5 Tips To Prepare You For Your Open Water Course

5 Tips To Prepare You For Your Open Water Course

Written by Charly Stringer
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Published on January 3, 2025
Open water course

Learning to scuba dive is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you can have. It opens up a new dimension of exploration, allowing you to encounter stunning underwater landscapes, diverse marine species. Additionally, you’ll get to feel the unique sensation of weightlessness. Whether you’re diving off tropical reefs or exploring freshwater caverns, scuba diving brings a sense of adventure and offers a relaxing escape from the surface world. Let’s look at what you can expect from an Open Water course, and how you can prepare beforehand.

Don’t Be Scared to Learn

Many people are nervous before learning to scuba dive, and that’s completely normal! Some common fears include running out of air, claustrophobia, or certain marine life. The good news is that these concerns are addressed early on in your Open Water course. You’ll learn to manage your air supply with an easy-to-read gauge. Additionally, your instructor will walk you through every step to stay safe while diving. As for the underwater environment, remember that most marine animals are shy and uninterested in humans. Being underwater offers a peaceful connection to nature rather than something to be afraid of. By the time you’re done with your training, most of these fears will have turned into excitement!

Can Anyone Learn to Scuba Dive?

Scuba diving is an accessible sport for most people, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. As long as you are in reasonably good health, can swim, and are comfortable in the water, you’re a great candidate. Are you able to complete a short swim and float in water? Then you’re already well on your way to being physically ready.

Even if you have medical conditions, you might still be able to dive after consulting with a doctor, so it’s worth checking. The key is to feel confident and willing to learn. Children as young as 10 can also participate in most Open Water courses, making it a fantastic family-friendly activity.

Open Water Course

What to Expect from an Open Water Course

Beginner courses (commonly named: Open Water Diver) are a structured learning program designed to equip you with all the necessary skills to dive safely. It’s typically split into three sections:

  • Knowledge Development: This is where you’ll learn the theory of diving, such as how pressure affects your body, how to use your dive equipment, and how to plan dives safely. Many dive centers offer e-learning options, so you can study at your own pace.
  • Confined Water Dives: These practical sessions usually take place in a pool or a shallow, calm environment where you’ll practice key skills like mask clearing, buoyancy control, and equipment setup.
  • Open Water Dives: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll complete a series of real open water dives (often four) where you demonstrate the skills you’ve learned. This is where the magic truly happens—you’ll get to experience the thrill of diving in the open ocean or a lake!

By the end of the course, you’ll be certified to dive independently with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet).

How to Prepare for Your Open Water Course

While the course is designed to teach you everything you need, there are a few things you can do to prepare and feel more confident before you start:

Buy Your Own Mask

One of the first pieces of equipment you’ll need is a mask. It’s worth investing in your own since it’s the key to clear vision and comfort underwater. A properly fitting mask makes a huge difference to your experience, and you’ll be using it on all your future dives. Dive centers will often provide you with all the equipment you need for the course, however your own mask can bring a lot of confidence underwater.

Get Comfortable in the Water

Before your course, try to spend some time in the water to build confidence. Swimming laps in a pool or, better yet, snorkeling will help you get used to the feeling of being in the water and improve your comfort level when using a mask and breathing with your face submerged.

Open water course
divers scuba diving around the coral reefdivers scuba diving around the coral reef

Sign Up a Friend to Join You

Scuba diving is a social activity, and it’s even more fun when you have a buddy to share the experience with. Convincing a friend or family member to take the course with you adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation. Plus, you’ll have someone to dive with after you’re certified!

Research the Area and Marine Life

Whether you’re diving in tropical waters or local lakes, knowing what to expect can add a lot to your enjoyment. Take some time to research the dive sites where you’ll be completing your Open Water course. Look up common marine life you might encounter and learn about the local ecosystem. This not only increases your enthusiasm but also prepares you to dive with more respect for the environment.

Get a Headstart on Dive Theory

If you’re keen to dive right into the learning, many diving agencies (such as PADI or SSI) offer e-learning materials. Completing part of the theory beforehand allows you to move through the course faster and gives you more time to focus on the practical skills during the course. Understanding topics like buoyancy, decompression, and dive planning ahead of time can make you feel more confident.

Learning to scuba dive is a fantastic journey that opens up new horizons. With the right preparation, you can enter your Open Water course feeling excited and ready for the adventure that lies ahead.

Charly Stringer

Charly Stringer

Charly Stringer is a scuba diver based in Dahab, Egypt. She is a scuba diving and freediving instructor, as well as a digital creator,