What is Scuba?
SCUBA is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This allows you to breathe air underwater using a tank of compressed air or other breathing gases such as Enriched Air Nitrox.
I'm not sure if I'm going to like scuba diving, Can I just try it Out?
Yes, we offer what is called Try Scuba on our monthly pool days. You receive instruction and then go underwater with a Scuba professional and Scuba equipment. Try Scuba is not a certification, but a small taste of what Scuba is.
*If you decide to continue on to get your certification, the price of the Try Scuba will be credited toward your Open Water Class!
*If you decide to continue on to get your certification, the price of the Try Scuba will be credited toward your Open Water Class!
I've always wanted to get certified! How do I get started?
Our Open Water class includes the following:
The class does Not include:
To get started, simply register for the course (in shop or through our Online Store. You will complete paperwork which includes a medical questionnaire. You will also be fitted for your rental gear and receive a student discount on your personal gear. It is important that your personal gear be fitted properly to help ensure you have the best underwater experience.
After registration, you will receive an online E-Learning code so you can do your Scuba "homework" which must be completed prior to beginning your pool training. Pool days are scheduled once per month for group classes. Private pool sessions may be arranged for an additional cost. We will work with you in the pool for as long as you need to feel comfortable in the water. Once pool training is complete, we'll conduct four ocean dives over a minimum of two days.
- E-Learning (Homework)
- Pool Training
- 4 Ocean Dives
- Rental Gear (BCD, Wetsuit, Regulator, Tank, Weights)
- OW Certification Card
The class does Not include:
- Personal Gear (Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Boots, Gloves, and Hood - you would need to buy these)
- Boat Dives or Catalina Island Dives (should you choose this option)
- Tank or weight rentals, or air fills, at the Casino Point Dive Park (if doing your checkout dives there)
To get started, simply register for the course (in shop or through our Online Store. You will complete paperwork which includes a medical questionnaire. You will also be fitted for your rental gear and receive a student discount on your personal gear. It is important that your personal gear be fitted properly to help ensure you have the best underwater experience.
After registration, you will receive an online E-Learning code so you can do your Scuba "homework" which must be completed prior to beginning your pool training. Pool days are scheduled once per month for group classes. Private pool sessions may be arranged for an additional cost. We will work with you in the pool for as long as you need to feel comfortable in the water. Once pool training is complete, we'll conduct four ocean dives over a minimum of two days.
How long does it take to get certified?
You can become certified in as quickly as a week and a half, but it usually takes a little longer due to scheduling and availability of boats and weather/ water conditions. The E-Learning "homework" is at your own pace, though is about 12 to 15 hours worth of material. After that, you would start the in-water training on one of our monthly pool days, then we work with your schedule to take you into the ocean for your four certification dives.
How much do classes cost?
It depends on which class you are looking to take and whether you are just starting out or if you want to continue your education. You can take a look at the Training tab for more information, or you call us at 909-596-2505, to get all the information for the class you are interested in.
When does the certification expire?
The PADI and NAUI certifications that we offer never expire, while some other training agencies require periodic re-certification.
Is there an age requirement to get certified?
Yes, children have to be at least 10 years old to become Jr. Open Water certified. We do have programs for children as young as 8 years old that allow them to get in the pool and become familiar with the water and Scuba equipment.
I know how to swim, but I'm not a strong swimmer, should I still try Scuba Diving?
Certainly! Though you do need basic swimming skills, you do not need to be an Olympic swimmer to Scuba dive. Before you start your in-water training, you will be required to do a short swim evaluation and tread water. Swim lessons can also be arranged to improve your swimming skills.
Where can I dive once I get certified?
We have fantastic local diving off Catalina Island, the other Channel Islands, or at many of our beaches such as Laguna Beach. PADI and NAUI certifications are universally recognized so you may dive just about anywhere in the world. As some dive sites require Advanced or Specialty certifications, make sure they are within your level of training, and experience, when selecting a dive destination.
What is PADI and NAUI?
There are several different Scuba agencies across the globe. These agencies are organizations which issue certification of competence in Scuba Diving under their own name, and whose licensed instructors train, assess, certify and register students following the standards of the specific agency they are affiliated with. Two of these agencies are PADI and NAUI. Sharky's can certify you in either one of these agencies which are two of the most highly recognized Scuba training agencies in the world.
- PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors
- NAUI is the National Association of Underwater Instructors
I'm certified but I haven't been diving in awhile, do I need to retake the class?
No, you do not need to get re-certified, however we strongly recommend taking a Refresher course. This course goes over the basics of your Open Water class to rebuild your confidence in the water on Scuba. The Refresher course is usually conducted in a pool, though a Refresher ocean dive can be arranged.
I'm certified but I lost my certification card, do I need to get re-certified?
No, most Scuba training agencies keep excellent records of certified students. PADI and NAUI both have online applications for replacing your c-card. For other agencies, you may call, email, or write to them for a replacement card. Usually, there is a fee to replace your c-card. However, if the training agency you originally certified with is no longer in existence, we have an Experienced Diver course to re-certify you.
Do you have a pool on site?
No, we use the La Verne Aquatic Center or San Dimas Recreation Center for our pool sessions. During our Open Water training days, we invite certified divers to come use the pool while we conduct training. This is great way to test out new gear, work on weighting, or practice skills.
Where do you go for ocean dives?
We go diving almost anywhere there's water!
Locally, we like the following spots:
Locally, we like the following spots:
- Beach/ Shore dives - Laguna Beach, Redondo Beach, La Jolla, and Catalina Island
- Boat dives - We use boats out of Long Beach, Redondo Beach, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara to take us to our nearby islands, underwater pinnacles, and wrecks.
None of my family or friends Scuba dive, how do I find a buddy?
- Sharky's is always posting upcoming dives on our Sharky's Dive Team Facebook page. Just like you, not everyone has a buddy. Whether you are responding to one of our upcoming dives, or you want to post one that you are planning, everyone on Sharky's Dive Team is very friendly and responsive. It's not hard to find someone to dive with.
What Scuba organizations are you affiliated with?
Sharky's is affiliated with the following organizations:
We also have excellent working relationships with many local shops. It is important to us that we not compete with each other, but work hand in hand to make sure everyone has a wonderful Scuba experience.
- DAN - Divers Alert Network - for dive medicine and safety
- HSA - Handicapped Scuba Association - for recreational diving for people with disabilities and their buddies
- NAUI - National Association of Underwater Instructors - diving certifying agency
- PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors - diving certifying agency
We also have excellent working relationships with many local shops. It is important to us that we not compete with each other, but work hand in hand to make sure everyone has a wonderful Scuba experience.
Do I need my own equipment to go Scuba Diving?
You will need to have your own personal gear (mask, fins, boots, gloves, and hood), however Sharky's rents out all the other equipment needed for Scuba diving.
Some of my equipment needs servicing, do you do that there?
We have in-house technicians that service certain brands of BCDs, regulators, and dive computers such as Aqua Lung, Apeks, Mares, and Sherwood. For other brands, we can usually facilitate service for you at an outside repair center. Bring your gear in, let us look at it, and we'll let you know how we can help.
Do you service Scuba tanks?
Certainly. We offer visual inspections, hydrostatic testing, and tumbling.
What's in a Scuba tank? oxygen? Do you fill them there?
- We fill scuba tanks with air or a mixture of air and nitrogen, with oxygen levels from 21-36%, called "Enriched Air Nitrox", or simply "Nitrox". There are other breathing gases used in technical diving, though we do not offer them at Sharky's.
- To provide Nitrox fills, we use a membrane system, as opposed to partial pressure blending, so you do not need an O₂ clean tank to have it filled.
- For any fills, you will have to present a certification card or Enriched Air Diver card for Nitrox.
- While pure oxygen has some applications in technical diving, it is not used underwater by recreational divers.
I wear glasses, how will I see underwater?
Though you can't necessarily wear your glasses while Scuba diving, it's not actually a problem. There are a couple options for you:
- Many mask manufacturers offer optical lenses for purchase which we can install at the shop, though you may want to take your glasses to have before and after the dive.
- Another option is to have your actual prescription put into your mask. This option is a bit more expensive, but it is guaranteed to be your accurate prescription.
- You may also wear soft contact lenses during your dives, however you will have to keep your eyes closed if your mask floods, or during mask skills, to avoid losing them. Hard contacts are generally not recommended for diving. Make sure your instructor, or dive buddy, knows that you are diving with contacts.
My ears hurt when I go swimming, does that mean I can't Scuba dive?
This happens to many people when they try to go deep in a pool, usually because they don't know how to equalize their ears. One of the first things you learn in the Open Water class is how to equalize your ears properly and safely. However, if you have a history of ear problems, you should consult a doctor before Scuba diving.
What about sharks?
We get excited to see sharks! 🦈
Incidences between divers and sharks are extremely rare. Unless you are on a shark feeding dive, sharks will usually avoid you as many don't like the noise from our bubbles.
You should actually consider yourself lucky if you were to see a shark in its natural environment, hopefully, you took an underwater camera along!
Incidences between divers and sharks are extremely rare. Unless you are on a shark feeding dive, sharks will usually avoid you as many don't like the noise from our bubbles.
You should actually consider yourself lucky if you were to see a shark in its natural environment, hopefully, you took an underwater camera along!