How do I Prepare for my Open Water Diver course?
How do you prepare for something you’ve never tried before? You don’t want to go overboard, but you really don’t want to go underboard either. Don’t stress, the instructors at Brisbane Dive Academy have helped thousands of people learn to scuba dive, so here’s some tips to make sure you remember your first breath underwater for all the right reasons.
How fit do I need to be for scuba diving?
You don’t need to be an athlete to be a scuba diver, but your water fitness will play a big role in keeping you safe and comfortable in the water. Before you book your Open Water Diver course, we recommend that you check the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire – some people will need a doctor’s clearance before they can dive. You will not be able to dive if you are sick, particularly if you can’t equalise your ears.
On the first day of your Open Water Diver course, you will need to pass a swim test in the pool. First, you must be able to swim 200 metres – there is no time limit or required stroke, but the distance must be completed without stopping or standing (you can push off the wall between laps). Next, you must be able to float or tread water for ten minutes in the deep end, keeping your face clear of the water. If you are unsure if you are capable of this, we strongly recommend that you visit your local pool to practice before your course. You might decide to take swimming lessons for adults, which are widely available year-round in Queensland.
Waves, tides and currents are all a part of diving on Australia’s east coast, so it is important to honestly evaluate your water skills and ability to judge water conditions. Snorkelling equipment (a mask, snorkel, boots and fins) is used by scuba divers as well, so snorkelling locally is a great way to evaluate and work on your water fitness and skills. Practicing in your own, well-fitted snorkelling equipment will help you feel more confident when you learn to dive.
What should I know before my first scuba diving lesson?
Replace fear and uncertainty with knowledge, using the digital learning materials on the mySSI app or website. You can access the first half of the theory for free, by creating a mySSI profile, affiliating with Brisbane Dive Academy, and clicking on ‘Scuba Diver’, under courses. Once you have booked your course, our staff will assign your digital learning materials for Open Water Diver, which you can work through at your own pace. It takes most people five to eight hours to complete this theory component. There are six sections with written information and videos to help you learn, then a quiz for each section and a final exam at the end. If you score 80%, you pass, and if not, you can study more and then try the assessment again. Your instructor will make sure you have finished and understood all of the academic requirements before your in-water training begins.
What equipment will I use?
Scuba gear includes snorkelling equipment, plus a wetsuit, regulator, buoyancy compensator (BC), weights and tanks. You will need to be personally fitted at the dive centre for the equipment that you’ll rent or buy, before your course begins. It’s ok to come early on the first day, but if possible, we recommend coming in 2 weeks before your course to try on the equipment. Be prepared to learn why long nails and thick wetsuits don’t mix, or try on multiple sizes to get the best fit. We can also help you select and order a specific size or style of snorkelling equipment, including a mask, snorkel, fins and booties.
What can I do to make my scuba certification easier?
Most people don’t learn to dive every day, so your routine might need to change a little before you start your diving course. The night before, make sure you’ve had a balanced meal and a good night’s sleep. In the morning, please eat or bring breakfast, even if you don’t usually eat breakfast – you will need the energy! Make sure you’re well hydrated, and if you usually start your day with caffeine, please drink or bring your favourite caffeinated beverage(s). Wear comfortable clothes that are ok to get a bit wet or dirty.
Moustaches will almost always cause water to leak into your mask, which can be frustrating or stressful - we recommend shaving off your moustache. If that’s a hard no, you can bring vaseline or beeswax lip balm to minimise the leak. If you usually have long or false nails, please consider opting for a shorter style due to the risk of them ripping if they get caught in the wetsuit. Likewise, false eyelashes or eyelash extensions are not recommended due to their tendency to sweep salt and dirt into the eyes during mask skills.
What should I pack for a scuba diving course?
The time has arrived; it’s time to pack your bags – here’s what you’ll need;
A swimsuit, a towel, a full set of dry clothes (no, you can’t sit in our van in your damp boardshorts), a packed lunch, a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, mask, snorkel, fins and booties.
Here’s some optional extras; A second swimsuit, sunglasses, extra snacks, electrolytes, a book/music for the drive, any medications you may need, a cooler box for summer, a thermos with a hot drink for winter, and anything else you would take to the beach.
What do instructors wish students knew before starting?
Achieving your Open Water certification is not one size fits all, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous before your course. That’s part of what makes the adventure worthwhile! We offer a range of course schedules for different types of beginners. Our 2-day intensive course is ideal for those who are fit and enjoy snorkelling. Our 3-day courses are great if you’d like a more relaxed experience – you’ll spend more time overall with your instructor but do less work each day. We also offer private courses, which gives your instructor maximum flexibility to adapt the course and the skills to suit you. Try not to set yourself a short deadline, like travel plans – it can be stressful and frustrating if things don’t go according to plan. To get personalised advice on selecting a course or preparing for scuba diving, please call us or visit the dive centre. Lastly, be prepared to be the coolest of all your friends as you embark on the amazing journey of underwater exploration!
