Advanced Open Water
In a Nutshell
Advanced Open Water is a really fun class — while there is some studying to be done, there is no final exam, and the focus is on in-water training. The class consists of five adventure dives, typically conducted over two or three days, with one day off the boat. Underwater navigation and deep diving are the two dives PADI requires. We add peak performance buoyancy to this, because we feel that a diver has to master this skill for safety and environmental reasons in advanced open water settings. Additionally, pick two more from the following:Adventure Dives
- AWARE Fish Id
- Dive Against Debris
- Fluo Night Diver
- Night Diver
- Search and Recovery Diver
- Turtle Awareness Specialist
- Underwater Naturalist
What to Expect
It is important to understand that you won’t be an expert diver after completing this class. But it gives you the tools to become one. To illustrate that, let me elaborate on Peak Performance Buoyancy. This will be our first segment. It takes most people years to master buoyancy to where it becomes a natural skill, but some divers will never achieve it, because they do not even realize what they are missing. In order to practice your buoyancy you need to consider breathing techniques, body position, water movement, equipment variations and more. We will make you sure you are aware of these things and teach you how to efficiently train this special skill that it not at all given to land animals, but we cannot make you masters. Many many hours of practicing will do that.
How to Prep
Complete your theoretical studies before you come! You can do this online or old-school style with a book. The E-Learning for this class is $200, the book is $72, plus shipping. Do not wait until you are here. Nobody likes to spend their vacation afternoons cramming when beach and bar are beckoning! It is however a very good idea to briefly review the chapter(s) pertinent to the next day’s dives to refresh your memory and be prepared for our quizzing us before we enter the water. It will save time and make your days shorter and more focused on fun.
Also make sure to review this medical form. If there are any questions you answer with Yes, you will need to take the form to a physician and get their clearance. This is very important! A Yes-answer without a doctor’s signature will disqualify you from participating without being eligible for a refund!
If your eyesight is significantly diminished, let us know in advance! We might be able to supply you with a special mask, but we will have to specially prepare for that.
Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel. If your sunscreen includes oxybenzone or octinoxate, do not use it before entering the water. It will hurt the reef you want to admire! We have reef-safe sun screen for sale if you need some. Just ask us!
We will bring plenty of water and some small snacks. If you require anything special, please bring it with you.
Where to go from Here
Most importantly, keep diving while your memory of the class is fresh. That way you will train these newly added skills to retain and enhance them to the point of expertise. If you are interested in more guided training: All Adventure Dives can be extended into Specialties (2-4 dives instead of one). Complete five specialties to get closer to a rating of Master Diver (with the completion of Rescue Diver).