Scuba Center is Minnesota's Largest Scuba Diving School | Two Locations offering PADI certification courses in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Eagan, Minnesota | Shop with us online at scubacenter.com | Find a huge selection of quality scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, underwater digital cameras, wetsuits, drysuits, dry gloves, and technical diving gear. Our Minneapolis location has the largest selection of kiteboarding and snowkiting equipment in the Minnesota. Scuba Center also features ice rescue and water rescue equipment from the best manufacturers in the business at our Eagan location. | Now offering PADI eLearning Courses!
Celebrating 40 Years!

5015 Penn Ave South   Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419    (612) 925-4818

1571 Century Point   Eagan, Minnesota 55121   (651) 681-8434

www.scubacenter.com

 

Learn Scuba from Minnesota's Largest Scuba School.

PADI Beginning Scuba Lessons | PADI Open Water Diver Certification Course | If you’ve always wondered what lies beneath the surface, now’s the time to find out. Start the journey of a lifetime with the PADI Open Water Diver Certification course. It will change you forever. Since 1973 PADI Open Water Diver Course | At your own pace, you can complete the knowledge development portion of the PADI Open Water Diver Certification course online with PADI eLearning. | Certification classes offered in Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota

Beginning Scuba Lessons -- PADI Open Water Diver

The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver Certification course consists of two parts: classroom and pool training, followed by four open water training dives. Upon completion of both parts you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver. This beginning certification is recognized in the US, Caribbean and around the world.

PADI Certification | The Way the World Learns to Dive | The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver Certification course consists of two parts: classroom and pool training, followed by four open water training dives (certification dives). Upon completion of both parts you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver. This beginning scuba diving certification is recognized in the US, Caribbean, Mexico, and at dive centers around the world. | PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centers meet all PADI Five Star Dive Center standards and provides the same level of service. They also meet additional training requirements and offer PADI Instructor-level training. If your goal is to become a PADI Scuba Instructor find a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center near you, by visiting the online PADI Dive Shop Locator.
PADI is the worlds largest
certification organization.
PADI Beginning Scuba Lessons | PADI Open Water Diver Certification Classes in Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota Part 1 - Classroom and Pool Training
The purpose of the classroom and pool training is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills they need to enjoy and safely complete the open water training.  Classroom and pool training using state of the art equipment, combined with our small group size, assures a thorough and enjoyable training program.  Classroom and pool training is conveniently scheduled throughout the year, with new classes beginning nearly every week.  We offer evening, day-time and weekend courses.  In fact, Scuba Center has more scheduling options than any other facility in our area.  Contact us any time for an updated class schedule.

PADI Certification | Beginning Scuba Diving Lessons | PADI Open Water Diver Certificatioin Class enjoying the heated indoor pool at Scuba Center in Eagan, Minnesota. | PADI Open Water Diver Certification classes are small, limited to a maximum of eight to ten students per PADI Instructor during pool (Confined Water) training, to assure personal attention and fun while learning to Scuba dive. | Certification classes offered in Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

PADI Open Water Diver Certification student materials are included with the course at Scuba Center and are yours to keep. | Beginning Scuba Certification Lessons | The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver Certification course consists of two parts: classroom and pool training, followed by four open water training dives (certification dives). | Classes offered in Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, MinnesotaTextbook, DVD, and logbook, included in course fee, and are yours to keep.

We do not charge an additional fee for your referral paperwork if completing certification dives at another PADI facility.

Indoor heated pool at our Eagan Scuba Center
The following are commonly asked questions about our PADI classroom and pool training:
What is the classroom and pool fee? 
The combined fee is only $239, which includes instruction, pool fees, use of scuba equipment and PADI student materials. Materials include: PADI Open Water Diver Manual with DVD, and log book,... all of which are yours to keep.
How many people are in each class?
PADI Open Water Diver classes are small, limited to a maximum of eight to ten students per Instructor during pool training, to assure personal attention and fun while learning.
What equipment is provided?
We will provide state-of-the-art scuba diving equipment for your course pool work.
What equipment do I need for the class?
You will need to provide your own mask, fins, snorkel, as these are individually fitted items that you will take with you on every dive. Please make sure that you have scuba rated fins. The fins you have for snorkeling may not have the power required when you add the additional drag of the scuba tank, buoyancy compensator, weight belt, wetsuit, etc.  Also, your mask should be a high quality silicone rubber to insure the best seal to your face. A mask that leaks on the surface may be a nuisance, but one that leaks at 60 feet is more problematic. Our highly experienced staff of diving professionals can assist you in selecting the appropriate items at either of our two locations.  Do not wait until the day of your first class session.  Allow time to get the best fit and service possible.  You will also need a swimsuit and towel for your pool sessions. 
Is there an age restriction?
You must be at least 15 years old to receive PADI Open Water Diver certification; there is no maximum age. Those 12 to 14 may take the course and receive a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. 10 and 11 year olds my be eligible to take the course with pre approval of the Instructor.  Contact us for more information.  Once certified, 10 and 11 year olds must dive with a parent, guardian or PADI Professional. PADI Junior Open Water divers age 12 and up must dive with a certified adult until their 15th birthday.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
No, you need only to be comfortable in the water and capable of swimming continuously for two hundred yards, and treading water/floating for 10 min.
What do I need to do before the first class?
You need to view the PADI DVD, read the PADI textbook (260 pages) and complete knowledge reviews at the end of each module.  Both the DVD and book are included in the course fee and are yours to keep.  You also need to complete a PADI Student Record File (which includes a Medical Statement).  If you answer yes to any of the medical history questions, the PADI Medical Statement must be signed by your physician prior to your first pool session.  You can download and review the PADI Medical Statement here.  
PADI Certification | Learn Scuba from Minnesota's Largest Scuba School. | PADI Beginning Scuba Diving Lessons | PADI Certification classes offered in Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota
Where are the classes held?
Beginning scuba diving classes are held at one of our two locations: Minneapolis, at 5015 Penn Ave. S., or Eagan, at 1571 Century Point.  Pool sessions are held at our Eagan store with its own on-site heated indoor pool.
Can I complete the knowledge development portion of the class online?
Yes, the PADI Open Water Diver Course online provides the knowledge development portion you need.  You develop the remaining skills by actually diving with a PADI Instructor at Scuba Center.  For pricing and details, check out PADI eLearning.
Are private lessons available?

Yes, we can organize private scuba diving lessons for an individual or a group.  The private lesson fee is $459 for the first person, $239 for each additional person.
Fee and cancellation policy.
The class fee is due when you register for your class.  Your class fee is non-refundable within fourteen days of the class starting date and is non-transferable within seven days of the class starting date.
PADI Beginning Scuba Lessons | In the PADI Open Water Diver course, your PADI Instructor takes you through the basics of learning how to scuba dive. You start in a pool or pool-like conditions and progress to the open water (ocean, lake, quarry, etc.) getting the background knowledge along the way. | PADI Open Water Diver Certification Classes in Minnesota Part 2 - Open Water Certification dives

Below are several options for students completing their classroom and pool training.  Open Water Certification dives should be completed within a maximum of 12 months after completing classroom and pool training.

Due to PADI Instructor-to-Student ratios, 10 and 11 year olds must be in smaller groups.
Local Certification Dives
From May through October, Scuba Center offers PADI Open Water training dives at Square Lake near Stillwater, Minnesota.  Your training will consist of four dives completed over a two day period, usually Saturday and Sunday.  You may register for either morning or afternoon sessions. During the summer, weeknight certification dives are occasionally offered.
Referrals
Upon completion of your classroom and pool training, we will issue you a student referral to take with you on your vacation. We do not charge an additional fee for your referral paperwork. Open water certification dives may be completed with any PADI training facility or PADI instructor. The PADI web site includes a current list of PADI training facilities worldwide. Those of you who have already made travel plans will want to follow this procedure. PADI Open Water training fees are set by the dive facility at the resort you travel to.
What is the Open Water Training fee?
On Open Water Certification dives conducted by Scuba Center, the fee is $179. The fee includes use of scuba equipment, wetsuit, instruction, and certification fee.  Fees for Open Water Certification Dives are due when registering and are non refundable.
What certification card will I receive?
Upon completion of PADI Open Water training dives with Scuba Center, you will receive the PADI Gold Open Water certification (or Junior Open Water if under age 15).  This certification allows you and a certified buddy to dive independently throughout the world.
Minneapolis Beginning Scuba Classes
(Class session in Minneapolis, Pool sessions in Eagan)

Weekend Classes (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Evening Classes (Mon & Wed)

Fri 7 -10pm; Sat 9 am-5pm; Sun 1:30-4:30pm

Mon & Wed 7 - 10 pm
M130510 - May 10, 11, 12 M130429 - Apr 29, May 1, 6, 8
M130607 - Jun 7, 8, 9 M130513 - May 13, 15, 20, 22
M130621 - Jun 21, 22, 23 M130528 - May 28, 29, Jun 3, 5 Note: Tues Start
M130705 - Jul 5, 6, 7 M130610 - Jun 10, 12, 17, 19
M130719 - Jul 19, 20, 21 M130624 - Jun 24, 26, Jul 1, 3
M130802 - Aug 2, 3, 4 M130708 - Jul 8, 10, 15, 17
M130816 - Aug 16, 17, 18 M130722 - Jul 22, 24, 29, 31
M130830 - Aug 30, 31, Sep 1 M130805 - Aug 5, 7, 12, 14
M130913 - Sep 13, 14, 15 M130819 - Aug 19, 21, 26, 28
M130927 - Sep 27, 28, 29 M130903 - Sep 3, 4, 9, 11 Note: Tues Start
M131011 - Oct 11, 12, 13 M130916 - Sep 16, 18, 23, 25
M131025 - Oct 25, 26, 27 M130930 - Sep 30, Oct 2, 7, 9
M131108 - Nov 8, 9, 10 M131014 - Oct 14, 16, 21, 23
M131122 - Nov 22, 23, 24 M131028 - Oct 28, 30, Nov 4, 6
M131206 - Dec 6, 7, 8 M131111 - Nov 11, 13, 18, 20
M131220 - Dec 20, 21, 22 M131209 - Dec 9, 11, 16, 18
   
Eagan Beginning Scuba Classes
(Class and Pool sessions in Eagan)

Weekend Classes (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Evening Classes (Tue & Thurs)

Fri 7-10 pm; Sat 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 1:30-4:30pm

Tues & Thurs 7 - 10 pm
E130503 - May 3, 4, 5 E130507 - May 7, 9, 14, 16
E130517 - May 17, 18, 19 E130521 - May 21, 23, 28, 30
E130531 - May 31, Jun 1, 2 E130604 - Jun 4, 6, 11, 13
E130614 - Jun 14, 15, 16 E130618 - Jun 18, 20, 25, 27
E130628 - Jun 28, 29, 30 E130702 - Jul 2, 3, 9, 11 Note: Wed Pool
E130712 - Jul 12, 13, 14 E130716 - Jul 16, 18, 23, 25
E130726 - Jul 26, 27, 28 E130730 - Jul 30, Aug 1, 6, 8
E130809 - Aug 9, 10, 11 E130813 - Aug 13, 15, 20, 22
E130823 - Aug 23, 24, 25 E130827 - Aug 27, 29, Sep 3, 5
E130906 - Sep 6, 7, 8 E130910 - Sep 10, 12, 17, 19
E130920 - Sep 20, 21, 22 E130924 - Sep 24, 26, Oct 1, 3
E131004 - Oct 4, 5, 6 E131008 - Oct 8, 10, 15, 17
E131018 - Oct 18, 19, 20 E131022 - Oct 22, 24, 29, 31
E131101 - Nov 1, 2, 3 E131105 - Nov 5, 7, 12, 14
E131115 - Nov 15, 16, 17 E131119 - Nov 19, 21, 26, 29 Note: Fri Pool
E131129 - Nov 29, 30, Dec 1 E131203 - Dec 3, 5, 10, 12
E131213 - Dec 13, 14, 15 E131230 - Dec 30, Jan 2, 7, 9 Note: Mon Start
E131227 - Dec 27, 28, 29  
   
 

Saturday Classes (Sat. & Sat.)
 

9:00 am-5:00 pm
 

Look for more Sat. / Sat. dates in the Fall