, diving with Nitrox allows you to dive with a higher level of confidence and safety, reducing the risks of decompression sickness.
Open Water SCUBA – FAQ:
Q: Do I need any experience to take this course?
A: Not at all! This course is designed for complete beginners. We’ll help build your comfort and confidence in the water.
Q: How long does the course take?
A: Most students complete the course in 4–6 days, spanning over 2-4 weeks. It includes online academics, pool training, and open water dives. Yes, we can get it completed in a shorter time period, but you’ll need to sign up for a private course.
Q: What’s the class schedule?
A: Pool sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and lake dives are done on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you need to reschedule, just let us know—we’re flexible and happy to work with your availability.
Q: What will I be certified to do after this course?
A: You’ll be certified to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters) (40ft for JR divers) in conditions similar to those you trained in.
Q: What if I’m nervous or not a strong swimmer?
A: That’s totally okay! Our instructors specialize in helping new divers feel comfortable. You’ll go at your own pace in a supportive environment.
Q: Is the equipment included?
A: Most of the gear is included or available to rent during training. We’ll guide you through using it and help you choose the right setup if you plan to buy your own.
Q: Can I dive anywhere in the world after getting certified?
A: Yes! Your SDI certification is internationally recognized and accepted at dive shops and resorts around the globe.
Q: What if I have trouble clearing my ears or using a mask?
A: No problem—these are common beginner concerns. You’ll get plenty of practice and personalized tips to help you succeed.
Q: How old do I need to be to take the course?
A: You must be at least 10 years old. Divers under 15 earn a Junior Open Water certification with adjusted depth and supervision limits.