Adventure Collective
SDI Open Water Diver Women's Edition in San Francisco - San Francisco

SDI Open Water Diver Women's Edition in San Francisco

San Franciscomoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–5 days

Fitness Level

Participants should have a moderate fitness level, comfortable with swimming and basic physical activity to safely manage dive training.

Overview

Join Bamboo Reef’s exclusive women-only SCUBA diving course in San Francisco and unlock the secrets of the underwater world with expert guidance and personalized training.

San Francisco, California

SDI: OPEN WATER DIVER: Women's Edition

Weekend: Classroom & Pool

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Adventure Photos

SDI: OPEN WATER DIVER: Women's Edition photo 1

About This Adventure

Dive into an unforgettable adventure with Bamboo Reef's SCUBA diving course, the only one in San Francisco since 1962. Experience personalized instruction in a heated pool, master essential skills, and explore breathtaking underwater landscapes. This journey not only teaches diving but transforms your perspective on the wonders beneath the waves.

COSTS:

  • $500 Tuition
  • $150 SDI E-learning materials
  • Ocean Certification dives (Add-on available at additional cost)

The payment of Course Fees guarantees TRAINING, not necessarily certification. Certification is EARNED only by successfully meeting all applicable standards and objectives.

THE BAMBOO REEF ADVANTAGE: PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT, PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE ON THE 1ST DAY OF CLASS.


As the sole dive shop in San Francisco and a pioneer in California's diving education since 1962, our training facility offers an unparalleled and unforgettable experience. With our outdoor heated pool, top-tier rental equipment, and first-rate facility, we stand as the ideal choice to embark on your diving journey.

At Bamboo Reef, our unwavering commitment is to your success and confidence as a diver. Our primary objective is to ensure you have ample time to develop the comfort and confidence required for underwater exploration. With 12 hours of dedicated pool instruction and intentionally small class sizes, we prioritize personalized attention, ensuring your diving education is as unique as it is effective.


With over 70% of the Earth's surface submerged in water, the hidden wonders of the deep are only accessible through SCUBA diving.

Plunge into the depths alongside sea otters and seals, venture into sunken shipwrecks, and glide through magnificent coral reef overhangs. Whether you're exploring the California Coast Kelp Forests, the tropical coral reefs of Indonesia, or the enchanting freshwater caves (Cenotes) of Mexico, SCUBA diving unlocks a world of breathtaking underwater landscapes.

Prepare for a life-changing experience that will reshape your perspective of the world. SCUBA diving is not just a hobby; it's a journey of exploration and wonder.


DATES & TIMES: Friday 6pm to 10pm (Classroom) Saturday 12pm to 6pm (Pool) Sunday 12pm to 6pm (Pool)

DURATION:

  • Approximately 4-6 hours online SDI E-learning
  • 4 hours Academic Review and Gear Familiarization
  • 12 hours Pool Training & Skill Development

CLASS SIZES:

  • Small groups 4-6 students

OBJECTIVES:

  • Assemble & Test SCUBA Equipment
  • Develop Comfort Breathing Underwater
  • Learn Proper Use of SCUBA Equipment
  • Practice Buoyancy Control
  • Practice Emergency Skills

TECHNIQUES/SKILLS:

  • Snorkeling Skills
  • Entries & Exits
  • Clearing & Retrieving a Regulator
  • Flooding, Removing, & Clearing your Mask
  • Proper Descents/Ascents
  • Neutral Buoyancy
  • Remove and Replace Gear Underwater & at the Surface
  • Diver Emergency Skills

GEAR INCLUDED:

  • 5mm Wetsuit
  • Regulator w/ Dive Computer
  • Buoyancy Compensator
  • Tanks
  • Weights

GEAR REQUIREMENTS:

PERSONAL GEAR:

  • Swimsuit & Towel
  • Mask & Snorkel

GEAR AVAILABLE TO RENT OR PURCHASE: 10% OFF ALL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES

  • Neoprene Boots
  • Fins
  • Neoprene Gloves

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Swim 200m Continuously Without Rest
  • Tread Water / Survival Float for 10 Minutes
  • 15 years or older (parent/guardian release is required)

Students under 15 years of age are required to attend private lessons Please call the shop to set up private lessons.

Any participant under the age of 18 will REQUIRE:
- The parent/guardian to be listed as the main point of contact.
- A SEPARATE email & phone number for the parent/guardian and the minor participating in the course.

GENERAL PHYSICAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Comfortable walking/carrying 40-60# wet gear 10-15 yards

TRAINING SCHEDULE: Our course follows a structured progression to ensure you're well-prepared for the exciting world of diving:

Home Study:

  • Online Learning: Kick off your journey by completing SDI's comprehensive online materials. This sets the foundation of knowledge that your instructor will build upon during the course.

Friday Evening: Classroom:

  • Swim Evaluation: 200m swim and a 10-minute tread/survival float.
  • Interactive Review: Engage in an interactive session designed for eLearning review. Here, your questions are addressed, and your existing knowledge is reinforced.
  • Gear Familiarization: Delve into the intricacies of your diving equipment. Your instructor will explain how it all works and fits together, giving you a deep understanding of your gear's functionality.
  • Skills Introduction: Your instructor will provide in-depth insights into the essential skills required for safe diving.

Saturday & Sunday: Pool

  • Skill Development: Your journey continues with a progression from fundamental snorkel skills to basic SCUBA skills, eventually leading to problem-solving and emergency procedures.
  • Skills Mastery: Demonstrate your mastery by performing all required skills to the highest standards. Show competence and comfort in the underwater environment.

Certification Dive:

  • Once you've achieved proficiency and comfort, you'll be ready to embark on to your Ocean Certification Dives. You have the choice to join us for these dives in Monterey or you can opt for referral to another dive shop while on vacation.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a safe and enjoyable diving experience, setting you on a path to becoming a certified diver.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Well Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before your diving lessons helps prevent dehydration, which can affect your underwater comfort and safety.

Practice Equalizing Early

Get comfortable with ear equalization techniques during pool sessions to avoid discomfort during open water dives.

Wear Comfortable Swimwear

Choose swimwear that fits well under your wetsuit to ensure ease of movement during training.

Bring a Towel and Warm Clothes

Post-dive warmth is important; have dry towels and warm layers ready after sessions in the cooler San Francisco climate.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Garibaldi fish
  • Leopard sharks

History

Bamboo Reef has been San Francisco's trusted dive center since 1962, pioneering SCUBA education on the West Coast.

Conservation

The center actively promotes ocean stewardship and encourages divers to respect local marine habitats to preserve biodiversity.

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Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Wetsuit

Essential

Keeps you warm in San Francisco's cool water, especially important during fall dives.

fall specific

Mask and Snorkel

Essential

Essential for underwater visibility and breathing on the surface.

Fins

Essential

Aid in efficient swimming and conserving energy underwater.

Dive Computer

Monitors depth and dive time to enhance safety during open water sessions.