Scientific Diver

Some of the best local diving to be had is at The Aquarena Center and Spring Lake. Visibility is comparable to Caribbean diving (50 - 60 feet). There is abundant aquatic life including Catfish, Striped Bass, Guadalupe Perch, turtles and more. Best of all, the water temperature is always 72 degrees, making for year round comfortable diving.

In order to access Spring Lake, you must complete the Aquarena Center's Diving For Science Program. This 1 weekend class will expose the students to the environmental and historical aspects of Spring Lake. Additionally, students are trained in habitat conservation, buoyancy control and special procedures for diving at Aquarena.

Once you complete the Diving For Science class, you will have limitless opportunity to participate in the volunteer diver program. Volunteer activities include underwater gardening, surveying and other special projects. You will have access to the facility free of charge (be sure to wave at the glass bottom boats as the pass over you). The facilities include a heated changing room with hot showers.

Training Schedule:
Classes are held typically twice a month and meet on Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at Aquarena Center.

Saturday:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm - Classroom
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Skills Practice and Evaluation
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Evening Dive

Sunday:
8:00 am - 11:00 am - Morning Dive, Course Evaluation, Wrap Up

Requirements:
Minimum of 15 years old
Scuba Diver / Open Water certification
Student provides all dive gear (can be rented from Oak Hill Scuba)

Oak Hill Scuba offers 1/2 price gear rental on any equipment you need for the class

Cost: $230.00

Class Dates:
December 12th & 13th
January 9th &10th
January 23rd & 24th
February 13th & 14th
February 27th & 28th
March 13th & 14th
March 27th & 28th
April 17th & 18th
May 1st & 2nd
May 15th & 16th
June 5th & 6th
June 19th & 20th
July 10th & 11th
July 24th & 25th
August 7th & 8th
August 21st & 22nd

Additional Classes available at the Aquarena Center

Aquarena Underwater Archaeology: $230./diver, Layne Hedrick; Instructor
May 22nd & 23rd
July 17th & 18th

Aquarena Underwater Photography: $230./diver, David Eaton; Instructor
TBA

Aquarena Underwater Naturalist: $150./diver, Dr. Mary Wicksten; Instructor
April 24th
June 5th
September 11th

Documentary Film making: $700./diver, Shawn O’Shea; Instructor
April 17th - June 26th

Please come by the shop or call us for more details and to sign up for a class.