Weekend Book Class
This course is designed for people who prefer to review concepts with an instructor in a classroom setting.
Prior to class, you will need to set aside some time to study. We strongly suggest that you pick up your book kit at the shop at least 3 to 4 weeks before your class. This gives you plenty of time to study before class.
Classes in 2026 include all learning materials and a pair of XS Scuba dive boots in the course cost.
Friday night hours are 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Be prepared to review chapters 1 and 2 with your instructor. You will be in the classroom for about an hour and then off to the pool for the fun stuff!
Saturday hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm. You will be in the classroom until noon with a break for lunch. After lunch, you will spend the rest of your day in the pool. And, yes, we do let you have a few breaks!
Sunday hours are 9:00am to approximately 2:00pm. You will start your day in the pool and finish up in the classroom with a review and final exam.
In the 50 years of teaching, we have found that most people will not retain the water training if it’s done in one long session. For this reason, The Dive Shop breaks it up into 3 pool sessions.
All gear is provided for the confined water portion of the Open Water Diver course including the use of our mask, fins and snorkels. However, we strongly recommend coming in and getting fitted for and purchasing your own mask and fins as they are personal fit items and you will enjoy the class much more with properly fitting equipment.
We do not rent or provide mask, fins or snorkels for the lake so you will need to purchase those before your open water check out dives.
Availability: In Stock
What You Learn
The PADI Open Water course consists of 3 main phases:
- Knowledge Development (online, home study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving.
- Confined Water Dives (pool training) to learn basic scuba skills.
Prerequisites
To enroll in the Open Water Diver course or Junior Open Water Diver course
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Minimum Age:
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10 years old (for Junior Open Water Diver)
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Ages 10–11 can only dive with a PADI Professional or a parent/guardian certified as a diver.
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Ages 12–14 earn the Junior Open Water Diver certification and have limited depth and supervision requirements.
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15 years or older earns the standard Open Water Diver certification.
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Swimming Ability:
Students must demonstrate basic water skills by: -
Swimming 200 meters/yards (or 300 meters/yards with mask, fins, and snorkel) — no time limit and any stroke allowed.
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Floating or treading water for 10 minutes, using any method.
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Medical Fitness:
Students must complete the PADI Medical Questionnaire to ensure they are fit to dive. Download the PADI medical form here -
Comfort in the Water:
While not a formal requirement, students should be comfortable in water deep enough to stand over their head.
The Scuba Gear you Use
In the PADI Open Water Diver course, you learn to use basic scuba gear including a dive computer, and standard accessories. The equipment you wear varies somewhat, depending upon whether you’re diving in tropical or cooler waters.
Check with The Dive Shop about the gear you’ll use during this course. You can find most everything at The Dive Shop.