Your Questions Answered
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 Thursday evening when we're in the pool and costs £25 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 normally to run for 7 weeks with 6 pool sessions (each session is 2 hours) followed by an open water weekend. However we will be flexible where we can - call us to discuss your needs and I'm sure we can work something out!
Q - How big are the classes?
A - Our 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. 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. We are always happy to provide recommendations on new kit purchases too.
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 aim to complete the Open Water course in 7 weeks - this includes 6 pool sessions (2 hours per session) followed by an Open Water weekend. However if you're not ready at the end of the 6 weeks to go into open water we will offer 1 additional pool session free of charge and then charge a small additional fee for each extra pool session to cover your tuition.
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.
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!
Get in touch with Alison today:
northamptonscubaschool@gmail.com
Tel - 07951 759809
Use the "Contact us" page
or find us on Facebook, Instagram
or Twitter
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 Thursday evening when we're in the pool and costs £25 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 normally to run for 7 weeks with 6 pool sessions (each session is 2 hours) followed by an open water weekend. However we will be flexible where we can - call us to discuss your needs and I'm sure we can work something out!
Q - How big are the classes?
A - Our 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. 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. We are always happy to provide recommendations on new kit purchases too.
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 aim to complete the Open Water course in 7 weeks - this includes 6 pool sessions (2 hours per session) followed by an Open Water weekend. However if you're not ready at the end of the 6 weeks to go into open water we will offer 1 additional pool session free of charge and then charge a small additional fee for each extra pool session to cover your tuition.
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.
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!
Get in touch with Alison today:
northamptonscubaschool@gmail.com
Tel - 07951 759809
Use the "Contact us" page
or find us on Facebook, Instagram
or Twitter
