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Scuba Diver Classes

We want to share our love of the underwater world with you!  This entry level certification course will prepare you to begin to experience it with us or on your own.  Classes are taught at several area locations and scheduling is flexible as well.  We teach at locations convenient to West Chester, Media, Exton, Malvern, Frazer, Devon, Paoli, and many other locations!!


Orientation

Every Scuba Diver class at Dudas Diving Duds begins with an orientation session. The orientation is a chance for you to meet your dive instructor, and your fellow students. It also gives you a chance to visit our store, if you have not already. We will introduce you to the dive and snorkel equipment, point out what equipment you will need to purchase, and fit you in some Scuba equipment. There is some paperwork to fill out and you can get a jump on things by filling out the appropriate medical form below. If you own some snorkeling equipment please bring it along for the instructor’s evaluation.


The Classroom

Dudas Diving Duds Scuba Diver classes consists of several classroom sessions where students learn about the equipment that is necessary to safely dive, physiological concerns with diving, how to avoid the dangers that can beset scuba divers. Each class consists of a 1 1/2- 2 hour classroom session. You will need to bring a notebook and pen as well as your textbook packet to class.


The Pool

Each classroom period is followed by a pool session. The pool sessions are where students get hands-on learning experience with the Scuba equipment. Each session is designed to familiarize students with equipment for both warm and cold water diving environments, how to cope with minor problems underwater, and how to assist other divers in an emergency. The pool sessions are specifically designed to prepare students for their open water checkout dives. You will need to bring a bathing suit and towel as well as your snorkeling equipment to each pool session.

Class Tuition- $299.00
Includes:
  • Instruction from a nationally certified and insured professional instructor with assistance from certified and insured Divemasters and Assistant Instructors
  • Use of Rental Scuba Equipment during the pool sessions
  • Use of the pool

The Equipment

We provide the scuba equipment necessary to complete the lessons. However, we do require that each student own their snorkeling equipment. As a diver you will be much more comfortable in equipment that is properly fitted to you. The equipment that is required for purchase is a mask, snorkel, fins, boots to go with the fins, a weight belt, and a few pounds of weights. All of this equipment is available for purchase in our store and we highly recommend that you stop in a visit with our store staff to get properly outfitted. If you already own snorkeling equipment, please bring it with you to the orientation so that the class instructor can determine if it will be adequate for learning to scuba dive.

  • Each student will need to purchase personal snorkeling equipment as this is fitted to the individual.
  • Each student needs: Mask, Snorkel, Open-Heel Fins, Neoprene Boots and a Weight belt & weights
  • Each student also needs to have a textbook pack. Some of the materials can be shared among family members but everyone needs their own logbook, student folder, and workbook. Some instructors require the purchase of corresponding DVD or video.
  • *NEW* We have Scubapro padded weight belts & weights available to rent for the duration of the class, only $25.
Personal Snorkeling Equipment- Cost ranges from $250-$450

Complete your SCUBA certification

After you have finished you Scuba class you need to spend some time going diving to complete the Scuba certification. The certification process consists of 4 dives over 2 days in an open water environment (as opposed to confined water like a swimming pool).

The certification is the final step to preparing for your exploration of the underwater world! It is intended to introduce you to a real aquatic environment under the supervision of an instructor. You will be expected to perform the skills that you learned and practiced during your pool sessions. Learn how to manage the equipment needed for a diving excursion and plan your dives!

There are several fun options for you to complete your dives! Get more details about completing the Scuba Certification here…

The certification weekend is a separate fee from the Scuba Class as there are several options available.

Certification Weekend- $199.00
Includes:
  • Registration with either the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
  • Lectures and Guided Dives from your Instructor and Dive masters
  • Use of Rental Scuba Gear including Wetsuit and Dive Computer

Upcoming Classes

Location Start Date Session dates
West Chester YMCA Sunday, January 8, 2012
9am-12pm
Meets1/15, 1/22, 1/29 & 2/5
9am-12pm
Upper Main Line YMCA
(Devon/Paoli)
Monday, January 16, 2012
6-8pm
Meets 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13 & 2/20
6-9:30 pm
West Chester YMCA Sunday, February 12, 2012
9am-12pm
Meets 2/19, 2/26, 3/4 & 3/11
9am-12pm
West Chester YMCA Tuesday, February 21, 2012
6-8pm
Meets 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27
6-10 pm
Upper Main Line YMCA
(Devon/Paoli)
Monday, March 5, 2012
6-8pm
Meets 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2 & 4/9
6-9:30 pm

Private and Semi Private Lessons

If our class dates don’t fit your shedule, no problem, We can organize Private or Semi-Private Lessons for you:

Private lessons are tailored to fit your schedule, the instructor’s schedule, and available pool times. If scheduling allows, classes can be completed in as little as a week!

  • Private lessons are one on one and cost $599
  • Semi Private lessons are for 2-6 divers and cost is $499/person
  • Checkout dives can be arranged on one of our scheduled weekends and referrals are available for you to complete your dives on a planned trip.

FAQ

Q. What is the difference between NAUI and PADI?
A. The most noticeable difference between the two is the way they deal with the classroom sessions. PADI uses videos and the instructor supplements the video with any additional information. This way the most important information is taught every time without a doubt. NAUI classes are taught directly by the instructor and is supplemented with visual aids. This way the instructor can speed up or slow the class down depending on how the class is grasping the concepts. The pool sessions for each are very similar and at the end of either class the students are equally qualified.

Q. What if I miss a class?
A. We will be glad to make up one or two classes during one of our other classes, talk to your instructor to arrange a day and time.

Q. What are the age limits for Scuba Diving?
A. PADI will certify at age 10 but with depth restrictions, then at 12 the restrictions are removed. NAUI certifies at age 10. All divers must dive with a parent or legal guardian until age 15 regardless of the certifying agency. When divers reach 15 years old, they no longer are required to dive with a parent but must have parental permission to dive until they are 18.


We only use top of the line rental equipment! All of our Regulators, BCs, and Dive Computers are latest model equipment, so you learn how to use the newest technologies available to you. This is the difference at Dudas Diving Duds.

 

A medical form must be completed before any student can begin classes. Download the medical forms here. Fill it out to the best of your ability. If you mark yes to any questions, you must have the medical form signed by your physician.

PADI Medical Form

NAUI Medical Form


 

 

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