Is rental gear included?

Yes — the workshop includes all gear, tanks, and weights as part of the program.

Do I need to be certified?

You should be an open-water certified diver; bring your certification card if you are diving with a guide.

Are ferry tickets included?

No — ferry tickets, meals, and accommodations are not included in the booking price.

What paperwork is required?

You must complete a Diver Information medical form and sign PADI/NAUI training and liability paperwork before diving.

Can the instructor cancel dives?

Yes — instructors may cancel dives if a student appears intoxicated or otherwise impaired, for safety reasons.

How large are classes?

Classes are limited to up to four people to ensure focused, hands-on instruction and immediate feedback.

Master Your Buoyancy: Catalina Trim Workshop in Avalon

Off the sun-bright shore of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, the Catalina Trim and Buoyancy Workshop drills the fine motor skills that separate competent divers from effortless ones. This one-day, small-group clinic focuses on body positioning, weighting, and breath control through three guided dives in the island’s iconic kelp forests and rocky reefs. Instructors bring all gear, tanks, and weights, and classes cap at four students to keep coaching immediate and hands-on. The dive sites around Avalon are known for dense stands of giant kelp, underwater pinnacles, and clear ledges that hold colorful fish and invertebrates. Expect to practice horizontal trim hovering above kelp fronds, streamline techniques along reef ridges, and precise weight checks in sheltered bays. The workshop emphasizes repeatable drills: neutral-buoyancy hover, finning with minimal oscillation, and streamlined equipment placement so every movement feels efficient. Logistics are straightforward: the program includes professional instruction, tanks and weights, and drinking water; ferry tickets, meals, and lodging are not included. Students must complete medical and training paperwork and be able to fully follow English-language safety briefings. Groups meet at a local shore or boat launch near Avalon; exact meeting details are provided when you book. The class is ideal for advanced open-water certified divers who want to tighten skills before technical courses, photo dives, or multi-day liveaboards. What makes this workshop special is its focus on in-water practice fully integrated with Catalina’s marine environment. Small class sizes let instructors film and give immediate feedback, turning sloppy habits into precise techniques. That translates to safer ascents, less air consumption, better photography posture, and more respectful interactions with reef life like Garibaldi, kelp bass, and shield-like motile invertebrates. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and your certification card if you are joining as a guided diver. Freedom from bulky group sizes and a coachable format means you learn faster, and return dives that used to feel like work will feel smooth and calm. Whether you’re preparing for underwater photography, longer navigation dives, or simply want to breathe easier at depth, this workshop at Avalon offers targeted skill-building in one of Southern California’s most accessible island dive areas. Referral booking is available online through the operator’s reservation link. Before arrival expect to fill out a Diver Information medical form and sign PADI/NAUI liability waivers; instructors screen for sobriety and reserve the right to cancel dives if a student appears impaired. Course pacing adapts to your experience level, with surface intervals used for focused debriefs and video review. Because each student receives personalized attention, this workshop is also an excellent primer for photographers learning to hold steady near macro subjects or for divers preparing for deeper, longer outings. Book early—spaces fill fast and confidently.