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How do I learn to dive?

So what do I need?

Becoming a diver is simple and fun. A qualified instructor can teach you to dive in as little as four days or over the period of a couple of weeks. It's totally up to you how fast you want to progress.

The course involves some theory, which is simple and interesting. Then comes the fun bit. You get to don some diving gear and get wet, firstly in a pool and later in the ocean or dam. In the pool you'll work through some practical exercises so you become comfortable with the amazing sensation of being weightless and breathing underwater. In open water, you'll do some more practical exercises then begin exploring the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.

That's it. Congratulations, you've become a scuba diver.

Now you are free to travel the world and visit some of the most beautiful dive sites imaginable.

What do I need?

So what do I need?

Just a towel, swimmers, some snorkeling gear and a great sense of adventure.

Use of hard gear (BCD, regulator, weight system and cylinder) are generally included in the cost of the course but fins (with booties if necessary), mask, snorkel and wetsuit are not.

To be safe, you'll also need a quick medical check-up before you start the course.

Once you've passed your course and have become qualified, you can hire gear from any diving store in South Africa, or any diving store from around the world for that matter.

A lot of divers like to buy their own gear for their own comfort and security. Your local dive centre will be able advise you. It's probably best to wait until you've finished your pool sessions because you'll have a lot better understanding of what you'd like.

If you're interested in knowing more about the array of diving gear, you should visit Manex, South Africa's premier supplier of Aqua Lung diving gear.

How much does it cost?

Most stores offer 2 or 3 different price options depending upon your requirements. Generally it costs around R2000 for your course. This includes all course material, gear hire and dives, but will vary depending upon what's offered on your course.

Most dive stores offer weekends away (these are a great opportunity get to know your fellow students and unwind). These 3 nights, 5 dive trips cost around R4000 and include dives from a boat. We thoroughly recommend going for a boat dive - there's no better way to discover the fascinating underwater world than from the comfort of a dive boat.

Either way, you're guaranteed a great time.

Once you're qualified, gear hire will cost between R50 and R250 for a day and a refill for your tank is about R50. As for your gear, you can spend as much as you want - a general recommendation is to get the best you can afford.

Where can I learn to scuba dive?

Select an area to view a list of dealers within the city selected


Cape Town

Durban

Johannesburg

Mozambique

Pretoria

Port Elizabeth

Sodwana Bay

Diving FAQs

Is it dangerous?

While more people die from bee stings than they do scuba diving every year, there are a few things that can go wrong below the surface. Which is why you must do a course. A course conducted by a qualified professional instructor will teach you how to avoid conditions like the bends. As for the common fear of sharks, it pays to remember Jaws was just a bad Seventies movie.

How old must I be?

You can get a restricted dive licence from as young as 12. Full dive licences are available to anyone aged over 15 years. Scuba diving is a great family sport.

How deep can I go?

With an open water ticket, you are qualified to go to a depth of 18 meters. Later, with more training you can dive deeper. However, it must be said that the best diving is above the 18-metre mark. Colors are more vivid and marine life is most abundant above this depth.

Can I wear contacts while diving?

Yes. It would pay to bring two pairs to the course. Some masks allow prescription lenses to be fitted.

How do I become a diving instructor?

With lots of training and commitment. Becoming a professional dive instructor is one of the most rewarding and challenging career paths you could embark upon. Your local dive store will tell happily tell you how you can make a career of diving. However, the first step is an open water dive course.

What's a BCD?

It stands for Buoyancy Control Device. As the name implies, the vest-like device will help you control your buoyancy during a dive. Controlling your buoyancy is a major factor in enjoying your dive. Your instructor will show you how to use one to its best advantage.

How long does a tank of air last?

It depends on a host of factors: namely, the depth you're diving to, your fitness, the capacity of the tank and even the temperature of the water. All these physical factors influence the duration of your dive. While it's impossible to explain here, your instructor will clearly explain the physics during your course.


Contact Us

Please send all correspondence by one of the following means.
For the speediest reply, email is your best option.

Post:
P.O.Box 1959
Northriding
2162

Fax: +27 11 704 6141 or
+27 21 510 1487

Tel:+27 11 704 6131 or
+27 21 511 7292

Email: info@learntodive.co.za