%2F%2Fusers%2F3660573b-283e-44a2-b720-74c2aeee1d0d%2Fratecard%2Fimg_1755.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Ready to take your scuba game to the next level? Our Advanced Open Water Class is the perfect way to sharpen your skills and explore new underwater horizons. Over four action-packed Saturdays, you'll dive into advanced techniques, specialized equipment, and thrilling new environments. Whether you're looking to tackle deeper dives, master night diving, or fine-tune your underwater navigation, this course has got you covered.
Kicking off bright and early at 9 AM every Saturday for four weeks, this course is your ticket to becoming a more confident and capable diver. We've partnered with one of the top-rated dive shops in the country to bring you world-class instruction and hands-on experience. Each session blends classroom learning with real-world application, so you'll be putting your new skills to the test in no time. From perfecting your buoyancy to learning the ins and outs of dive planning, you'll cover all the bases needed to tackle more challenging dives.
During this course, you'll get your hands on some seriously cool gear. We're talking about dive computers that'll make you feel like a underwater tech whiz, and specialized equipment for deep dives that'll have you feeling like a pro. You'll learn how to use a dive slate for underwater communication, master the art of deploying a surface marker buoy, and even get comfortable with a dive light for those exciting night dives. Don't sweat it if you don't have all the fancy gadgets – we've got you covered with top-notch rental equipment.
While we can't spill the beans on our exact dive locations (that's part of the adventure!), trust us when we say you're in for a treat. We've scoped out some killer spots that'll put your new skills to the test. Think dramatic wall dives where you'll practice your deep diving techniques, navigating through underwater caves (safely, of course), and night dives that'll show you a whole new side of the underwater world. Each site is carefully chosen to challenge you while keeping safety as our top priority.
Over the four weeks, we'll cover a range of essential advanced diving skills. Week one might have you perfecting your underwater navigation, using natural landmarks and compass skills to find your way like a pro. Week two could see you diving deeper than ever before, learning how to manage your gas supply and deal with the effects of increased pressure. Week three might introduce you to the thrill of night diving, where you'll discover how different (and awesome) the reef looks after dark. And in week four, we could be working on your search and recovery techniques or trying out some underwater photography. The exact order may vary, but by the end, you'll have a well-rounded set of advanced skills under your weight belt.
Our Advanced Open Water Class isn't just about ticking boxes for certification. It's about pushing your limits, discovering new passions within diving, and joining a community of like-minded underwater enthusiasts. Many of our past students have gone on to become dive masters or even instructors themselves. Others have found new specialties they love, like underwater photography or marine conservation. No matter where your diving journey takes you after this course, you'll have the skills and confidence to tackle new challenges.
While our primary focus is on honing your diving skills, we can't ignore the incredible marine life you might encounter during your training dives. One species that often catches the eye of our advanced students is the African Pompano. These sleek, silvery fish are a sight to behold, especially when you spot a large adult with its distinctive trailing fins.
African Pompano are known for their curious nature and aren't too shy around divers, making them great subjects for underwater photography practice. They typically hang out near reefs and wrecks, often in schools, which means you might get to practice your fish identification and counting skills as part of your underwater survey techniques.
These fish can grow up to 4 feet long, though most you'll see are in the 1-2 foot range. The best time to spot them is during the warmer months when they move closer to shore. Keep an eye out for their flat, disk-like bodies and the long, thread-like extensions on their dorsal and anal fins – it's like they're dressed up for an underwater fashion show!
Encountering African Pompano during your advanced training dives adds an extra layer of excitement. It's not just about seeing them, but understanding their behavior, habitat preferences, and role in the marine ecosystem – all part of becoming a more well-rounded and aware diver.
Ready to level up your diving game? This Advanced Open Water Class is your golden ticket to becoming a more skilled, confident, and adventurous diver. With top-notch instruction, exciting dive sites, and the chance to master new techniques, you're in for four weekends of serious fun and learning. Spots are limited to ensure personalized attention, so don't wait to secure your place. Whether you're looking to explore deeper waters, try night diving, or just become a more well-rounded diver, this course has got you covered. Grab your mask and fins, and let's dive into your next underwater adventure!
African Pompano, also called pennant fish, are a real treat to catch. These silvery, round jacks can grow pretty big - the record is over 50 pounds! You'll find the adults hanging out near the bottom in water 30 to 250 feet deep, while the younger ones stick closer to shore. They're fast swimmers and love to chase shiny, moving things, so we often use live bait or jigs to target them. What's cool is how they change as they grow. The juveniles have these long, trailing filaments that shrink and disappear as they get older. Spring and fall are usually the best times to land one around here. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and good eating. If you want to up your chances, try slow-trolling live bait near drop-offs or reefs. These fish have great eyesight, so using fluorocarbon leaders can make a big difference.
