Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Superior Divers Supply And School

No. In fact, it's probably easier than you ever imagined - especially if you're already comfortable in the water. The course is "performance-based," which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.

 

No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 12 years old can participate.

 

No. All you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The only swimming required by for the PADI certification is a 200-yard swim, and floating or treading water for 10 minutes.

 

PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructor, the largest scuba training organization in the world. PADI develops scuba programs and diver training products, monitors the scuba training conducted by more than 67,000 PADI professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records, and issues your diver certification credentials. In addition, PADI maintains various support services for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. Founded in 1966, today you'll find PADI professionals in more than 170 countries and territories, and international service offices in nine countries. Approximately seven out of ten North American divers are certified by PADI, and approximately 55% of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.

 

It means that you've learned basic scuba diving skills from a licensed instructor, and are qualified to dive in open water with a buddy, with or without a Divemaster present. Dive operators will require your certification card before they let you dive with them.

 

At present, your certification is good for life. We do recommend that you dive at least 12 times per year to keep your skills current and that you take a SCUBA tune-up after an extended period of non-diving. A rule of thumb: if you haven't dived in the past 6 months, you can use a tune-up.

 

This is a common question that, unfortunately, doesn't have a single answer. People breathe at different rates, and you breathe faster when you're swimming than when you're resting. Also, the deeper you go, the faster you use your air, and, you can get different size tanks. So, the answer is "it depends." This is why divers have a gauge that tells them how much air they have left at all times.

 

Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your ear drum. In your scuba course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane, and they won't hurt at all.

 

Not really. Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly there are potential hazards so you need training and certification. But like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it's pretty safe.

 

Not at all. If you wear soft contact lenses, you shouldn't have problems wearing them when you dive. If you wear hard lenses, you'll want the gas permeable type for diving. See your eye doctor about these if you don't have them now. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask. See your PADI professional about this service.

 

We make learning to dive easy, safe and most of all FUN! We spend the time needed to help you learn to participate in scuba safely.

 

Simply contact us or stop by the shop to sign up for classes.