Frequently asked questions...
So you want to find out more about Scuba Diving? Below are some FAQ's and their answers. If you can't find the answer please contact us and we'd be happy to help.
Q - I'm interested in learning to dive but don't want to commit to a full course until i'm sure I like it - do you do try dive sessions, how much are they and when do you run them?
A - Our Try Dive sessions take place every Friday or Sunday evening when we're in the pool and costs £10 per person. They're a great idea to see what diving's all about and you'll be surprised at how quickly you become comfortable underwater
Q - I recently completed a Discover Scuba Diving course on holiday and want to do it more seriously - what's the next step?
A - Your next step is the PADI Open Water Diver Course. This qualifies you to dive with a buddy to 18m and depending on how much you did on your holiday you may find that you've already done part of the training towards this.
Q - Can you tell me when your courses are run as I work odd hours and can't do a regular schedule?
A - Our courses are scheduled according to the needs of the student so in effect everyone has their own timetable according to their availability. All we ask is that we know from week to week when you are next in.
Q - How big are the classes?
A - Because we tailor the course around individuals, group sizes are typically no larger than 4 in a group and very often training is carried out on a one-to-one basis. If we have a group starting then we would keep those together in their own group.
Q - I'm interested in learning to dive but don't want to commit to a full course until i'm sure I like it - do you do try dive sessions, how much are they and when do you run them?
A - Our Try Dive sessions take place every Friday or Sunday evening when we're in the pool and costs £10 per person. They're a great idea to see what diving's all about and you'll be surprised at how quickly you become comfortable underwater
Q - I recently completed a Discover Scuba Diving course on holiday and want to do it more seriously - what's the next step?
A - Your next step is the PADI Open Water Diver Course. This qualifies you to dive with a buddy to 18m and depending on how much you did on your holiday you may find that you've already done part of the training towards this.
Q - Can you tell me when your courses are run as I work odd hours and can't do a regular schedule?
A - Our courses are scheduled according to the needs of the student so in effect everyone has their own timetable according to their availability. All we ask is that we know from week to week when you are next in.
Q - How big are the classes?
A - Because we tailor the course around individuals, group sizes are typically no larger than 4 in a group and very often training is carried out on a one-to-one basis. If we have a group starting then we would keep those together in their own group.
Q - What do I need to begin the course?
A - All equipment and materials are included in the cost of the course so you need nothing extra to start. The first thing that we recommend divers to buy is their own mask and snorkel and we have some great package options in our dive shop. Eventually you will find that you want to acquire a full set of scuba kit, but you don't need to buy everything new all at once. The members of Scubanuts are always "upgrading" perfectly good kit, so if you let people know what you are looking for there's normally someone with some good second-hand kit to buy.
Q - Do you have payment plans or is it payment up front?
A - For each course we have an initial deposit which covers course material costs and then we offer a very flexible approach to suit individuals - Some people pay a little each week or prefer to pay in instalments. Full payment needs to be received before certification.
Q -How old do you have to be to do a course?
A - You have to be a minimum of 10 years old to enrol on the Open Water Diver course - there is no maximum age as long as you are fit and healthy. The PADI Seal Team programme is available for age 8 upwards and is a pool based programme.
Q - How long does it take to learn to dive?
A - We are structured to work at the pace of the student diver so the time taken varies according to individual needs - it can take 3 weeks to 6 months depending on the individual. The philosophy is that you can take as much or as little time as you want to finish the course. If someone has a deadline like a holiday then we will endeavour to work to that timescale as long as all the elements of the course are mastered. The School is one of the very few to offer unlimited pool sessions to it's students, even after completing the formal pool skills you can continue to improve and practice in the pool.
A - All equipment and materials are included in the cost of the course so you need nothing extra to start. The first thing that we recommend divers to buy is their own mask and snorkel and we have some great package options in our dive shop. Eventually you will find that you want to acquire a full set of scuba kit, but you don't need to buy everything new all at once. The members of Scubanuts are always "upgrading" perfectly good kit, so if you let people know what you are looking for there's normally someone with some good second-hand kit to buy.
Q - Do you have payment plans or is it payment up front?
A - For each course we have an initial deposit which covers course material costs and then we offer a very flexible approach to suit individuals - Some people pay a little each week or prefer to pay in instalments. Full payment needs to be received before certification.
Q -How old do you have to be to do a course?
A - You have to be a minimum of 10 years old to enrol on the Open Water Diver course - there is no maximum age as long as you are fit and healthy. The PADI Seal Team programme is available for age 8 upwards and is a pool based programme.
Q - How long does it take to learn to dive?
A - We are structured to work at the pace of the student diver so the time taken varies according to individual needs - it can take 3 weeks to 6 months depending on the individual. The philosophy is that you can take as much or as little time as you want to finish the course. If someone has a deadline like a holiday then we will endeavour to work to that timescale as long as all the elements of the course are mastered. The School is one of the very few to offer unlimited pool sessions to it's students, even after completing the formal pool skills you can continue to improve and practice in the pool.
Q - I'm doing the open water bit at Stoney Cove, what's it like, it's a quarry isn't it?
A - Stoney Cove was a quarry, many years ago: it is now one of the busiest inland diving destinations in Europe. It has changing facilities, toilet facilities and showers. There is a bar, restaurant and a shop; in fact it spoils divers with the facilities and makes diving very straightforward. Even when we tell people what it's like students are always pleasantly surprised when they get there.
Q - I didn't learn with Northampton Scuba School, can I still join ScubaNuts?
A - All scuba divers are welcome to join ScubaNuts wherever they learnt or whatever agency. We are a friendly club with members from diverse backgrounds with a common interest - diving! See the Scubanuts Dive Club Website, Club link or why not check us out on Facebook under Northampton Scuba School for information on holidays and trips.
Q - When I get to the pool on the first day what will I need?
A - All you need to bring is a swimming costume, towel, a sense of humour and a willingness to have fun. The School provides everything you will need, all the kit, the instruction and most importantly air.
Q - Do I have to be a confident swimmer to take part in a scuba diving class?
A - Whilst you don't have to be a strong swimmer you need to be happy in water and be able to swim 200m in any stroke and tread water for 10 minutes before certification as an Open Water Diver.
Q - I wear contact lenses - would that be a problem?
A - Not at all. Many divers wear contact lenses and basically for any mask skills you can close your eyes!
A - Stoney Cove was a quarry, many years ago: it is now one of the busiest inland diving destinations in Europe. It has changing facilities, toilet facilities and showers. There is a bar, restaurant and a shop; in fact it spoils divers with the facilities and makes diving very straightforward. Even when we tell people what it's like students are always pleasantly surprised when they get there.
Q - I didn't learn with Northampton Scuba School, can I still join ScubaNuts?
A - All scuba divers are welcome to join ScubaNuts wherever they learnt or whatever agency. We are a friendly club with members from diverse backgrounds with a common interest - diving! See the Scubanuts Dive Club Website, Club link or why not check us out on Facebook under Northampton Scuba School for information on holidays and trips.
Q - When I get to the pool on the first day what will I need?
A - All you need to bring is a swimming costume, towel, a sense of humour and a willingness to have fun. The School provides everything you will need, all the kit, the instruction and most importantly air.
Q - Do I have to be a confident swimmer to take part in a scuba diving class?
A - Whilst you don't have to be a strong swimmer you need to be happy in water and be able to swim 200m in any stroke and tread water for 10 minutes before certification as an Open Water Diver.
Q - I wear contact lenses - would that be a problem?
A - Not at all. Many divers wear contact lenses and basically for any mask skills you can close your eyes!
To get in touch with us:
Email - info@northamptonscubaschool.co.uk
Tel - School - 01604 785251 Shop - 01604 755888
Or through the "Contact us" page
Email - info@northamptonscubaschool.co.uk
Tel - School - 01604 785251 Shop - 01604 755888
Or through the "Contact us" page
