- How old do you have to be?
- How much does SCUBA classes cost?
- What is included in the course price?
- What kind of equipment do I need to begin the course?
- What about sharks?
- What about barracuda?
- Can I wear my jewelry while SCUBA diving?
- Is one SCUBA organization better than another?
It depends on the certifying agency. The ages for the certification agencies that we use are: 10 years old for PADI and 12 years old for NAUI.
The cost varies depending on the class you decide to take. You can expect a range from $249 to $499.
For open-water courses, at Depth Perception, this price includes your books, dive tables, and any necessary DVDs. It also includes use of a BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), scuba cylinders (tanks), regulator, and wet suit if needed.
You will need a mask, snorkel, dive booties, and fins suitable for SCUBA diving. You will also need weights (about 12 pounds to begin with). We recommend you come by Depth Perception Dive Center for help with what type equipment is suitable for SCUBA diving. Don't waste your money on improper equipment.
Sharks are actually a rare occurance and you'll find that most SCUBA divers are delighted to see them. Most of the time when sharks are encountered, we catch a glimpse of them as they are swimming away from us. It is rare to see a shark just swimming around unless you are participating in a "shark feeding" which is illegal in the State of Florida!
Barracuda are curious and will hover around and watch divers. Much like sharks, they have received some bad publicity in the past, but you'll find they are quite harmless in the water.
Yes, but we recommend against it only because you run a good risk of losing it. You may have heard that sharks are attracted to shiny objects (like fisherman's lures), however this rarely poses a problem for divers because sharks don't like the bubbles produced by SCUBA regulators.
They are a little different in philosophy, but all teach the SCUBA diving "basics," that are essential to being a safe, competent diver.
