Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a collection of questions that we frequently receive.  If you have a question that is not covered, or want more information, click here.

Does learning to dive take a long time?

No. You can achieve your PADI Open Water Certification in 3-4 days. 

I am planning a trip to the Caribbean, can I get certified while on my trip?

Yes, you may.  You have several options.  You can complete your Knowledge Development and Pool portion here and complete the Open Water check out dives with a PADI Instructor at your destination.  Your instructor here will complete the appropriate documentation for you to take with you.  We can also help you locate an instructor and PADI Dive Center for you.

I have a busy schedule, can I take the course on a weekend?

Yes, we offer the Knowledge Development and classroom  sessions in a Friday Night, Saturday, Sunday schedule.  This is great for divers that are interested in a quick class and are comfortable in the water.  We also offer a Weeknight schedule that covers the same material, but meets 4-5 evenings over two weeks.  Click here to view class schedules.

How old do you need to be to learn to dive?

The minimum age for a Junior Open Water diver is 10 years of age.  Children as young as 8 years of age may participate in the PADI Bubblemaker and PADI Seal Team programs.  These are not certification programs, but the skills that the young diver learns can be applied to the Junior Open Water Course later.

What is a Bubblemaker Party?

Bubblemaker Parties are scuba pool parties for kids 8 years or older. The young divers enjoy the fun and wonder of breathing under water while on scuba.   They play games, do somersaults and blow lots of bubbles!  It will be a birthday party that will be remembered. Bubblemaker Party accessories are available at both Adventure Scuba and Sports Cove to for the complete Bubblemaker experience.

I learned to dive at sea level.  I would like to try local diving.  What do I need to know?

There are many differences in diving in warm water locations and local diving.  The primary differences are that the dives are done at Altitude. This effects the dive tables that you use for planning the dive.  Special training is recommended in planning an altitude dive.  Other considerations are visablity and colder water.  Most divers use a 7mm wet suit or a Dry suit.  Adventure Scuba and Sports Cove offer guided local dives to introduce you to local conditions.  A great way to get started is to complete the PADI Altitude Specialty. 

I've always thought diving would be fun, but I'm a little nervous.  Can I try diving before signing up for a class?

Yes,  Adventure Scuba and Sports Cove both offer the PADI Discover Scuba program.  Your PADI Instructor will introduce you to scuba equipment, then you go diving.  Get answers to all you diving questions and become a diver.  Here's your chance to breathe under water in a fun convenient session conducted in a swimming pool.  Be warned, you may never be happy on dry land again.

Who can dive?

Virtually anyone in good health and reasonably fit can learn to scuba dive.  Participants as young as 10 may complete the PADI Open Water Diver Program. and receive a junior credential until the reach 15 years of age.

What does having a PADI Open Water Certification mean?

Your PADI Open Water Certification is recognized in more countries and territories than any other card and is your ticket to dive charters and resort diving, equipment rentals and purchases, and opportunities to expand your diving skills through PADI's advanced and specialty dive programs. 

I am having trouble fitting my schedule to the course schedules offered.  What do I do?

Adventure Scuba & Sports Cove both offer private lessons and custom courses, where you and the instructor design a schedule to fit your schedule.  These custom courses are also available for groups, also.  This is a popular option for families and friends that are planning a vacation.  The cost of the course will vary with the number of divers.

Do you offer courses for snorkelers?

Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the underwater world.  It's a popular activity for cruises and other tropical vacations.  You can increase your enjoyment of snorkeling with proper instruction and proper fitting gear.  Snorkeling classes are offered by appointment and are easy to set up.

What's local diving like?

Many divers enjoy exploring the local lakes and rivers in Local Dive Sites Popular locations are Lake DeSmet, Yellowstone Lake, Canyon Ferry and Big Horn Canyon Recreation area.  Water conditions are not as good as the tropics, but the sensation of diving is the same.  High Country Divers Dive Club plans dives through out the summer.  It's a great way to meet other divers and have a lot of fun.