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Myths of Diving

So, you're curious about what the other 71 percent of our planet looks like? If you enjoy the water and have the desire to learn you will be surprised how easy scuba diving really is. (Pssst, the minimum age for learning to SCUBA dive is 10 years old) and we have certified many many youngsters over our 30 years. Folks, this isn't "rocket science. Becoming a certified diver at Rick's Dive'N Travel Center, can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience and will offer you a lot of self achievement. The following are some of the "myths" of Scuba Diving along with the answers about "Learning to Scuba Dive" .

FAQ

Q. Do I have to be a strong swimmer to learn to Dive?

A. Our scuba certification program requires that you be reasonably comfortable in the water with basic swimming skills. You do not have to be an Olympic swimmer to Learn to Dive.

Q. My ears hurt even when I swim to the bottom of a pool. What happens when I dive even deeper?

A. The pain you feel is called a "squeeze" which is caused by the pressure of water pushing against your eardrum. One of the first things you will learn in diving is a simple technique of equalizing, very similar to what you might do in an airplane or while you are driving in the mountains. When done properly, you won't feel any pain in your ears. Our pool even has control descent bars to assist you with this learning process. It's a piece of cake.

Q. I'll confess: one of the reasons I've never learned to dive is because I'm afraid of sharks. Is my fear justified?

A. If you believe in JAWS, we believe in the "tooth fairy." Many people have been made to fear sharks and other marine animals because of the false image given them by movies and television. Fact is, most marine animals including the shark, octopus barracuda and moray eel are shy and passive around divers. We are NOT their natural prey. In fact many of our divers over the last 30+ years have spent a lot of their recreational dollars and time, photographing these shy creatures. Its unlikely you'll even see these timid animals but most divers would say, "I hope I have my camera ready when I do."

Q. Isn't Learning to Dive difficult?

A. Here's a test to see if you've got what it takes: Fill your bathtub with water, pinch your nose, close your eyes and duck your head under. No panic?? You'll do fine. Fact is, learning to dive at Rick's Dive N Travel Center is a lot easier than you may think. Good overall health and a basic level comfort around the water, and of course, the desire to explore the water world. Every year we certify hundreds of regular folks, from pre-teens to senior citizens to become certified divers. And don't forget, another major benefit of learning to dive at Rick's is that you can audit any classroom session that you have already taken here at any time, FREE OF CHARGE!

Q. What are the age requirements for enrolling in our scuba certification course?

A. You must be at least 10 years old. (does this ring a bell how safe diving really is ?) Students between the ages of 10 and 15 receive a Junior Certification which basically means they can only dive with a certified adult and can be upgraded to a regular certification when they reach the age of 15. We certify many children who enjoy diving with their parents, locally and while on vacations. It is also a very positive experience that helps build self esteem and keeping them "on the right track". They may even receive college credit for our diving program. We also conduct children's snorkeling programs and birthday parties that will introduce them to the underwater world a little bit at a time. Be sure to inquire about our children's program.

Q. I heard I can get college credit for your diving program, is this true?

A. Yes you sure can. Simply go to the PADI forms page, print out the needed forms, fill them out and follow the instructions. You will then need to present this to your school administrator or counselor. It is really up to each university as to whether they will accept this accreditation, but most will.

Q. How do I go about learning to dive?

A. Take a little time and stop by Rick's Dive 'N Travel Center in North Little Rock and our staff will cover all the details about becoming a certified diver and offer you a store tour. Rick's is rated as one of the Top 10 Dive Centers in the USA, right here in central Arkansas with an indoor heated pool on premises and our own dive boat operation for Open Water training.

Q. Is Scuba Diving Expensive?

A. This is a loaded question but basically, you have the options to rent, or maybe consider our friendly lay-away option if you really want to get into the recreation with your own equipment from Rick's. You will always feel better diving in your own custom equipment, just like driving your own car instead of a rental car one that you are not familiar with. The difference is......underwater you don't want to "run out of gas" period. Of course, this is where your dive training comes into play. You will get a thorough education at Rick's Dive 'N Travel and running out of air will seldom be a concern. Our professional staff members whom have been with us for more than 15 to 30 years will spend several hours with you when you are ready to make your purchase decision. We even go one step further by allowing you to take a dive in our deep indoor heated pool just to make sure that you and our professional staff member have selected the right gear and fit with our assistance of course. If you do it right the first time you won't have to come back to buy again! Part of this is our job and we will assist you through this process.

Q. Once I learn to dive, where can I go?

A. Wow, this is what you've been waiting for. So many places and so little time! But, we offer anywhere from 12 to 18 dive escorted trips a year through our dive center. We usually have a destination playing our our TV here at the store. Some of these trips are close to home and others are in far away places with beautiful blue water and fish galore. You don't want to miss many of these diving opportunities. It only takes one to spoil you.....trust us on this one! Come meet us and let's go diving

Destinations: Cayman Islands, Cayman Brac, Mexico, Roatan, Belize, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rico, Bahamas, Micronesia, the Red Sea, Truk Lagoon, Yap, Palau, The Sea of Cortez, the Galapagos Islands and so many more. Come dive with Rick's and us and let us show you the world above and below....our specialty!

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Myths of Diving

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