Learning to Dive

Introduction to diving course Also known as Try-dive's

If you are not too sure whether you would like scuba diving or not,  we can arrange  an "introduction to diving course". This is usually over two evenings and includes two "try-dives" in the pool with an overview of the training and the equipment. These are perfectlysafe and will give you the opportunity to try out using scuba gear underwater and experience the thrills of scuba diving. An instructor will assist you in kiting up and will show you how to use the equipment. You can then try a couple of breaths underwater at the shallow end of the pool and from there progress to staying underwater longer and going deeper. It is an experience not to be missed.

A charge of £20 is made to cover the costs of equipment hire, air, pool and transportation for the two evenings . This will be refunded if you later join the club.    

Contact the club Here to arrange a Try dive with us

Club Commitment

The Club tries to get members through their qualifications as soon as possible but our instructors, who give up their time freely, do have other commitments. Theory sessions are done in the friendly environment of the club, once completed your instructor will arrange the dates for pool sessions with you.

Completion of the pool session will lead to the five open water sessions which complete the course. Once your training is completed the responsibility is yours to come down to the club and ask people if they could go diving with you to further your experience. There are usually people willing to dive, they just need to be asked.

We Currently have 9 Instructors with the Club , most are more than willing to help if you are willing to ask them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about diving

The following are typical questions

1. Do you have to be a good swimmer?
2. Do you have to be physically fit?
3. I have an illness, can I still dive?
4. Is it difficult to learn
5. How long does it take to learn to dive?
6. What will it cost?
7. Where can I buy the equipment?
8. What if I miss some lessons?
9. Is it safe?

Do you have to be a good swimmer?

Not necessarily. This may come as a surprise but confidence in the water is more important than your ability to swim long distances. You will need to be able to comfortably swim 4 lengths of the pool and tread water for a few minutes. You'll find that diving is actually easier than swimming, because there's no need to raise your head out of the water to get each breath.

Do you have to be physically fit?

Fitness will help but is not essential. The club does encourage physical fitness and dedicates some of the pool time to this end.

I have an illness, can I still dive?

This depends on the illness and its severity . As part of your membership process you will be asked to sign a self declaration medical form. This form requests details of any illness or disabilities and is standard practice in the UK. The British Sub Aqua Club has medical referees who can advise on your suitability for diving.  

Is it difficult to learn?

Not for most people, through a well established and relaxed training curriculum, you will steadily develop your diving skills and knowledge. Initially, underwater skills are learnt in the pool and the theory in a classroom. The training is fun, easy, interactive and is geared towards learning by 'doing'.

How long will it take to learn to dive?

It depends, firstly on the commitment that you can give to learning and diving.

Typically it takes about 10-15 weeks to achieve Ocean Diver, this is the basic diver qualification This requires. attendance at the twice weekly pool and theory lessons and the open water training days. Nowadays few people can attend this frequently and so it takes longer.

Diving is one of those activities where you never stop learning, to achieve the Advanced Diver qualification usually takes a minimum of 2 years.    

What will it cost?

Diving is an exciting and challenging sport which requires a certain amount of training and equipment. Initially it is expensive, similarly to skiing or golf, but once the equipment has been purchased it becomes a relatively inexpensive sport. To start follow this sequence:

1. Join the club - You then need to join the club , this includes membership of the British Sub Aqua Club. 
2. Purchase training Pack - A basic training pack is included in your first years membership and contains your BSAC qualification book and training book.
3. Equipment -  Purchase your own diving equipment. A full set of new equipment may cost in excess of £1000. Fortunately there are a number of options to help you.

• Purchase the equipment in stages, over a period of time, for example, purchase the mask, fins and snorkel first, then the jacket, cylinder and regulators etc.  
• Equipment can be purchased second hand, often a full setup can be bought for £500.
• Some shops offer excellent deals and interest free credit.
• Some equipment can be borrowed from other club members.

Please note there are some other smaller costs i.e., pool fees are £2.50 per night and cylinders fills which can range in price from local shops or you can use the Club compressor for Free

Where can I buy the equipment?

There are a few shops around Stockport and Manchester . Prices are reducing slowly and vary considerably so shop around, due to competition some great bargains can be found. The club also has an agreement with a local shop offering 10% discounts to club members.

What if I miss some lessons?

Nowadays it is very difficult to attend all the training sessions, If you miss any, they will be fitted in wherever possible. However if you can warn the instructors, that you cannot attend it would be greatly appreciated.

Is it safe?

Yes, The British Sub Aqua Club have developed their Safe Diving Practices and training programs from many years of experience. They are designed to slowly build up skills, knowledge and develop safe diving attitudes.

Diving is similar to driving a car, if you drive recklessly, i.e., drive on the wrong side, go through red lights etc.  then you're heading for trouble. However if you stay within the general rules of the road, you'll be safe. The same applies to diving.

To put this into perspective, it is safer than flying or driving and many other everyday sports. Incidents rarely occur and are usually related to ill considered risk taking.

Hazel Grove Sub Aqua Club (HGSAC) place a great emphasis on safe diving practice and has an excellent safety record.