Thinking of doing open water

[olly86]

Hey people, I'm thinking of starting my open water course soon but was wondering if there is a lot of background reading needed to pass it? I've got some exams coming up and wouldn't want to not be able to fully read all the materials concerning the course.

Also, has anyone done the course in London? I know its a long shot but if you did where did you go to?

 

[markfm]

For PADI, you're looking at a book with on average 50 pages/week plus little knowledge review (a couple pages of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank), for 5 weeks. Not hard reading by any means, but it does take a few hours/week, plus the class/pool time.

 

[pjomm]

Hello,

Study time varies from person to person. It also depends on the format in which you take the program. For instance soem programs deliver most of the material in class. Other programs have you doing the majority of the academic program on your own. It might be a nice break from studying for exams or you can wait till they are over. BTW London where?

All the best,

Paul

 

[Stirling]

Hey people, I'm thinking of starting my open water course soon but was wondering if there is a lot of background reading needed to pass it? I've got some exams coming up and wouldn't want to not be able to fully read all the materials concerning the course.

Also, has anyone done the course in London? I know its a long shot but if you did where did you go to?

Dive Solutions is a PADI shop in London, and its site recommends taking 1-2 weeks free before the course starts to read the manual and complete knowledge review. Dive Solutions and several other options are listed here:
http://www.england.worldweb.com/ToursActivitiesAdventures/ScubaDivingSnorkelling/

 

[String]

Hey people, I'm thinking of starting my open water course soon but was wondering if there is a lot of background reading needed to pass it? I've got some exams coming up and wouldn't want to not be able to fully read all the materials concerning the course.

Also, has anyone done the course in London? I know its a long shot but if you did where did you go to?

You could do a PADI or other agency paid course or if intending on learning to dive locally and diving locally your other option may to be find a local BSAC club and join that for training and diving.

 

[slipslop]

i did the course in 4 days and there is a vast amount of reading in a short period. pool practice and classroom during the day, reading at night.

 

[spectrum]

Hey people, I'm thinking of starting my open water course soon but was wondering if there is a lot of background reading needed to pass it? I've got some exams coming up and wouldn't want to not be able to fully read all the materials concerning the course.

First by all means do it.

As for your best timing you need to decide that. The replies posted as well as this current thread ( http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=94766 ) may help you decide how it fits into your commitments. If nothing else get the ball rolling so you can "dive in" as soon as you clear your exams. If you have some spare time in your schedule and are already comfortable in the water you may be fine starting right in at the first open dae.

Meanwhile devour Scubaboard. The search function is your friend.

Pete

 

[emtdan]

So, here is a listing of all PADI dive shops in London that provide OW:

http://www.padi.com/english/common/...City=London&Name=&CourseType=OW&Submit=Submit

or there seems to be one SSI dealer in London:
Name Aqua Adventure Training
Category Instructor Training Facility
Address PO Box 4729
City London
State London
Country United Kingdom
Postal Code SE13 5EL
Email dive@supanet.com
Web Site http://www.aquaadventuretraining.com
Phone 44-20-8318-2357
Fax 44-20-8318-1293

 

[tx.lakerats]

best to speak with the dive shop that you are thinking of using and tell them your situation and see what they recommend.

Some shops will work around scheduling conflicts and such...

 

[ScubaSarus]

Ide wait till you have free time.

If you mess up on school work you most likely wont get hurt but if you mess up on dive work because you hadnt the time to study and get it right, you could hurt yoursel or your buddy.

Opps I was too busy ti realize I had to say ahhhh on my emergency accent etc.

Not to pick on you dude Ide like to see you become a good diver right from the start and not to learn as you go from the stuff you passed over and were able to squeek by the OW exams.

Thanks for at least asking it shows you do want to do well. Im just giving my opinion.