Different Class Formats
No matter what your schedule,
we can make you a diver!
Keeping you safe while learning to Dive.
Lucky for us, Covid doesn't spread underwater water so now is a great time to take a scuba class.
However, we, at Sub-Aquatic Sports, have made major adjustments to our basic scuba class structure to keep your safe.
Cost: $349/person
Traditional Group Class- Currently Cancelled Due to Covid: This is our most popular, affordable and social option. Class sizes range from 5-10 students. These classes meet six to eight sessions. Each session is split between classroom lectures and pool practice. Our instructors will cover important subjects such as environment, equipment, physiology, etc. during lectures. The remainder of the class is spent in the pool learning to use scuba equipment. Because water work is performed as a group, any missed sessions must be made up. Open Water Training dives are done at the end of the class/pool work. For two days, you will practice diving in a "real environment" like Gull Lake. These dives are usually scheduled on a weekend. If you take a scuba class during the winter months, training dives can either be postponed till spring or may be completed while on vacation in warmer climates.
Online Class with Group Class Pool Sessions: $349 If your schedule doesn't work with the group classes listed below, consider doing the online class at home and complete the pool work with a group class. You'll need to purchase NAUI’s Scuba Diver E-Learning Kit, which is available at our store. Start any time in the convenience of your home with the theory portion of the course, then find a group class to complete the pool. The advantage is that you only have to attend the last half of each session, which is the pool practice. For example, if a class is from 6pm-10pm, you only have to attend from 8pm-10pm. Open Water Training dives (usually at Gull Lake) are planned as a group.
Executive Classes: $599 Do you have an impossible schedule or need to be certified as a scuba diver ASAP? Then take a private class, the ultimate in personalized training. Use NAUI’s Scuba Diver E-Learning kit and complete the theory portion online. Then, you'll receive private, one-on-one training with one of our instructors for the pool skills. Water work is completed in four sessions and we can use your pool or meet at one of our training locations. Open Water Training (usually at Gull Lake) is done one-on-one. Better yet, we can give you a referral to complete the dives while on vacation.
4. College Accredited Classes Sub-Aquatic Sports teaches accredited classes at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kalamazoo College (open to both general public and Kalamazoo college students).
Lucky for us, Covid doesn't spread underwater water so now is a great time to take a scuba class.
However, we, at Sub-Aquatic Sports, have made major adjustments to our basic scuba class structure to keep your safe.
- Class/Theory Work: To limit close contact, all theory (classroom work) is now done online. We are no longer charging extra for the NAUI online kit. It is a free upgrade. You also do not need to purchase the NAUI textbook, saving you $45.
- Water Work: Pools are currently closed because of state mandates. Lucky for us, the local lake water temperatures are comfortable so all training will be done at Gull Lake's Ross Township Park through August. To avoid spreading Covid, there is no shared equipment. You will be assigned over $1000 worth of scuba equipment (regulator, dive computer and BC vest) to use for the duration of the course. This requires that all water work be done on four consecutive days i.e. Tuesday-Fridays from 6-9pm. We are also now limiting all water work to 4 students maximum. Have a pool? If you have a pool and 4 people interested, we may be able to teach the water work (#2) at your hoails. me. Call for details.
- Open water training dives will take place on the Saturday and Sundays following the water work. This means, you will be certified in six days. The open water rental gear is still $75 for the weekend.
Cost: $349/person
Traditional Group Class- Currently Cancelled Due to Covid: This is our most popular, affordable and social option. Class sizes range from 5-10 students. These classes meet six to eight sessions. Each session is split between classroom lectures and pool practice. Our instructors will cover important subjects such as environment, equipment, physiology, etc. during lectures. The remainder of the class is spent in the pool learning to use scuba equipment. Because water work is performed as a group, any missed sessions must be made up. Open Water Training dives are done at the end of the class/pool work. For two days, you will practice diving in a "real environment" like Gull Lake. These dives are usually scheduled on a weekend. If you take a scuba class during the winter months, training dives can either be postponed till spring or may be completed while on vacation in warmer climates.
Online Class with Group Class Pool Sessions: $349 If your schedule doesn't work with the group classes listed below, consider doing the online class at home and complete the pool work with a group class. You'll need to purchase NAUI’s Scuba Diver E-Learning Kit, which is available at our store. Start any time in the convenience of your home with the theory portion of the course, then find a group class to complete the pool. The advantage is that you only have to attend the last half of each session, which is the pool practice. For example, if a class is from 6pm-10pm, you only have to attend from 8pm-10pm. Open Water Training dives (usually at Gull Lake) are planned as a group.
Executive Classes: $599 Do you have an impossible schedule or need to be certified as a scuba diver ASAP? Then take a private class, the ultimate in personalized training. Use NAUI’s Scuba Diver E-Learning kit and complete the theory portion online. Then, you'll receive private, one-on-one training with one of our instructors for the pool skills. Water work is completed in four sessions and we can use your pool or meet at one of our training locations. Open Water Training (usually at Gull Lake) is done one-on-one. Better yet, we can give you a referral to complete the dives while on vacation.
4. College Accredited Classes Sub-Aquatic Sports teaches accredited classes at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kalamazoo College (open to both general public and Kalamazoo college students).
2020 Class Dates
January 6: Battle Creek YMCA (M/W) · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: Jan. 6, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: January 8-27 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm-9:30pm · Open Water Dates: May 9-10 Feb. 4: Maple Street YMCA in Kazoo (T/TH) Sold Out · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: Feb. 4, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool at YMCA: Feb 6-25 · Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30pm –9:30pm · Open Water Dates: May 9-10 February 9:Battle Creek – (Sunday) Sold Out · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: Feb 9: 1pm-3pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: Feb16-March 22 · Sunday afternoons, 1pm-5pm · Open Water Dates: May 16-17 March 2: BC YMCA (Accelerated M/W/F) Sold Out Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: March 2, 6pm-8pm Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: March 4-16 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 5:30pm – 9:30pm Open Water Dates: May 2-3 March 10: Maple Street YMCA in Kazoo (T/TH) Sold Out · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: March 10, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool at YMCA: March 12 – 31 · Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30pm –9:30pm · Open Water Dates: May 16-17 April 6: Battle Creek YMCA Center (M/W) Sold Out · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: April 6, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: April 8 -27 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm-9:30pm · Open Water Dates: May 2-3 April 19: Battle Creek YMCA(Sunday Afternoons) 3 Space Left Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: April 19 1pm-3pm Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: April 26-June 7 Sundays from 1pm-5pm Open Water Dates: June 13-14 No class on Memorial Day Monday April 21: Maple Street YMCA in Kalamazoo (T/TH) Sold Out · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: April 21, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool at YMCA: April 23 - May 12 · Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30pm –9:30pm · Open Water Dates: May 23-24 May 27: Battle Creek YMCA (M/W) · Orientation Class at Sub- Aquatic: May 27, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: June 1-17 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm-9:30pm · Open Water Dates: June 20-21 June 16: Maple Street YMCA in Kalamazoo (T/TH) · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: June 16, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool at YMCA: June 18-July 7 · Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30pm–9:30pm · Open Water Dates: July 11-12 July 1: Battle Creek YMCA- (Accelerated M/W/F) · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: July 1, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: July 6-17 · Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 5:30pm-9:30pm · Open Water Dates: July 18-19 August 4: Maple Street YMCA in Kalamazoo (T/TH) · Orientation Class, Sub-Aquatic: Aug 4, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool at YMCA: August 6-25 · Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30pm –9:30pm · Open Water Dates: Aug. 29-30 September. 9: Battle Creek YMCA Center (M/W) · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: Sept 9, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: Sept. 14-30 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm-9:30pm · Open Water Dates: Oct. 3-4 October 6: Maple Street YMCA in Kalamazoo (T/TH) · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: October 6, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool at YMCA: October 8-27 · Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30pm–9:30pm · Open Water Dates: Oct. 31-Nov. 1 November 2: Battle Creek YMCA Center (M/W) · Orientation Class at Sub-Aquatic: Nov 2, 6pm-8pm · Class & Pool Dates at Y Center: Nov. 4-23 · Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm-9:30pm · Open Water Dates: TBD About Open Water Training Dives: This is the last phase of your scuba class. You need to get to complete two days of diving in a real environment verses a pool for a total of 4 dives. This is done over a 2-day period, usually on a weekend. If you cannot make the dates listed here, no worries. We can easily move you to another open water date. However, it is always preferred that you stay with your class for the final fun. All open water dates listed here are done at Gull Lake HOWEVER, if you prefer to finish your class in a warm, tropical climate, we will give you a referral form and help you locate a dive instructor. Please know that open water training dives are weather dependent. If we cannot complete these 2 days of diving at Gull Lake, your options are:
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How to Start?
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January - June Classes
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July-December Classes
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#2 Check out our Virtual Backpack
#3 Stop into Sub-Aquatic Sports
We can't wait to meet you, find out your dive goals
and help you make them happen!
What's Included?
Learning to scuba dive has some upfront costs and its important to understand them. The course fee includes the following:
* Note: Group classes have classroom lectures, all other classes are E-Learning/on-line.
What's Not Included:
There are 3 thing you need to budget for when taking our class.
How do I sign up?
A $50 non-refundable deposit is necessary to guarantee space in a class. This payment can be done online or call the store for a credit card payment. Better yet, stop into Sub-Aquatic Sports to make payment and check us out. The final payment is due 1 week prior to the start of the class. Although the deposit is non-refundable, it is transferable to another class IF we are given a minimum of a 7-day notice. Final payments cannot be made online.
What if I Miss a Class? Because each session covers essential information, you will need to complete the entire class. We realize that schedules change, so if you miss a session, please do the reading assigned. To make up the pool portion of the missed session, please contact your instructor directly and set up a time to complete the work. There may be an additional fee for a private pool session of $60, and is paid directly with the instructor. If you miss more than two sessions, you will need to retake the class to become certified.
How old do I have to be?
Kids as young as 10 may take scuba but we prefer 12. You know your child though. Are they comfortable in the water? If so, are you a diver too? We find that these two factors increase the success of younger kids having fun and comprehending the importance of following the rules of diving. A Junior Certification card is given to kids ages 10-14. Regular/adult SCUBA certification is given at age 15 and older. So, how old is too old? Our oldest student was 72 years old. We have people diving into their early 80's, when blessed with good health.
Are there any health restrictions?
You cannot have active asthma or emphysema. Other health conditions may be contra indicators to diving; please contact Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service if you have any concerns.
It all sounds Greek to me!
Like most sports, there is terminology that comes with scuba diving which may be hard to understand.
? Have more questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Question page.
Learning to scuba dive has some upfront costs and its important to understand them. The course fee includes the following:
- Instructor fees for classroom lectures and pool skills*
- Instructor fees for open water training at Gull Lake or SASS dive trip
- Pool rental cost
- Use of all scuba equipment for pool sessions (not snorkeling gear)
- Lifetime scuba certification from NAUI
* Note: Group classes have classroom lectures, all other classes are E-Learning/on-line.
What's Not Included:
There are 3 thing you need to budget for when taking our class.
- NAUI Scuba Diver textbook ($42) which family and friends can share. If you are taking the E-Learning course, you need the kit ($115).
- Optional rental scuba gear for open water training ($75). If you complete training dives while on vacation or purchase your own scuba gear, this fee is omitted.
- Snorkeling equipment ($99 and up). Next to the class cost, this is your next largest budget item. Click here to learn about the Snorkeling gear and the STUDENT DISCOUNT.
How do I sign up?
A $50 non-refundable deposit is necessary to guarantee space in a class. This payment can be done online or call the store for a credit card payment. Better yet, stop into Sub-Aquatic Sports to make payment and check us out. The final payment is due 1 week prior to the start of the class. Although the deposit is non-refundable, it is transferable to another class IF we are given a minimum of a 7-day notice. Final payments cannot be made online.
What if I Miss a Class? Because each session covers essential information, you will need to complete the entire class. We realize that schedules change, so if you miss a session, please do the reading assigned. To make up the pool portion of the missed session, please contact your instructor directly and set up a time to complete the work. There may be an additional fee for a private pool session of $60, and is paid directly with the instructor. If you miss more than two sessions, you will need to retake the class to become certified.
How old do I have to be?
Kids as young as 10 may take scuba but we prefer 12. You know your child though. Are they comfortable in the water? If so, are you a diver too? We find that these two factors increase the success of younger kids having fun and comprehending the importance of following the rules of diving. A Junior Certification card is given to kids ages 10-14. Regular/adult SCUBA certification is given at age 15 and older. So, how old is too old? Our oldest student was 72 years old. We have people diving into their early 80's, when blessed with good health.
Are there any health restrictions?
You cannot have active asthma or emphysema. Other health conditions may be contra indicators to diving; please contact Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service if you have any concerns.
It all sounds Greek to me!
Like most sports, there is terminology that comes with scuba diving which may be hard to understand.
- Snorkel Gear vs. Scuba Gear: Scuba gear includes tank, regulator and something called a buoyancy compensator vest that holds the tank. Use of these items are included in the cost of a class during the pool sessions. Snorkeling gear is different and not included. This includes a good quality mask, snorkel, scuba fins and a weight belt. This are personalized gear which will last 10-15yrs if you buy right. Why do you need to buy it? A mask that fits your face may leak on someone else. Some people need prescription lens in their mask to see the cool fish while others have a mustache that causes leaks. We can help you find the right mask. A snorkel is not provided because, frankly, do you want to use a snorkel that's been in everyone's mouth? A weight belt is necessary to 'lightly' sink you while practicing the pool skills. Finally, you'll need scuba quality fins. Please do not buy snorkel fins. They are not strong enough to push you underwater with scuba gear on. Note: We will discuss these items at the first class session so you will be educated before buying. Snorkeling gear is needed by the second session. If you want to buy early, stop into the store and one of our highly trained staff will assist you. As a student of Sub-Aquatic Sports, you will receive a discount on snorkeling gear. Click here for more information!
- Open Water Training Dives: It doesn't matter where you take a scuba class, you must complete two days of diving in a real environment verse a pool. This is called Open Water Training Dives. Most people complete these dives locally at Gull Lake. However, if you have more exciting plans, like vacationing in the Caribbean, we can give you a referral to an scuba instructor on location. Note, there will be an additional fee to that referral instructor but what a great way to complete the class! Finally, if you are taking a class during the winter, you may have to wait till spring when the water warms up, OR join us on a Sub-Aquatic Sports trip. We have a dive instructor on these trips so you don't have to pay a referral fee. FYI: People who take a trip immediately after the course, stay with diving for years to come. If you can afford to take a trip, do!
- NAUI vs PADI vs SSI: These are the top scuba certification agencies in the USA. For over 36 years, we have taught NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors.) For a brief time, Sub-Aquatic Sports also taught PADI. We know both ciriculums well. Even though PADI is the largest agency (think Walmart) NAUI has a much better program. Standards are higher and the agency is respected highly within the industry. This is why SASS teaches at all the local colleges and university in the area. NAUI is the oldest certifying agency in the USA but was nonprofit for many years, thus why they are not as big as PADI. Regardless of size, your NAUI scuba certification is ACCEPTED WORLDWIDE and it is GOOD FOR LIFE, it never expires. SSI is also a good agency but can be limiting if you want get into shipwreck diving and ice diving.
? Have more questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Question page.