Scuba Class Information Sheet!

Congratulations on your decision to take a PADI Scuba Diving Class. The Dive Shop is Central Virginia’s only PADI Five Star Facility. All of our Open Water classes result in PADI Certification. PADI Certification is the most widely recognized scuba certification in the world. You will find scuba diving to be one the most exciting, rewarding and fulfilling sports around. With the various types of diving available you can make scuba diving as easy or as challenging as you wish.

What to expect!

The Open Water Scuba course consists of a combination of academics (online option available for an additional fee), pool skills and 4 open water dives. Prior to class, the student needs to watch the DVD, read the textbook & complete the knowledge reviews at the end of each chapter. The student also needs to complete the “student information folder” and based on medical history, may require a physicians approval prior to participation in the pool sessions. The entire training needed for certification (including 4 open water dives) can be completed in as little as 2 weekends.

Sample Class Schedule

1st Weekend-Academics & Pool Skills (Online eLearning Option Also Available)
  • Saturday 8:00 AM - Noon (Academics at The Dive Shop)
  • Saturday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Pool Skills)
  • Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Complete Academics and Pool Skills)
2nd Weekend-Open Water Dives
  • Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM-2:00PM (At Lake Rawlings — 1hr. from Richmond)

Partial Listing of Pools Used

YMCAs: Chickahominy, Shady Grove and Tuckahoe
College Classes: VCU, William & Mary, J. Sargeant Reynolds & Randolph-Macon

Custom Private Lessons can be arranged to fit your busy schedule!

Take the “All Inclusive” class with a family member or friend and save $50 per person when you register together for the class.

The Dive Shop’s PADI Open Water Scuba Class Prices are as follows:
$345 per person / $310 (price for YMCA members)
- OR -
$445 “All Inclusive” Class Package
Saves you over $100 off the regular cost!
- OR -
VCU, W&M, JSR and Randolph-Macon College Course Fees Vary
(Call for details)

The $345 / $310 class fee covers the following:

  • All Instructor Fees for Pool Training, Academics & 4 Open Water Training Dives
  • PADI certification fee
The following equipment is provided for your use in the Pool:

  • Shorty Wet Suit (if needed for pool)
  • Regulator w/Alternate Air Source & Gauge Console
  • Buoyancy Compensating Device (BCD) with low pressure inflator
  • Scuba Tanks and Air Fills
  • Free DVD Rental
Additional Expenses for Certification: (These 3 included in “All Inclusive Package”)
  • PADI Crew Pack (Includes: Open Water Diver Textbook, Computer Textbook & Logbook)**
  • Rental Equipment for Weekend Open Water Dives**
  • Lake Rawlings Scuba Park Entry Fees**
You will need to provide the following personal equipment (at 1st pool session) which requires a personal fit for proper function and comfort:
  • Mask & Snorkel
  • Boots & Scuba Fins
  • Weight Belt & Weights
  • Dive bag (suggested)
Special student discount package prices for this personal equipment are available at The Dive Shop. Our trained sales staff will assist you in selecting the right equipment with the best personal fit. Proper fit is essential in learning and enjoying scuba diving. We at The Dive Shop guarantee the proper fit of equipment that we sell. Any equipment that does not fit properly can and should be returned for a replacement. It is important to us that you are happy and comfortable with your equipment.

Open Water Dive Information

Following the completion of the lecture and confined water (pool) portion of your Open Water Scuba Course, you will need to bring the following equipment** (rental cost included in the “All Inclusive” fee) for the 4 Open Water Scuba Dives that are required for certification:

  • Regulator w/alternate air source, depth & pressure gauge & compass.
  • Buoyancy Compensating Device (BCD) with low pressure inflator
  • 2 Scuba Tanks
  • Wetsuit or Dry Suit (Dry suit is an additional $50) and extra weights
The above equipment can be purchased at the Student Discount or rented at The Dive Shop. The use of this equipment (rental) is provided in the “All Inclusive” class package. However, we recommend that students apply their money towards the purchase of their own equipment. We believe the benefits of learning to dive using your own equipment are so important that we offer substantial discounts to our students.

Students who purchase their own scuba equipment during the course have the advantage of using the same equipment at each pool session and open water dive under the direct supervision of their instructor. Thereby students become more confident and familiar with their own equipment. Since this equipment is needed for every future dive trip, we have found that students who purchase their own equipment become more active and competent divers. And, they are able to apply their money toward dive trips rather than rental fees.

If the All Inclusive student purchases scuba equipment (regulator, BCD & computer console package) from The Dive shop prior to the Open Water Dives, a $100 store credit will be applied to that purchase.

Our goal at The Dive Shop is to offer the most educational, professional and affordable dive training possible. We hope this handout has been helpful in answering some of the questions you may have. Please feel free to talk to your Instructor or contact The Dive Shop for further information.


With the “All Inclusive” package, if you wish to conduct your open water training on vacation or with another Instructor, otherwise know as a “referral”, a $50* credit will be applied to your student account. No reduction in cost for referral if paying for standard class.

We offer a variety of program for “kids of all ages”!
5-7 year olds - “SASY” (scuba at the surface only)
8-12 year olds - “Seal Team” (scuba in pool up to 6 feet)
12-15 year olds – “Summer Scuba Camp”
10-14 year olds - “Junior Diver” (standard certification w/adult supervision)
15-99 year olds — Standard “Open Water” Certification

Private Classes Also Available!

eLearning (online at home) Academic Training Also Available!

If you have any questions regarding our classes, please do not hesitate to contact us at The Dive Shop. We will be happy to assist you!

The Dive Shop
The Shops at Tripps
9320 West Broad St., Suite H & I
Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 270-0700
info@TheDiveShopRichmond.com

Store Hours
Monday - Thursday11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday1:00 pm - 5:00 pm and by Appt.

* Maximum of one $100 store credit per student.
** The $445 “All Inclusive” package includes these items for a savings up to $100. Use of rental equipment is for one weekend only.