Scubaland Concierge Service

PADI eLearning
POPULAR

FULL COURSE

$750

Materials not included
Private Schedule
In-Home Training
Local Checkout Dives
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REFERRAL

$500

Materials not included
Private Schedule
In-Home Training
Destination Checkout Dives
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PADI eLearning

PADI Open Water Diver Course

Let the adventure begin

This is by far our most popular course. The PADI Open Water Diver Course is the first full certification course in the PADI diving education system. During this course you will learn all the skills needed to dive confidently, independently of a dive professional.

This course, is run by our highly qualified instructors and is divided into 3 areas:
  • Academic Training (classroom and independent study)
  • Confined Water Training (swimming pool sessions)
  • Open Water Training (lake or quarry sessions)
After purchasing this course, bring your receipt with you to our store to receive your 10% discount on the purchase of your fins, mask, snorkel, and boots (snorkeling gear). Don't forget to pick up your course materials before class! There are 5 chapter reviews to complete before class and we will also have you look over the PADI Medical form in case you need to get a doctor's approval before any in-water training. Don't forget your swimsuit, towel, snorkeling gear and entire Open Water crewpack the first day of class.

Benefits

  • Lifetime certification
  • You won't spend valuable vacation time learning to dive
  • Gain the skills and experience to dive safely
  • Prepare for the Adventures in Diving Course

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  • No diving experience necessary
  • Minimum age: 10
  • Able to swim 200 meters non-stop any style
  • Able to tread water for 10 minutes
  • Complete a medical statement

  • Private in-home instruction on a custom schedule
  • All SCUBA equipment (BCD, regulator, tanks, weights, dive computer)
  • Rental wetsuits, hoods and gloves
  • Students receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchases
  • 1 YR membership to Scubaland Dive Club
  • Certification card
  • Dive Planning Slate

Note: If you choose digital materials (Open Water Diver Touch Certification Pack) the Digital Enhancement Crewpack is included.  The Digital Enhancement Crewpack provides your logbook, student record file, and other supporting physical course materials.

  • Dive site entry fees
  • Snorkel gear
  • Signal Tube

Note: Concierge Referral does not include checkout dives.

You have two options for course materials.


The PADI Open Water Diver Crewpack is the standard materials package that provides your logbook, student record file, dive computer simulator, and the PADI Open Water Diver Manual that you will use to complete your knowledge reviews.  An optional video is available for rental.  You need to obtain this package from the store or have it mailed to you at least a week before the start date of your course.


The PADI Open Water Diver Touch Certification Pack is an iOS or Android application that can be downloaded to a device.  The app provides the same information as the paper manual and incorporates video and animation to provide a multimedia experience.  The app does not expire and updates are free for life.  If you choose the app you can start your SCUBA training as soon as we send you your digital authorization code.  You will also need a Digital Enhancement Crewpack.  This Crewpack includes the physical materials you will need for class including your student record file, logbook, etc.  You can pick this package up anytime prior to the start of your course.


Not sure about your schedule but you want to sign up for a class? Scroll to the bottom of the course listing and select the course marked "UNSCHEDULED." We will enroll you in an unscheduled class and you can contact us when your ready to choose your dates. We'll then move you into the class you chose. You can ignore the dates that appear on the unscheduled class listing.

Concierge Service

Private In-Home Training on a Custom Schedule!

Our concierge service offers in-home lessons with custom schedules organized by one of our staff instructors to get you certified in as little as 3 days! You provide the pool and we'll bring the class to you! 



Private in-home lessons are designed for individuals with extremely challenging schedules and for those that want to work at their own pace during all phases of instruction. Classroom, pool, and open water checkouts are conducted at the convenience of the participant and can be completed in multiple weeks or in as few as 3 days.



This course is run by our highly qualified instructors and is divided into 3 areas:

 ï»¿ï»¿

  • Academic Training (classroom and independent study)
  • Confined Water Training (swimming pool sessions)
  • Open Water Training (lake or coastal sessions)

 ï»¿ï»¿

After purchasing this course, bring your receipt with you to our store to receive your 10% discount on the purchase of your fins, mask, snorkel, and boots (snorkeling gear). Don't forget to pick up your course materials before class or ask us to mail them to you ahead of time! There are 5 chapter reviews to complete before class and we will also have you look over the PADI Medical form.



One of our training consultants or Instructors will contact you to begin arranging your private in-home training schedule.



Course Materials



You have two options for course materials.



The PADI Open Water Diver Crewpack is the standard materials package that provides your logbook, student record file, dive computer simulator, and the PADI Open Water Diver Manual that you will use to complete your knowledge reviews. An optional video is available for rental. You need to obtain this package from the store or have it mailed to you at least a week before the start date of your course.



The PADI Open Water Diver Touch Certification Pack is an iOS or Android application that can be downloaded to a device. The app provides the same information as the paper manual and incorporates video and animation to provide a multimedia experience. The app does not expire and updates are free for life. If you choose the app you can start your SCUBA training as soon as we send you your digital authorization code. You will also need a Digital Enhancement Crewpack. This Crewpack includes the physical materials you will need for class including your student record file, logbook, etc. You can pick this package up anytime prior to the start of your course.



Pool Training



Your pool training sessions will last between 2 and 4 hours long. You will need to be comfortable in your pool for that amount of time. If your pool is not a heated pool and you are concerned about getting cold, we will provide you with a rental wetsuit or help you select a new one to use during your training.



Our training standards require that we use a pool with water "too deep to stand up in."  For an adult that would be 7 feet or over.  For a child that could be as shallow as 5 feet. Our training staff will evaluate your pool to insure that it meets training standards and will discuss other options if needed.


Checkout Dives


Checkout dives are conducted locally at one of our many dive parks.  Your instructor will bring all your equipment to the dive site for you and will return it to the shop for you. The Concierge Referral option is designed for those that would like to do their checkout dives in a dive destination or on a dive trip. Ask about taking your instructor with you to your destination!

Evenings, Weekends, or Daytime?
  • Prerequisites
    • No diving experience necessary
    • Minimum age: 10
    • Able to swim 200 meters non-stop any style
    • Able to tread water for 10 minutes
    • Complete a medical statement
  • Price Includes
    • All SCUBA equipment (BCD, regulator, tanks, weights, dive computer)
    • Rental wetsuits, hoods and gloves
    • Students receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchases
    • 1 YR membership to Scubaland Dive Club
    • Certification card
    • Dive Planning Slate

    Note: If you choose digital materials (Open Water Diver Touch Certification Pack) the Digital Enhancement Crewpack is included.  The Digital Enhancement Crewpack provides your logbook, student record file, and other supporting physical course materials.

  • Price Excludes
    • Dive site entry fees
    • Snorkel gear
    • Signal Tube
  • Course Materials

    You have two options for course materials.


    The PADI Open Water Diver Crewpack is the standard materials package that provides your logbook, student record file, dive computer simulator, and the PADI Open Water Diver Manual that you will use to complete your knowledge reviews.  An optional video is available for rental.  You need to obtain this package from the store or have it mailed to you at least a week before the start date of your course.


    The PADI Open Water Diver Touch Certification Pack is an iOS or Android application that can be downloaded to a device.  The app provides the same information as the paper manual and incorporates video and animation to provide a multimedia experience.  The app does not expire and updates are free for life.  If you choose the app you can start your SCUBA training as soon as we send you your digital authorization code.  You will also need a Digital Enhancement Crewpack.  This Crewpack includes the physical materials you will need for class including your student record file, logbook, etc.  You can pick this package up anytime prior to the start of your course.


    Not sure about your schedule but you want to sign up for a class? Scroll to the bottom of the course listing and select the course marked "UNSCHEDULED." We will enroll you in an unscheduled class and you can contact us when your ready to choose your dates. We'll then move you into the class you chose. You can ignore the dates that appear on the unscheduled class listing.

PADI Open Water Diver Crewpack

Traditional materials or eLearning Touch?

PADI has known for a long time now that different people learn in different ways.   

They were the first training agency to offer color reproduction in their print materials, slide carousels, VHS and then DVD videos, powerpoint presentations, web based eLearning, and now digital platform independent eLearning!

PADI's standard crewpacks, books, and other supporting printed materials have always been the best in the industry and remain popular today.  For the average student these materials are highly effective and deliver a substantial cost savings over digital eLearning Touch materials.

Of course, using the standard materials is kind of like watching a fireworks display in black and white compared to using the eLearning Touch products! PADI's new digital products offer an entirely different experience.  The Touch products combine text, graphics, videos, and animations in a fun and easy to use product that is platform independent.

Some of the advantages of eLearning Touch product
  • Supports both iOS and Android devices
  • Does not expire and updates are free
  • Available and useable both online and offline
  • Provides feedback on learning through quick quizzes
  • Records progress and completion of learning modules
  • Multi-media experience is engaging and effective
The eLearning Touch products are not for everyone. They are for those student divers who are looking for a multimedia immersive learning experience. Ask one of our training counselors for more information about eLearning Touch products.  You can purchase access codes in the Scubaland Adventures physical or online store, or you can purchase them directly from PADI.com.
PADI eLearning

The right gear matters

Most SCUBA divers end up owning all their own gear eventually.  The most important gear you will own is your snorkeling gear.  It's hard to enjoy SCUBA diving or snorkeling if your mask is always full of water or your fins hurt your feet.

At Scubaland we're all divers and/or dive instructors so we understand the importance of snorkeling gear that fits you the way it's supposed to.  In fact, we're serious enough about this to give you a fit guarantee.  If you are having a problem with any piece of your snorkeling gear during class bring it back to us for an immediate exchange. We will do this as many times as we need to in order to get it right!
We guarantee that you will be happy with your 
snorkeling gear
and that it will fit you properly!
Some of the items you will need...

Mask

If you want to see anything underwater, you need a good mask! With masks, it's all about fit. Does it seal properly? Can you exhale through your nose so you can equalize your mask? Is it comfortable on the bridge of your nose or does it pinch? Our equipment counselors are very good at finding you mask options that fit properly. However, we won't know for sure until you actually get in the water. This is why masks are the item that we exchange the most!

Masks come a staggering number of models, colors, and sizes. Some have one window, some have two or three. Some masks have replaceable lenses for vision correction (like readers). Other masks we can get lenses created with your exact vision prescription. If you are interested in getting vision correction for your mask, let us know and we'll find you a mask that makes it possible!

Fins

SCUBA fins are not the same thing as snorkeling or swimming fins. A SCUBA diver straps on close to 40 pounds of gear and is shaped more like a truck than sports car when we're underwater. In other words, you need an engine that's going to give you the power you need to get where you're going.

A good set of SCUBA fins is open-heeled so you can wear a dive boot. They are stiff enough to give you the propulsion you need without being so stiff that they wear your legs out when you use them. Scubaland carries both standard paddle fins and the more advanced and more comfortable split fin designs. We'll find you a couple models of fins that fit you properly and then you can choose the most comfortable combination of fins, boot, and feet!

Snorkel

All of the snorkels that we carry will work just as well for snorkeling as they will for diving. They all have purge valves on the bottom so that they will clear water easily. The big difference between snorkels is what's on the top. Some snorkels are open ended (just the tube), while some have splash guards that direct water away from the top of the snorkel.

Probably the most comfortable snorkel to use is a dry valve snorkel. This type of snorkel has a valve at the top that closes when water gets too close to the top of the snorkel. This prevents the snorkel from filling up with water and you inadvertently inhaling water when you were expecting air!

Most students will invest between $200 and $300 in a good set of basic snorkeling gear. All of the gear we sell is backed by both a shop and a manufacturer warranty and will last many years with the proper care.

Boots

Dive boots are kind of like tennis shoes. They come in high tops and low tops. A good set of dive boots fits your foot snugly but doesn't cramp your toes. Dive boots come in a variety of shapes and sizes just like feet do. We usually will find you a couple of good options for your dive boots so that you can find the boot that creates the best combination of boot, fin, and foot.

Dive boots have a variety of different soles. Some are thinner and feel more like wearing a soft shoe and other are thicker and feel more like wearing a tennis shoe. Thicker soles are better for areas where you might have rocky shore lines for shore dives. Lake Travis and Bonaire are two good examples.
Snorkeling gear is available for rent for Open Water Diver certification courses for $150. However we do not recommend this as an option because we cannot guarantee you a proper fit with rental gear.  If improperly fitting gear prevents you from completing your certification course there will be a rescheduling fee to complete your certification.

What is a referral?

Occasionally a student starts an Open Water Diver course in one location and completes it in another. This is known as a referral.  PADI dive centers have an established procedure to hand off a student from one operator to another.  This process reduces stress and frustration for the students.

Scenario 1: Local classroom/pool and remote checkouts

You start your PADI Open Water Diver certification course with Scubaland Adventures in Austin, Texas. You complete the pool work and course work and would like to do your checkout dives in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico.  We will document the portions of the course you have completed and give you a referral form along with a copy of your medical statement.

You will take that paperwork to a PADI Instructor or dive center at your destination and make arrangements for your checkout dives.  The dive center and instructor that completes your checkout dives will be the certifying dive center and instructor and will be responsible for processing your certification.

If you inform us that your intention is to do a referral then we will charge you the referral rate when you sign up for class.  If we are giving you a referral because you were unable to complete your checkout dives before your trip departure date there are no refunds for the checkout dives but we do not charge for the referral.

Scenario 2: Remote classroom/pool and local checkouts

If you started a PADI Open Water Diver certification course at another dive center and would like to complete your checkout dives with Scubaland Adventures in Austin, Texas we will review your referral paperwork and determine if a referral is appropriate.  You have one year to complete your certification course from the time you start. If more than a year has passed you will need start the course again from the beginning.

Depending on how much time has passed you may be required to enroll in a refresher course before proceeding to checkout dives.  We want to make sure that you have the best possible experience and that you are prepared for your checkout dives and sometimes that requires some review.  A refresher gives you a chance to meet your instructor and it gives your an instructor the opportunity to review with you the skills you will need for your checkout dives.

Note:

Referrals offer flexibility and convenience and are a great options for divers who do not want to dive in Lake Travis.  However, referrals almost always add to the cost of a certification course.  Please ask one of our training counselors for more details if you think you may need a referral.
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Popular Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.
  • Is it hard to learn to scuba dive?

    Not at all!  We have students as young as 10 learn to dive so anyone can do it.  If you need some extra attention in class, we offer private classes too.  It's very rare that someone does not get certified.

  • How old do you have to be to learn to dive?

    You have to be 10 yrs old to get certified.  For the younger kids, check out our Seal Team and Bubblemaker classes.

  • Do I have to know how to swim?

    You need to be comfortable in the water.   During your pool session you will do a 10 minute float and swim 200 yds (any style and we don't time you).

  • My ears hurt when I swim down to the bottom of a swimming pool, will they hurt when I dive?

    Assuming you don't have any ear or sinus issues, you shouldn't have a problem.  If you are concerned you should speak with your doctor.  In class we will teach you how to equalize your ears  so your ears won't hurt.

  • Do I have to dive at Lake Travis?

    There are a couple options if you don't want to dive in the lake.  Depending on availability, we may be able to schedule your dives at Spring Lake in San Marcos.  Or you can join one of our group trips and complete your certification on a trip.

After you are certified

PADI Open Water Diver Refresher

The SCUBA refresher course is conducted at our training facility on Anderson Lane. Some time is spent in the classroom reviewing and refreshing your knowledge of SCUBA diving. Most of the time is spent in our in-door heated pool reviewing basic skills, practicing buoyancy control, and refamiliarizing yourself with SCUBA equipment. Our private course option allows you to pick any available pool time to receive one on one instruction.  Our Instructors and Divemasters will work with you to tailor your experience so that you get exactly what you need to be prepared for your next SCUBA trip. 
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PADI Discover Local Diving

Want to get back in the water or see some of the local sites available to you? Many people believe that the tropical overseas offers more than what there is available locally. In some aspects they are right but if you really enjoy diving and are limited by budget our discover local diving sessions would be perfect for you. The PADI Discover Local Diving program is a PADI supervised underwater tour designed to orientate certified divers to unfamiliar aquatic conditions and environments. It may also be used to re-introduce divers to the open water environment after a period of diving inactivity.
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