Your academics are all at home study, so you can do them on your own time at your own pace.  All academics, including quizzes and exams, must be completed before the Open Water Dives – with exception of confined water at West Hawk, academics must be completed beforehand due to the nature of the condensed schedule.

1. Textbook/Video
   • 5 sections with knowledge reviews at the end of each section, these are open book
   • Each section pertains to the skills and safety taught at each confined water session
   • Knowledge reviews are to be brought to the store prior to completing quizzes and exam
   • 4 quizzes and 1 exam based on the open water manual
   • Video code will be emailed and will need to be reviewed online
   • Dive computer simulator to be reviewed online
2. eLearning
   • Allow 12-15 hours to complete full course
   • 5 sections with quizzes at the end of each section
   • Each section pertains to the skills and safety taught at each confined water session
   • Final exam must be completed online
   • Dive computer simulator to be reviewed online
   • Upon completion, 25 question quiz will be written in store

All of what we learn about SCUBA diving is taught and practiced in a controlled, pool-like environment.

1. Pool Sessions
   • 5 pool sessions – one a week for 5 consecutive weeks
     • 1 extra pool session if completing the Open Water dives locally, for a neoprene orientation
   • Be on deck and ready for 7pm, you will be wrapped up around 9:15-9:30pm
   • Skills are progressive; basic skills are learned and built upon as comfort level increases
   • Equipment will be brought to and from the pool each session
   • Bring swimsuit, towel, quarter for the lockers and rashguard/wetsuit or an old tshirt
2. West Hawk Lake
   • 5 sessions completed over 2 days, 9am start and can go as late as 3:30-4pm each day
   • Academics must be completed beforehand due to the nature of this condensed schedule
   • Skills are progressive; basic skills are learned and built upon as comfort level increases
   • You are responsible for bringing all of your equipment to the lake
     • A tarp to set your gear up on, and help with social distancing
     • 1 bucket of equipment and 4 tanks, that are best transported laying down
   • Bring extra warm clothing.  Bring more than you think you will need and extra warm layers for after the dive
     • When open, the campground showers accept loonies and toonies which is great way to warm up in between dives if needed

After completing the confined water lessons, it is time to head out to the open water scuba training site at West Hawk Lake in Manitoba’s gorgeous Whiteshell Provincial park – just 1.5 hours East of Winnipeg.

• 4 dives completed over 2 days from June through October, usually 3 dives on day one and 1 dive on day two – weather depending.
• Make sure to stop by Diver City to pick up your SCUBA equipment;
  • Though beautiful, West Hawk Lake is not tropical and full 7mm wetsuits, hoods and gloves are required to keep warm underwater.
  • You will need room for 1 bucket of equipment and 4 tanks, that are best transported laying down.
• You will need a tarp to set your gear up on, and help with social distancing
• Provincial Park Passes are required for all vehicles.  Weekend and seasonal passes are available at the Campground office or online.
• Book your accommodations, SCUBA is new to you and you may not believe how tired you will feel after so we recommend students to not commute to the City each day.
  • West Hawk Lake Campground
  • West Hawk Lake Resort
  • Crescent Beach Cottages
  • Keystone Resort
• Snacks and drinks. Diving takes a lot of energy and you may want a high energy snack between dives. As always, remaining hydrated is important, so bring water and juices to help you hydrate (and for an energy boost).  There are some options in town to grab a bite after the diving day is done.