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Do you want to see giant 400 lb. Goliath Grouper or would you prefer pretty tropical fish? We can show you either or both, you let us know. Our three step program will have you doing a real open water scuba dive with a certified instructor in just hours. - Step 1- Video/Flipchart Presentation
We meet at the shop to view a short and informative video. You will learn how water pressure affects us under water and see the simple maneuvers we use to stay comfortable. Next we select a mask that matches the shape of your face, and size out your scuba unit. Our wide variety of new, clean top-of-the-line rentals assures that each piece will fit and perform properly. - Step 2 - Pool Play
The playing comes last. First we slip into our mask and snorkel, boots, and fins to practice swimming with the snorkeling gear. The flutter kick is an easy slow “kicking of the legs” keeping your knees fairly straight and your toes pointed out. You will then become comfortable with the following 5 techniques used to maintain our desired state.
Technique 1 Clearing the regulator of water If the regulator slips out of our mouth we simply put the mouthpiece back in and clear out the small amount of water that has entered the regulator. We simply exhale through out mouth. Or if we had no air in our lungs we press the button on the front of the regulator to purge the water out.
Technique 2 Recovering the regulator In the unlikely event the regulator gets knocked or kicked out of mouth we retrieve the regulator by extending our arm out then sweeping our hand down, around, and over to hook the hose leading to the mouthpiece. Replacing the mouth piece we use technique one to clear.
Technique 3 Clearing the mask of water Sometimes water will seep into a mask while underwater. We can clear the water out of the mask by looking up and exhaling thru our nose. Grip the mask with both hands and slightly pull the mask down and away from your nose AS you begin to exhale. By “guiding” the bubbles out under your nose the mask fills with air and pushes the water out. Replace the mask and stop exhaling through your nose once the water is out. This can be anxiety provoking for some especially those who mostly breath with their noses. Obviously if you inhaled through your nose with water in the bottom of the mask, you would choke. You cannot inhale thru your nose while diving. The only time you should exhale thru your nose is to clear the mask of water.
Technique 4 Sharing the instructor's air In the extremely unlikely event your air flow is ever interrupted, simply signal the instructor, and replace your regulator with the one given to you. Two people can easily breathe from one tank.
Technique 5 Ear equalization and play As a diver our ears experience discomfort whenever we descend and the water pressure increases. Similar to the effects felt while landing on a jet plane. We pinch our nose shut and gently exhale against our pinched nose. This typically relieves the discomfort for most people. Repeat as needed. We finish by swimming around experiencing the awesome sensation of neutral buoyancy (weightlessness). |
Step 3 - Open Water Diving (2 options) Option 1 - Boat Diving aboard the Scorpion IV We venture between two to ten miles offshore and dive reefs and small wrecks in depths of twenty to forty feet. The instructor leads and guides you around the dive site (the instructor is at your side at all times). Dives usually last between thirty to forty-five minutes each. Check out ‘GULF DIVING’ for more info on the specific contents of what you’re likely to encounter on your SCUBAdventure! Option 2 - Tarpon Bay Dock Dive Although we don’t see the variety of life the Scorpion IV offers, this open saltwater bay dive has some advantages. We drive to the bay and hop in the water off the dock, doesn’t get any easier. The bay is fairly deep (twenty feet) and has a natural sand bottom. There is no current and no waves. A great location for someone slightly anxious, or on time constraints. We typically spot four to six species of fish, play with stone crabs, and (if lucky) check out orange and purple seahorse! Tarpon Bay is fast and also offers a dive spot when the Gulf is rough.
Costs and Times Step one and two require 1 ½ to 2 hours. These are usually done just before the open water dive(s) but can be done up to two weeks prior. Scorpion trips average 3 hours for one tank and 4 ½ hours for two tanks. (In addition to steps one and two) Tarpon Bay is 2 hours. (In addition to steps one and two)
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