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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 definitely be surprised at how easy scuba diving really is. (Pssst, the minimum age for learning to SCUBA dive is a whooping 10 years old and we have certified many youngsters over our 32 years... 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 confidence. The following information are some of the "myths" of Scuba Diving along with the true answers about "Learning to Scuba Dive."

FAQ

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

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 Scuba dive. Our indoor pool heated pool is a perfect way to get started in Scuba diving.

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 your Scuba diving course at Rick's 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 descent control 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 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 creatures. Its likely you may see these 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 water. No panic?? You'll do fine. 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 of comfort in the water, and of course, the desire to explore the water world. Rick's has certified more than 9000 divers since 1985. Every year Rick's certifies hundreds of regular people like you, 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 you have already taken at Rick's 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. Students between the ages of 10 and 15 receive a Junior Certification which basically means they must dive with a certified adult and can be upgraded to a regular certification when they reach the age of 15. We certify many children and they enjoy diving with their parents, locally and while on our escorted vacations. It is also a very positive experience that helps build self esteem and keeps them "on the right track". Rick's also conducts children's snorkeling programs and birthday parties that introduce them to the underwater world a little bit at a time. Be sure to inquire about our children's program. They will have a ball. Also, don't forget Rick's was voted as one of the one of the TOP 10 Dive Centers in the USA, not just in Arkansas, but a national honor! Come by & let us show you why!

Q. I heard I can get college credit for Rick's Scuba diving program...... is this true?

A. Yes, you can. Simply go to our web site and look for 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 do!

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. With an indoor heated pool on premises and our own dive boat operation for Open Water training, you will have a ball with your new dive buddies.

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 much better diving in your own custom equipment, just like driving your own car instead of a rental car, something 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 the equation. You will get a thorough education at Rick's Dive 'N Travel Center. Our professional staff members will spend several hours with you when you are ready to make your purchase decisions. 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 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!

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

A. Wow, this is what you've been waiting to do! So many places and so little time! But, Rick's is famous for our vast assortment of dive vacations around the world. We escort 10 to 15 dive dive trips each year. We often have destinations videos playing on our big screen in the showroom so you can see for yourself. Some of these trips are close to home and others are in more exotic locales, with beautiful turquoise blue water and fish galore. You don't want to miss many of these diving opportunities.

Our frequent dive destinations include: The Cayman Islands, Indonesia, Wakatobi, Mexico, Roatan, Belize, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rico, Bahamas, Micronesia, the Red Sea, Truk Lagoon, Yap, Palau, The Sea of Cortez, the Solomon Islands, and Borneo. Many trips are on liveaboards around the world. Come dive with Rick's Dive 'N Travel Center and let us show you the world above and below....our specialty!

We do it right the FIRST TIME!

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Myths of Diving

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