Open Water Diver Course

The Open Water Diver course is your entry to the exciting world of scuba diving.

Local shops and resorts all over the world recognize SDI and PADI certifications and most require at least Open Water Diver certification to join a tour or rent gear.

This course consists of three main phases:

Knowledge Development ( online, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving

Confined Water (Pool) Dives to learn basic scuba skills

Open Water (Lake) Dives to use your skills and explore!

(You may be able to get college credit for the Open Water Diver course.)

Gear:

You will need basic dive gear (mask, snorkel, boots, and fins). You may choose to provide your own, buy at our dive shop later, or purchase a gear at time of booking.

Details:

All year round (yes even winter!)
Don't see a tour time that works for you or want to book for a special occasion? Contact us to book a Private Course!
Approx. 5 hours at the open water site (lake)
Maximum 10 students per instructor (let us know in advance for large parties)

Please bring:

Mask
Fins
Snorkel
Boots
Suitable clothes for the weather of the day
Contact lenses if you wear glasses
Cold weather only:
Long underwear
Thick socks
Boots will be provided

Included:

All course materials
Professional instruction
Classroom sessions
Pool sessions (Indoor / heated for cold weather)
Top of the line rental dive gear including: buoyancy control device, regulators, gauges, weights, wetsuit, and compass
Open Water Certification Card upon completion

Contact us to book your spot

Tentative schedule:

All E-Learning materials must be completed prior to class

Monday - Classroom Session (6-10pm)

Tuesday - Pool Session (6-10pm)

Wednesday - Pool Session (6-10pm)

Thursday

Friday

Saturday - Lake Dives (All Day)

Sunday - Lake Dives and completion of certification! (All Day)

For your safety, all participants must:

Have read, signed, and followed directions on the online medical statement (to be provided)
Have our Medical form signed off by a doctor if they are age 60 or older
Sign our liability release form
Be at least 13 years of age (students 12 years of age and younger are required to take private classes.)
Be comfortable in water and be able to swim
Be able to communicate in English
Not be pregnant

Instructors & Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My schedule is booked! When can I take a class?

A: We dive year round! Thanks to Dry Suits, you’ll be surprised how manageable the cold is.

Q: Can I buy food close by?

A: For large classes we may provide snacks, if you have special dietary requirements please pack a lunch. There is a shop close to the dive sites with typical convenience store food.

Q: Do I need to pay for Parking?

A: State Parks in Arkansas require a $5 day pass (paid at the entrance) to help keep our parks beautiful, clean, and provide bathrooms. It is a small price to pay. (Please bring cash for the pass)

Q: Can I bring my own equipment?

A: Yes absolutely, using your own equipment whenever possible will let you feel more comfortable in the water without having to learn a new setup each time. Please bringing older equipment to our shop first to have it checked and serviced before your dive, this will ensure it is in good working condition so you don’t miss the dive.

Q: How much time should I allow?

A: Class times are usually on a week day in the evening around 6pm for 1-2 hours. Pool dives also on a weekday evening for 1-2 hours. Open water dives will be on Saturday and Sunday, travel time is about 2 hours. We will meet at the site dive, do portions of the course on land and in water and come home. On these days you’ll need to plan 6 hours or longer depending on size of class and how quickly we get through the material.

Q: What do I do if I have more questions?

A: Call us, we would be happy to talk through any questions or concerns.

Location

During the open water lake portion of our dives we typically dive at Beaver Lake, please stay in contact with your instructor in case something changes.