Discover Scuba

Unsure about if SCUBA Diving is right for you?

Curious to see if you have what it takes to become a certified diver but not completely comfortable with the idea of breathing underwater?  Our Discover Scuba class is the perfect way to come test the waters without committing to a full certification.  Let our experienced instructors guide you through the water while you enjoy the experience in a safe, controlled environment.

LEARN TO DIVE

Looking to start your dive training?

You get One-On-One instruction from your very own instructor!  Learn to dive safer & learn more than any other standard class.  From start to finish, Professional Diving Addicts provides you with private instruction with individualized training formatted to best suit each specific diver's comfort level & learning style.  Plus, learn about our exclusive Pay-As-You-Play options!

Top FAQ's

• How do I get scuba certified, and how long does the course take?

Getting scuba certified is an exciting journey that opens up a whole new underwater world, and at Professional Diving Addicts (PDA) in Peoria, Arizona, we make it seamless, personal, and entirely centered around your schedule. Unlike rigid corporate dive shops that herd you through massive cattle-call classes, your certification with PDA is structured around your timeline.

The process is broken down into three simple phases: knowledge development (learning the theory), confined water training (mastering skills in our private, resort-style 7-foot deep saltwater training pool), and open water check-out dives at nearby spots like Lake Pleasant. Because we focus on private, individualized instruction rather than forcing you to move at the speed of a slow group, you can complete your training efficiently without feeling rushed or held back. Don't wait for a crowded class roster to fill up—contact PDA today to map out your custom schedule and get in the water sooner!

• Do I need to know how to swim to learn scuba diving?

You don't need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable and water-safe. Standard certification agencies require a basic swimming assessment (typically a 200-yard swim without a time limit and a 10-minute tread-water test).

If you're hesitant about your water skills, traditional group classes can feel intimidating and high-pressure. That’s why learning with Professional Diving Addicts is the best choice: our one-on-one, private instruction model ensures an instructor is right by your side, tailoring every exercise to your exact comfort level. We build your confidence step-by-step in a safe, controlled private pool environment so you can conquer any water anxieties early. Reach out to PDA today, and let us help you feel completely at ease in the water.

• What are the medical and fitness requirements to start scuba diving?

Scuba diving requires a baseline of general physical fitness and health, particularly regarding your heart, lungs, and sinus cavities. Before starting, students fill out a standard medical questionnaire. Certain conditions (like active asthma, severe cardiovascular issues, or epilepsy) may require a physician's sign-off before diving.

At Professional Diving Addicts, we care deeply about your safety and individual well-being from day one. Because we offer dedicated, personalized attention rather than assembly-line training, we take the time to discuss any health or fitness questions you have right from the start. Talk to us directly at PDA before booking elsewhere so we can guide you through the prerequisites and get your training underway safely.

• Why should I buy my own scuba gear instead of renting?

Buying your own scuba gear is one of the best investments you can make in your diving hobby. While renting from a generic dive shop might seem cheaper initially, rental gear is generic, heavily used, poorly fitted, and constantly changing every time you dive.

At Professional Diving Addicts, our professional opinion is clear: all divers should own their own equipment. When you own your gear—from your mask and computer to your regulator—you know its exact history, how it's maintained, and how it performs. Renting forces you to constantly relearn the layout and quirks of unfamiliar equipment. Take control of your diving future by purchasing your setup through PDA, where we match you with elite gear (like top-tier SCUBAPRO systems) tailored precisely to you.

• How does owning personal scuba equipment make you a safer and more frequent diver?

Ownership breeds confidence, and confidence breeds safety and activity. When you own your personal scuba equipment, you eliminate the anxiety of dealing with unfamiliar rental gear configurations, leaky rental masks, or ill-fitting BCs. You know your equipment inside and out, which drastically reduces underwater stress and builds rock-solid self-reliance.

Furthermore, data shows that divers who invest in their own gear dive far more frequently because they have already overcome the barrier of friction and cost associated with constant rentals. Don't let rental hassles hold you back or slow down your adventure; partner with Professional Diving Addicts to select your own gear package today so you can dive safer, dive smarter, and dive more often.

• What is the difference between an Open Water and Advanced Open Water certification?

Your Open Water certification is your foundational license: it trains you to dive safely with a buddy down to a maximum recommended depth of 60 feet. An Advanced Open Water certification, on the other hand, expands your limits, deepens your capabilities to 100 feet, and introduces you to specialized underwater environments like deep diving, underwater navigation, and night diving.

If you want to transition from a good diver to a great diver, continuing your education is essential. While other shops push you through cookie-cutter advanced courses, Professional Diving Addicts delivers advanced training structured around real-world mastery and advanced techniques not commonly taught in standard group settings. Elevate your skills by booking your Advanced Open Water progression with PDA today.

• What local lakes and dive spots can I explore near my area?

You don't need to live on the coast to be an active scuba diver! Here in Arizona, we have fantastic local freshwater diving right in our backyard, including Lake Pleasant (just minutes away from our Peoria home base) and Lake Mohave. These locations offer incredible training grounds, unique underwater structures, and thriving local marine environments.

Navigating local desert dive sites safely requires specialized local knowledge—something national chains and cookie-cutter shops simply don't have. As Peoria’s premier local dive company, Professional Diving Addicts knows local waters inside and out, offering regular local excursions, cleanup events, and guided trips. Skip the impersonal experience of big box dive centers and book your next local desert dive adventure with the local experts at PDA!