Santa Clara University Scuba Club
Home Events Classes Diving Officers Photos About Us
 

Sign-up for this class
RIGHT NOW!
$200
Email Ross

I have
MORE QUESTIONS!
Email Ross


  • Cost:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • What do I get: PADI Open Water Certification Card.
  • Time commitments:
    Drysuit
    Class Meetings
    Classroom: O'Connor 104
    April 8 from 7-10pm
    April 15 from 7-10pm
    April 22 from 7-10pm
    Pool: San Jose State Pool
    April 10 from 7-10pm
    April 17 from 7-10pm
    April 24 from 7-10pm
    Ocean: Monterey, Ca
    One Saturday and Sunday All Day

  • What do I need to own or buy:Only the book and some Basic Gear
What is this Certification?
This course will certify you as a PADI Open Water Diver which give you the training and experience to dive anywhere in the world with any other certified divers.

Why a PADI certification?
PADI certifies over 85% of all divers worldwide and is by far the most recognized diving organization. PADI also offers ACE college credit for each level of certification.

Is this worth any Credits?
Possibly! The American Council on Education (A.C.E.) recommends 3 units for this sequence of certification. Santa Clara University has, in our limited experience, recognized A.C.E.'s recommendation. But remember this class isn't part of SCUs academic curriculum so it's entirely at the discretion of the registrar.

How hard is the class and how much time will it take from my, already too busy, schedule?
The academic portion of the class is geared to a sixth grade reading level, so most people find it very easy. Throughout the class you will be required to read about 200 pages and do 10 homework assignments. The object of the class is to show you how to scuba dive; you learn by doing it, not by reading about it.

Isn't it cold and murky down there? Do you guys see anything?
Although Monterey is cold water diving and the visibility can be low on occasion, people often find the diving to be world class and well worth the effort. Since Monterey has one of the widest varieties of life in the world you're sure to see something new and unique on every dive. Check out the photos section. Additionally, we plan trips to warm places like Belize, Mexico, Hawaii, San Diego, etc almost quarterly.

What about Sharks?
Sharks don't eat divers, period. Divers' bubbles disturb sharks and the food they're looking for. Sharks want to put as much distance between themselves and you as possible. Seeing a shark underwater is a rare and amazing experience that only 1 in 100,000 divers may get to see.

Cost Breakdown
Most of those classes don't include much in the advertised price. Here's what the Open Water Certification cost:
 SCU Scuba ClubThe "other" diveshops
Advertised Price$200$125
Crew Pack $60 $100
Pool FeesIncluded$50
Rental Gear
(wetsuit, BC, regulator, tanks & weight system)
Included$75
Basic Gear
(mask, snorkle, boots, fins & gloves)
$129
$200 and up
Staying in Monterey for the
openwater diving weekend
$5
more info below
$100 and up
($100 a night, 2 nights, 2 people/room)
Meals in Monterey$20
more info below
$75
Minimum Cost
to get certificated
$414 $775
That's 1/2 the price for a life-time PADI Open Water Diver Certification!

What will I have to buy in addition to the $200 for the class?

  1. The Book: will be $60 for the basic crew pak which includes the Openwater Diver diver manual, no-decompression tables, a dive log and various other goodies.
  2. The Basic Gear: You'll need to obtain what is known as Basic Gear: Fins, Mask, Snorkel, Boots and Gloves. There are three ways to get it:
    1. You can purchase our basic gear package start at $129. We've put together a comprehensive package of budget-oriented gear which includes:
      • Your choice of mask
      • Flexor dry snorkel
      • Your choice of scuba fins
      • 6.5mm boots
      • 5mm gloves
    2. If you want more plush basic gear visit our sponor dive shop-- Aquatic Discovery

    You can borrow from a friend. If you know someone who has taken the class from us before or know a diver see if they'll lend you their basic gear for the class. We can help you determine if their gear will work for you.

    Personal Gear you can get for $129

    Click The Picture to See Other Personal Gear Options

What about lodging in Monterey and meals
Whenever we stay in Monterey we get a Campsite in the wooded hills above Monterey. While only a mile from the shops and restaraunts of old downtown Monterey the park has many secluded trails. We setup basecamp on friday afternoon and encourge everyone stay down, BBQ and hang out all weekend. The grounds have clean bathrooms and showers and we'll bring the BBQ, drinks, side dishes and breakfasty type things. You just need to bring a sleeping bag, tent and whatever you want to throw on the grill.

Do I have to be a world class swimmer?
No. The only prerequisite is that you can swim and tread water with a minimal amount of proficiency. Scuba is not heavily dependent on physical prowess but it is a physical sport so some basic fitness level is needed. The Swim Test consists of swimming 4 laps (No time limit) and Floating for 10 minutes.

What about medical limitations like asthma?
With a release from your doctor (or Cowell) just about anyone can dive. When you sign-up for the class you will get a medical release form, if you answer "YES" to any of the questions on it you'll have to have it signed by a doctor before you can begin the class. If you have any questions consult your doctor

Okay Great, how do I sign up?
Just contact Ross French at rfrench@scu.edu and he'll answer any remaining questions you may have and sign you up.