Diving lets you experience a beautiful, fascinating world. It’s an exciting activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Learning to dive is easy, fun and takes much less time than you might imagine. It is not, however, something you can teach yourself. At MDC Sports, our experienced instructor team is highly qualified to safely help you learn to dive.
There are two Open Water classes, Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 is comprised of a classroom portion and pool dives. Part 2 is comprised of lake diving.
if you’ve always wondered what lies beneath the surface, now’s the time to find out. Start the journey of a lifetime with the PADI Open Water Diver course. It will change you forever.
In the PADI Open Water Diver course, your PADI Instructor takes you through the basics of learning how to scuba dive. You start in a pool or pool-like conditions and progress to the open water (ocean, lake, quarry, etc.) getting the background knowledge along the way.
At your own pace, you can complete the knowledge development portion of the PADI Open Water Diver course online with PADI eLearning.
Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification is just the beginning. As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquility await you. And, as you continue your adventure and gain experience through higher training levels, your opportunities expand. For more details on the PADI Open Water Diver course, Click here.
Number of Dives: Five Confined Water Dives and Four Open Water Dives
Knowledge Development: Five sessions
Prerequisites: 10 for Junior Open Water Diver and 15 for Open Water Diver. Good health, reasonable fitness and comfort in the water.
Materials You’ll Need: PADI Open Water Crew-Pak, PADI Open Water Video or DVD, Log Book.
Equipment you’ll use during the course includes: mask, fins, snorkel, tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator, submersible pressure gauge and exposure protection as required by the local environment.
Becoming a diver opens a door to a whole new world. Open yours and step through.
Can I Scuba Dive?
If you can handle active sports, you can handle scuba diving. Check our
Medical Form to see if you have any issues that would get in the way of diving.
Can I try SCUBA before I sign up?
Yes. We offer a 2 hour Discover Scuba session which lets you actually use scuba equipment in a pool under the guidance of an instructor.
How many people are in each class?
Classes are limited to eight students per instructor to ensure personal attention and fun while learning.
Do I need to provide equipment to take scuba classes?
Yes. Students must buy or rent their mask, fins, and snorkel. Your regulator, alternate air source, buoyancy compensator, weight belt, and tank will all be provided for you.
Is there a minimum age requirement to dive?
You must be at least 15 years old to receive a regular certification. Students who are between 10 and 14 years old may take the course with a parent and receive the Junior Open Water Diver certifications
Am I too old to learn how to dive?
There is no age limit on learning how to dive. Anyone capable of participating in other active sports should have no difficulty learning how to dive.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
No, you only need to be capable of swimming 200 yards non-stop, with no time limit and float or tread in water for 10 minutes. What is important is that you are comfortable in water.
Where are classes held?
Class sessions are held at MDC Sports, 318A Elton Hills Drive NW at Valhalla Shopping Center. Pool sessions are held just down the street in the Rochester Rec Center pool.
Where Open Water training dives held?
Open water training dives are held at Lake Wazee, east of Black River Falls, WI.
What if I took the classroom and pool dives? Can I still finish my lake dives?
Absolutley. We offer many training weekends at Lake Wazee as long as your classroom and pool work was done within the past year. If your training was more than a year ago, don't worry. We have many class to refresh your skills. Call us at (507)288-8802 for available dates or check the website home page.