Guide to Achieving Scuba Certification in Kansas City

Imagine seeing the world underwater, swimming with the fishes, viewing coral and various underwater plants. Open water diver certification is one way you can enter the wondrous world awaiting you underwater.

Even though the Midwest may be the last place you think of as somewhere to learn to scuba dive, there are numerous places in Kansas City where you can do just that. In many cases the classes are held in indoor swimming pools with some schools also offering the option of completing dives in a lake.

Open water diver certification can be achieved in a weekend or two nights of classes, depending on the school. Many dive schools also offer online learning which you can complete in your own time followed up by attending classes for the actual dives. Prices for open water diver certification range from $190 to $399 depending on the school. This cost covers materials and classes.

Equipment required depends on the school, but usually a mask, snorkel, fins, and dive boots are required. A hood and gloves are also recommended. You need to generally be in good health and be at least ten years of age. Being able to swim 200 yards any stroke non stop and tread water for 10 min is a good indicator that you are fit for dive certification. Scuba tanks, regulators, buoyancy compensators, and consoles are usually provided by the school.

Following is a few of the schools in the greater Kansas City area offering open water diver certification.

International Scuba Academy

Located in Gladstone, MO the International Scuba Academy provides a 32 hour training course consisting of five modules each with a classroom and a pool session as well as four dives in an open water environment. Contact them on 816-298-0472 for more information.

The Dive Shop

The Dive Shop has been in business for more than 40 years, and is located in Merriam, KS. Training is completed in the classroom and in the comfort of their heated swimming pool. Phone 913-677-3483 for more information.

Skin-n-Scuba

Skin-n-Scuba is located in Independence, MO. This school boasts a 12,000+ sq. ft. facility and a 26'x52' saltwater pool in which you can complete your training. The open water dive components of the course are held either at Beaver Lake or the Blue Water in Oronogo, MO. Contact Skin-n-Scuba on 816-358-0855 for more information.

Once you have obtained your open water diver certification you can go on dives in exotic locations and fully experience the mystical world underwater!