Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Superior Divers Supply and School
Is It Hard To Learn To Scuba Dive?
No. In fact, it's easier than you ever imagined - especially if you're already comfortable in the water. The course is "performance-based," which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.
Do I Have To Meet Any Special Qualifications or Considerations Before I Can Participate in a Scuba Class?
No. Generally speaking, anyone in good average health and at least 12 years old can participate.
Do I Have To Be a Great Swimmer To Be Certified as a PADI Open Water Diver?
No. All you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The only swimming required for the PADI certification is a 200-yard swim and floating or treading water for 10 minutes.
What Is PADI?
PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest scuba training organization in the world. PADI develops scuba programs and diver training products, monitors the scuba training conducted by more than 67,000 PADI professionals worldwide, maintains diver certification records, and issues your diver certification credentials. In addition, PADI maintains various support services for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. Founded in 1966, today, you'll find PADI professionals in more than 170 countries and territories, as well as international service offices in nine countries. Approximately seven out of ten North American divers are certified by PADI, and approximately 55% of all divers worldwide are certified by PADI.
What Does It Mean To Be Certified?
It means that you've learned basic scuba diving skills from a licensed instructor and are qualified to dive in open water with a buddy, with or without a Divemaster present. Dive operators will require your certification card before they let you dive with them.
How Often Do I Have To Renew My Certification?
Your certification is good for life. We recommend that you dive at least 12 times per year to keep your skills current and that you take a SCUBA tune-up after an extended period of non-diving. A rule of thumb: if you last dived in the past six months, you can use a tune-up.
How Long Does a Tank of Air Last?
Unfortunately, this is a common question that doesn't have a single answer. People breathe at different rates, and you breathe faster when you're swimming than when you're resting. Also, the deeper you go, the quicker you use your air, and you can get different-sized tanks. So, the answer is "it depends." This is why divers have a gauge that tells them how much air they have left at all times.
My Ears Hurt When I Dive to the Bottom of a Pool. Won’t They Hurt When I Scuba Dive?
Your ears hurt because water pressure pushes in on your ear drum. In your scuba course, you'll learn a simple technique to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane, and they won't hurt at all.
Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?
Not really. Statistics show that recreational scuba diving is about as safe as swimming. Certainly, there are potential hazards, so you need training and certification. But, like driving a car, as long as you follow the rules and use common sense, it's pretty safe.
How Do I Sign Up?
Contact us or stop by the shop to sign up for classes.
Is it difficult to learn scuba diving at Lake Superior Divers Supply and School?
No, learning scuba diving is easier than you might imagine, especially if you're comfortable in water. The course is performance-based, allowing you to progress as you demonstrate knowledge and skills.
Are there any age or health requirements to participate in scuba classes?
Generally, anyone in good average health who is at least 12 years old can participate in scuba classes.
Do I need to be a great swimmer to become a certified PADI Open Water Diver?
You only need to be a reasonably proficient swimmer comfortable in water. The PADI certification requires a 200-yard swim and the ability to float or tread water for 10 minutes.
What does PADI stand for and what is its role?
PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the world's largest scuba training organization that develops scuba programs, monitors training, and issues certification credentials worldwide.
What does being a certified diver mean?
Certification means you have learned basic scuba skills from a licensed instructor and are qualified to dive in open water with a buddy. Divers must show their certification card to dive operators.
How long does my scuba certification last and do I need to renew it?
Your certification lasts for life. It's recommended to dive at least 12 times per year to keep skills current, and to take a tune-up course if you haven't dived in six months or more.
What are the store hours for Lake Superior Divers Supply and School?
The shop is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and closed on Sundays.
What types of scuba equipment and brands does Lake Superior Divers Supply and School offer?
They offer products including wet and dry suits, tanks, snorkels, fins, and regulators with brands like SCUBAPRO, Sherwood Scuba, IST Sports, and Tilos.
How can I sign up for scuba classes at Lake Superior Divers Supply and School?
You can sign up by contacting them through their phone or email, or by stopping by the shop in person.
Are there any nearby places I can visit before or after my scuba class?
Yes, nearby you can visit Harisson Park for outdoor activities, Lincoln Park Farmers Market to buy fresh produce, or enjoy a meal at A & Dubs burger restaurant.
Is there convenient transportation or services near Lake Superior Divers Supply and School to help me get to the store?
Nearby services like Northern Access offer transportation and ambulance services which might be helpful, and nearby stores like Twin Ports Cyclery can assist with bicycle rentals or purchases.
Are there community or recreational centers close to Lake Superior Divers Supply and School where my family can spend time?
Yes, the Twin Ports Miracle League offers sports leagues and community services, and the Harrison Community Club serves as a community center with senior services nearby.