Recreational Scuba Diving Training (how long does it take?
How long does it take to train for recreational scuba diving? I’m interested in seeing coral reefs and some interesting marine life.
Also, if anyone has any advice/tips on schools in Toronto that would be great.
ps. I have average swimming skills
Thank you!
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my class took a week some take longer and some take only a few days it just depends on the instructor and how long they want the class to be and how well prepared they want you to be. i dont know any programs around you but i would suggest you try to find a NAUI certified instructor because Naui is the best scuba certification program
In Hawaii, your hotel or resort can arrange certification in a day. You may want to check out resorts in the Toronto area that certify vacationers and take the day training there. Also, have heard of week trainings.
it took me 1 weekend
It can take as little as a week to however long it will take you to do. It’s your schedule and the dive shop’s that you need to work with. In Ontario, ( I live just north of Toronto), you won’t get it done in under a week. No way..no how. Ain’t happening. Part of your course involves doing pool dives. If the shop has their own pool, not an issue but if they have to schedule a pool session at a public pool that may extend your course time while a spot opens up.
There are also a couple of alternative methods to learning. PADI ( professional association of dive instructors) offers an online course (for your academics) as well a what’s called a referral course. The referral works this way. You do your academics and pool skills work here at a PADI shop. There’s only one thing left and that’s your actual open water dives to complete the certification. You can have that part of the course transferred to a holiday destination that has a PADI shop. ( They are everywhere) You do your two dives in warm water and are certified. I’m not a big fan of this, but thought I’d mention it as another option for you. I’m not a big fan because your going to learn more here as well as be in a little more challenging environment. There won’t be any surprises if you decide to dive Ontario waters ever, as opposed to not learning here and being surprised…just when you thought you knew it all. Cold water taught divers are a little more experienced than warm only divers. There’s a little more to know that’s not taught in a warm water environment. By the way, don’t let the terms cold and warm throw you. You’ll be just as warm here as you would down south because we wear appropriate exposure protection. You simply dress for the temperature. Nobody turns blue.
As for local dive shops that can help you out. A lot depends on where in the GTA you are, so I’ll name a few all over.
Scuba 2000. Thornhill. This place is like a puppy mill for divers. Not my cup of tea but it’s up to you ultimately who you want to learn with.
Aqua Sub Scuba. Richmond Hill. The owner’s name is Norbert..good guy..good shop, good training.
Colt Creek Diving: Newmarket on Eagle Street. This is the shop I use. I use it..I must like it.
I know all the Instructors there..all top notch and have wreck dived with all of them. The owner’s name is Brad.
The Dive Shop: Newmarket on Davis Drive. The owner’s name is Jim. Good shop, unsure about the Instructors however.
Upper Canada Scuba: Scarborough. I don’t know anyone from this shop. You’re on your own there but it’s always worth it to visit them and see if you’re comfortable with them.
Aquarius Scuba: Dundas & Scarlett road area. I’ve never met anyone from this shop so I can’t advise.
I’ll toss one in here from the Barrie area just in case and that’s Tim’s Diving Supplies. Good shop, good instruction and they have their own training pool.