“I want to learn to Scuba dive but I am unsure what certification I should do”

Depending upon the scuba diving organization that you choose to follow there are several options. At Xtreme Gap Scuba Diving we follow the PADI the System. If you want to learn to Scuba dive just to experience the sensation of breathing under water. Consider a discover scuba to try it out. If you want to learn to scuba dive to a basic level with a maximum depth of 18 metres then the open water course is for you. After you learn to scuba dive with this certification you can dive anywhere in the world. If you want to learn to scuba dive to an advanced level the advanced open water will qualify you to 30 metres. You will learn about diving to deeper depths and also gain more experience in the water. If you want to learn to scuba dive to a professional level then take a divemaster course, and as a pre requisite you will need your rescue diver qualification.

“I want to learn to dive, how much will this cost me?”

This all depends on where you want to learn to Scuba dive. If you wanted to learn to scuba dive in the UK for instance, then it will cost a lot more than learning to scuba dive in Thailand. Xtreme Gap has partnered with one of South East Asias top diving schools offering some of the best value scuba diving courses available. Taking into account accommodation is included then learning in Thailand becomes a very attractive option. For a full price list and scuba diving options click here: Scuba diving in Thailand.

“I want to learn to Scuba dive but I am unsure if I am medically fit”

Learning to dive is relatively easy and you do not even have to be that fit to learn to dive. Healthy yes, but athletic, no. If you have any medical conditions that might conflict with diving you can research them here”

“I want to learn to scuba dive but I am worried about taking exams”

PADI certifications follow a very efficient and easy learning process, yes you need to study, but you do not have to be a genius to pass your exams. People only fail when they do not study the learning modules at all. But considering if you enrolled on the course, this would indicate that you actually want to learn to scuba dive, and furthermore as you are learning about safety aspects related to diving, that should be incentive enough to hit the books.

“I want to learn to Scuba dive, how much time will it take?”

This depends on the level you want to learn to scuba dive. An open water course takes on average 3 or 4 days, advanced 2 days. If you are in a hurry you can get to rescue qualified in a week. Your Divemaster course is a different matter. In theory, it only takes 60 dives, however you probably want to make the most of the course. Taking your time is as beneficial as it is fun. The more diving experience you gain on your course the better skilled you become. For this reason the Xtreme Gap divemaster course is a full 12 weeks of pure diving mixed with living on a tropical island: pure bliss.

“Can I learn to scuba dive if I am a terrible swimmer?”.

Surprisingly you do not have to be a very strong swimmer to learn to scuba dive, you do however have to be able to complete 8 lengths, (200metres). Remember when learning to dive you will be trained how to use a BCD (buoyancy control device) and also you will wear fins making movement through the water very easy.

“I want to learn to scuba dive but I am scared of fish and sharks!”

Well lets face it under water there is an abundance of marine life, if you would rather eat fish than be surrounded by them, perhaps ti s best that you do not learn to scuba dive! Some people are worried about sharks. They get a bad press, most species are completely harmless and you are fortunate to see them as they are very nervous around divers. More over shark attacks are so rare you are far more likely to have an accident out of the water. If you learn to Scuba dive you can spend some time in the water with them and get to understand them a little. If you really want to know more, consider completing our great white shark specialty scuba diving course in South Africa with Shark man Mike Rutzen or consider some of our shark specialty courses in South Africa.

“I want to learn to scuba dive and become a Scuba diving instructor, what do I need to know?”

A career in Scuba diving is extremely exciting, more over it is lifestyle choice. You will need a minimum of 6 months between your first certification (the first time you learned to scuba dive) and completing your IDC. More information can be found on our Scuba diving instructor course page

“I want to learn to scuba dive but I am unsure what the point of it all is?”

How do you really know that you want to learn to scuba dive without actually having experienced it? When you learn to scuba dive you will see several distinct benefits. You will learn a new skill, experience a totally new environment, and learn about the marine life and ecology of the oceans. If you learn to Scuba dive you will be engaging in a social activity enabling you to meet new friends and share experiences with like minded people. You will experience moments of wonder and discover a totally different world. When you learn to scuba dive your fitness will improve, as scuba diving gives you a good cardiovascular work out. Some people want to learn to scuba dive as out of sheer curiosity, not all become return divers, but for many their decision to learn to scuba dive opens up a life long hobby that becomes their passion for years.

If you want to learn to scuba dive then Xtreme Gap has several options for you:

Learn to scuba dive to Open Water Diver level

Learn to scuba dive to Advanced Open Water level

Learn to scuba dive to Rescue Diver level

Learn to scuba dive to Divemaster level

Learn to scuba dive to Scuba dive instructor level

Learn to scuba dive and then complete an underwater videography course

Learn to scuba dive to a technical diver level

Be Prepared with the PADI Rescue Diver Course

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Learn To Dive On Your Gap Year

“I want to learn to scuba dive on my gap year” is a common request at the Xtreme Gap offices. Being a company run by professionally qualified divers we know why. Many people want to learn to scuba dive but are unsure where or how to start learning to dive. Well if you want to learn to scuba dive then we are well placed to assist you about all aspects of Diving in Thailand, Diving in Australia, diving in the Philipinnes or diving in Honduras.

SCUBA diving is a fantastic experience that is hard to describe without having experienced it .

As a start the following may be useful to you: