Girls Learn to Dive
Explaining
the Girls Learn to Dive concept
Over the years scuba diving has gradually been losing its macho
image, but the fact remains that men are still in the majority,
and it is very easy for girls to feel out of place in a male-dominated
beginners’ group. This could be because they feel they
learn at a slower pace, and don’t want to hold the group
back, or simply because they are attending the course by themselves.
Believe me, there is no difference in the course content between
a male-exclusive learn-to-dive course, and a female course,
but the atmosphere and pace will be very different on a girls’
course. On a girls’ course, you won’t feel like
a girl doing a boys’ activity and having to measure yourself
up against them!
We have Introduction to Scuba sessions and PADI Open Water Course
dates and groups that are specifically reserved for girls of
all ages. (although we would recommend that girls under 12 years
of age book on one of our children’s course schedules).
Whether you book with a friend or simply come on your own, rest
assured that you will learn to dive in a neutral environment
at your own pace, in a small group of like-minded people, and
taught by patient staff who will give you personal attention.
Am
I too old to participate?
No! Our Girls Learn To Dive programme has had girls as young
as 12 and women as "mature" as 60 + participate. The
introductory sessions are a great way to try a new sport, at
any age, in a safe and relaxed environment. Also, we regularly
have mothers and daughters take our courses together. Of course,
just like all our students of any age, you must ensure that
you are medically fit to dive by completing the medical questionnaire.
Who
will teach my course?
We only work with instructors who have been trained by our own
Course Directors. Regular staff meetings and liaison ensure
that we have a consistent approach and that individual student
progress and queries are monitored and resolved in a timely
fashion. It is our commitment to you that at each course, skilled
professionals will provide hands-on training with an emphasis
on safety and skill development. As an added bonus, some of
our instructors are professional athletes who have years of
experience to show you the correct way of diving.
Click onto our “Meet the Team” section and you will
see that we have a very experienced and approachable team of
female Instructors and Divemasters. And, believe it or not,
some of our male staff are very suited to our “Girls’
Only” programme! As well listing their qualifications,
we also list the type of courses each instructor specialises
in. Whichever instructor is appointed to your course, you can
rest assured that they are chosen for their personalised, empathic
and neutral approach.
What
is the ratio of participants to instructor?
Each section of the Open Water Course has a different ratio
of participants to instructor – for example, classroom-based
sessions can be taught in a largish group, ratios are tighter
in the pool sessions, and when you get to the open water dives,
you will have up to a 1:1 supervision. We evaluate each group
as we start to teach the course, and can respond quickly to
increase the staff ratios if we feel we have a student who needs
extra support.
What
if I need an extra session?
Each course schedule is aimed at a particular type of person.
A 5-day intensive course is ideal for a reasonably fit, confident
person, whereas it would not suit someone who needs to move
at a slower pace and consolidate information and skills. Our
first tip, therefore, is to choose the schedule that best suits
you, your commitments and availability. Please contact us to
discuss our scheduling options if you have any queries.
However, from time to time, even if you have chosen the right
schedule, the instructor might decide that you would benefit
from repeating a pool session or an open water dive. Don’t
worry – that advice will be given in your best interest,
and there is no extra charge for the additional tuition.
And in that regard, a word of advice – if you are taking
your course with us because you have a holiday booked, or plan
to dive on honeymoon or in any other way have a commitment in
that you need to be a qualified diver by a specific date, please
choose a course date sufficiently in advance of your commitment
so as to allow for any possible remedial training.
Can
my friends and family members (male or female) come to watch?
Of course! In fact, we encourage you to invite your friends
and family to watch and photograph you learning a new sport.
There is always a space for spectators at our pool sessions
and open water dives.
What
about scuba equipment?
As with all our beginners’ courses use of scuba equipment
is included in the price, and we have a range of equipment to
fit all ladies’ standard sizes. If you feel you may not
be a standard size, please advise us ahead of your course and
we will check our suit range.
Could
I contact an instructor before my course?
No problem – as soon as you book your course with us,
we send out the course materials, together with our course learning
agreement. We will provide you with the e-mail address of our
dedicated liaison Course Director, Helen, who will respond to
any of your queries, guide you through the pre-course study
and reassure you of any course logistics.