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Scuba FAQ's
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Where can I find information on Desert Divers scuba classes?
The easiest way to get information is to stop by one of the the Desert Divers locations and meet the friendly staff who'll be happy to answer all your questions. You can also follow the links to various areas of information on this website, including ways to e-mail Desert Divers and print documents to fax.
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Where can I find a Desert Divers store?
Desert Divers has three locations to serve you. The Desert Divers main store is located on the southwest corner of 1st Ave and River Rd. The phone number is (520) 887-2822. The Desert Divers east-side store is located on the northwest corner of Speedway and Kolb. The phone number is (520) 886-3535. Our newest store, Ocean Sports is located in beautiful San Carlos, Mexico. Stop in and visit us, we're located on the east side of the marina. Visit the Store Locations page for more information.
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Is there a minimum age for Scuba diving?
Ten years old is the minimum age for scuba instruction. If you're between 10 and 15, you can qualify for a Junior Open Water Diver certification. Those Junior Open Water Divers between 10 and 11 years old may only dive with a parent, certified guardian, or certified professional diver to a maximum depth no greater than 40 feet. Twelve to 14 year olds should dive with a certified adult. When you turn 15, you can upgrade your Junior certification to a standard Open Water Diver certification.
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Are there any special qualifications or considerations for taking a scuba class?
No. Generally speaking, anyone in average health, who can swim, and is at least 10 years old can participate. As a precaution, you'll be asked to complete a routine medical questionnaire. If anything on the questionnaire indicates something to be cautious about, you'll need to check with your physician to make sure it's acceptable to dive.
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What's in a scuba tank? Oxygen?
Recreational divers breathe air, not oxygen. It's filtered to remove impurities, but otherwise, it's air like you're breathing now.
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Do I have to be a great swimmer to be a certified Open Water Diver?
No. All you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable and relaxed in the water. The swimming requirement for open water certification is an easy 300 yard snorkel with mask and fins (with no time limit) followed by a 10-minute tread/float.
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Is scuba diving expensive?
Not really. Like any hobby or recreation, you can invest a lot or a little, depending on your interest level. Because most dive centers and resorts rent equipment, you can invest in equipment over time, renting what you don't have until you make the investment in a complete set of gear.
Besides distant dive destinations, we have great diving not very far from Tucson at San Carlos, Mexico; so even travel costs are flexible enough to accommodate even the tightest budget. To pick an average, most people find the costs of scuba diving similar to those associated with snow skiing.
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I need vision correction. Is that a problem?
Not at all. If you wear soft contact lenses, you shouldn't have problems wearing them when you dive. If you wear hard lenses, you'll want the gas permeable type for diving. See your eye doctor about these if you don't have them now. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask. Stop in and see our Desert Divers professionals about this service.
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We also offer New Diver Specials on these items during each Open Water Class for current students.
What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
It's best to check with Desert Divers ahead of time but, generally speaking, you'll probably want your own mask, snorkel, fins, and booties, which are all pieces of equipment that are most comfortable when personally fitted. The Desert Divers professional staff can help you select quality equipment that's reasonably priced, fits right, and lasts.
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