Drysuit Diving
Stay warm, stay dry, and dive all year round! Dry suit diving allows you to explore colder waters without the chill, opening up new dive sites and longer dive times. Unlike wetsuits, dry suits provide full thermal insulation by keeping you completely dry - perfect for diving in temperate or cold environments.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
Our specialty courses are completed in structured phases designed to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence every step of the way!
STEP 1: DIGITAL LEARNING
Begin your training with SSI's interactive digital learning materials, which you will complete at your own pace before attending your first class. These materials provide the foundation of scuba knowledge, including dive theory, equipment basics, and safety practices.
STEP 2: IN-PERSON TRAINING
In-person training may include classroom instruction, pool training, workshops, or practical exercises depending on the specialty. During this phase, you will work directly with an instructor to review key concepts, develop new skills, and receive personalized coaching. This blended approach allows participants to:
- Learn directly from an experienced instructor
- Ask questions and receive immediate guidance
- Develop a genuine connection with your classmates and instructor
- Facilitates collaborative work and learning
- Practice essential skills in a controlled environment
- Build comfort and confidence with the equipment and underwater techniques
In-Person Training Requirements for Drysuit Diving: one combined classroom and pool session
STEP 3: OPEN WATER DIVES
Many specialty courses include open water training dives where you will apply your new knowledge and skills in real diving conditions. These dives allow you to gain practical experience while demonstrating the requirements needed for certification.
Open Water Requirements for Drysuit Diving: Two open water dives, typically completed in a single day
Important: Course schedules are subject to change based on season, weather conditions, instructor availability, and student needs. If additional in-water training is required, students may be asked to attend additional pool sessions or complete extra dives outside of scheduled class time, which may be subject to additional fees. Please note that dives being conducted from a charter will also include additional fees.
COURSE INCLUDES:
The course fee includes:
- Digital learning materials
- Course registration and certification fees
- Lifetime access to the SSI digital logbook, digital certification cards, dive tables, and related resources
- All scheduled training sessions and open water dives included with the course (see above)
Additional costs, if applicable, may include but are not limited to charter or boat fees, park or site entry fees, required personal equipment, equipment rentals, custom or expedited class fees, private class fees, and/or any additional dives or training time required beyond the standard course. Please call the shop if you have any questions about what additional costs may apply to your specific course or training schedule!
| REQUIREMENT | DETAILS |
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REQUIRED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT (Must Purchase/Own)
The following items must be purchased / owned by each participant before starting the course:
- Total diving system (Rental info below):
- BCD
- Regulator
- Dive Computer
- Cylinders
- Weights and weight belt / pockets
- The "basics" **:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Hood
- Gloves
- 2 Mouthpieces
We recommend purchasing your equipment at Aquatic Specialties so we can personally fit the equipment to you and your body type. We have many different brands, styles, and sizes, and having equipment that fits well will enhance your performance in the water and make your dive experience more enjoyable! We offer our students a 10% discount* on any required equipment that is purchased while actively enrolled in a course! Every customer matters and your support of your local dive shop is the backbone to our success. Your patronage motivates us to keep improving, and allows us to be able to provide you with the services that we do today - together, we will dive into great things!
*Some restrictions apply on select products
**This list of basic equipment would have been purchased for your Open Water certification and is not included in our rentals due to sanitation and fit.
RENTAL GEAR (Not Included)
Use of rental equipment for any open water dives conducted outside of the classroom is not included in the course fee; however, rental equipment may be available to rent.
Please Note: Students are responsible for picking up, transporting, and returning their own rental equipment. If transport is needed on our part, an additional surcharge may apply.
To ensure a safe, successful, and enjoyable dive experience, we ask that all students take the following responsibilities seriously throughout the course:
GEAR TRANSPORTATION
Students are responsible for transporting their own personal equipment and rental equipment to and from each class and dive session. If you are unable to do so, we may be able to assist with transport for an additional surcharge. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE
Arrive on time for all sessions. Diving requires structure and safety protocols - late arrivals may miss important briefings and could be asked to reschedule at an added cost. Full attendance is required for certification.
PRE-COURSE STUDY
If your course includes eLearning or textbook materials, they must be completed before your first in-person session. This ensures you understand the theory and can focus on skills during practical training.
MINDSET & FOCUS
Stay attentive and engaged throughout the course. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and support your fellow divers. Please be mindful that this is a classroom setting and we are all here to learn together. If you would like a private class, please contact the shop for more information. Teamwork is a key part of the experience!
MEDICAL & PHYSICAL READINESS
You must complete a medical questionnaire prior to starting the course. If any answers indicate a potential condition, a physician's clearance may be required. Being comfortable in the water and in reasonably good health is essential for completion of the prerequisites of this course. Swimming is involved.
COMMUNICATION
Keep in touch with us if anything changes - whether it is scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or gear issues. We are here to help, and clear communication ensures a smoother experience for everyone!
Need help preparing or have questions? Reach out to our team at any time - we are here to support you at every step of your diving journey!
Check out some of our other courses we have available for our certified Open Water students to advance their skills!
Full Face Mask Diving (Ages 12+): Enjoy a comfortable and seamless dive experience with a full face mask, allowing for easier communication, better comfort, and a clearer view underwater. Perfect for divers who want to experience more relaxed and efficient diving in colder temperatures!
Ice Diving (Ages 18+): Ready for an adventure beneath the ice? Our Ice Diving class will teach you the essential skills to safely explore frozen waters. Learn ice diving techniques, emergency procdeures, and how to navigate in low-visibility environments. Experience the thrill of diving in one of the most unique and challenging underwater settings - safely and confidently!
Wreck/Advanced Wreck Diving (Ages 15+): In Wreck Diving, you will be taught how to safely conduct non-penetration dives around wrecks and artificial reefs, up to a depth of 30 meters, and complete 2 dives around the perimeter of a wreck. Advanced Wreck allows limited penetration within the daylight zone into wrecks with an overhead environment. The training required for this type of diving is overhead buoyancy control (We recommend taking a Perfect Buoyancy class), new finning techniques, optional laying safety lines, and the proper use of lights.
Please note: Some courses have other prerequisites or required equipment that is necessary to complete the class. Please see the "prerequisites" and "required equipment" tabs for each individual class for more details.
