| There are plenty of scuba diving classes being offered | | | | diving student, then you're ready to take lessons. In no |
| in New York. If you're thinking of taking one, you might | | | | particular order, here are some NY diving schools you |
| want to know several requirements first. Before going | | | | might want to check out: |
| to scuba diving class, make sure you have the | | | | Empire Divers empiredivers com |
| following: | | | | Located in NY's Upper East Side, Empire Divers is a |
| Interest - while classes can be completed in a few | | | | full-service PADI diving training center and dive shop. |
| days, training and getting a certification will require | | | | They offer PADI training certifications for all levels and |
| some homework. Most diving schools in New York | | | | have specialty classes in photography, nigh diving, deep |
| require their students to complete assignments that | | | | diving and wreck diving, among others. |
| include reading materials, videos and exams. If you | | | | Adventure Scuba adventurescubany com |
| don't have the interest, you might just give up and | | | | Adventure Scuba is a PADI authorized Five-Star |
| waste your time and money. | | | | Instructor Development Center. It holds pool time during |
| Scuba diving gear - you could rent, of course. But if | | | | Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and has a |
| you want to make scuba diving a regular part of your | | | | limited-sized class to allow more instructor-student |
| recreation, better get the gear first. This is not a | | | | interaction. They also offer a complete one-day |
| requirement, however. Most schools only require the | | | | training with their Executive Weekend Training course. |
| students to bring a mask, snorkel and fins. They | | | | Pan Aqua panaqua com |
| provide the rest of the gear. | | | | Pan Aqua is a 25-year veteran in scuba training for all |
| Money - scuba diving classes are quite inexpensive | | | | levels - from novice to instructor level. Like most NY |
| and usually start at $250, which includes class and pool | | | | scuba diving schools, they offer the PADI system. |
| training and dive gear use. Most course materials aren't | | | | They train scuba diving students through class and |
| included in the fees. | | | | pool sessions. They also offer open water training. |
| Swimming skills - you need to be in reasonably good | | | | Village Divers villagedivers com |
| health and be a competent enough swimmer. Some | | | | If you like smaller classes, you might want to check out |
| trainings include floating and treading time and | | | | Village Divers. They have an instructor-student limit of |
| swimming 200 or 400 yards in a pool. | | | | 1:4. This small dive shop offers both recreational and |
| Age requirement - you should at least be 10 years old | | | | technical training. |
| to take scuba diving lessons. If you want the PADI | | | | To learn facts about Florida and facts about Texas, |
| Open Water Diver course, you need to be at least 14. | | | | visit the US States Facts website. |
| If you fit the requirements for a New York scuba | | | | |