San Francisco (415) 362-6694
Monterey (831) 372-1685
welcome to THE open water Certification process!
Learning to SCUBA dive is one of life's greatest joys, and Bamboo Reef is the premier training center in San Francisco and the Bay Area for SCUBA Diving! With over 70% of the Earth's surface covered by water, the hidden wonders beneath are only accessible through SCUBA diving. Whether you're venturing into the far north kelp forests of Canada, exploring the tropical coral reefs of Indonesia, or diving into the freshwater cenotes of Mexico, SCUBA diving opens doors to breathtaking environments.
At Bamboo Reef, you'll embark on your underwater journey in the pristine waters of Monterey Bay, California. Dive alongside playful otters and curious harbor seals, discover the mysteries of sunken shipwrecks, and glide through mesmerizing coral reef tunnels. This life-changing activity will not only redefine how you look at the world but will also set you on a path to explore the incredible underwater landscapes our planet has to offer. Dive into the adventure with Bamboo Reef today!
*Regardless of where your class location is, all ocean checkout dives occur in Monterey Bay, California.
Get Ready for scuba training in
4 EASY STEPS!
Are you looking to go diving underwater? We are here to help!
With Bamboo Reef Dive Centers you can complete your certification in these four steps:
1.
Book your time slots for your training over the phone or online!
Classes book up fast and your next dive trip is just around the corner.
Don't wait! Do it NOW!
2.
Complete all necessary paperwork - Training Agreement, Liability Forms, Medical Waiver.
Most IMPORTANTLY, complete all of your Online Home Study before your first session
*At your leisure 😉*
3.
Academics and Knowledge Review
Test your knowledge against your instructor and prove you didn't just watch the online videos 🤣
This is a key time to prepare for your Exam.
4.
Pool Sessions - Now the real fun begins!
Jump in the water and start familiarizing yourself with your new equipment.
Develop proficiency underwater and you'll be swimming like a shark and stinging like a jelly!
Class schedule options
Important information
Pool - Swim Assessment
* The Swim Assessment is designed to gauge your in water comfort and identify any weakness before we begin. You do not need to be an expert swimmer but a confident one*
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200 metre swim without rest - no time limit
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10 minute tread or survival float
Age & Depth Limitations
Junior Divers - Under 15 years of age
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Minimum age 10 years old
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Under 12 yrs must dive with an instructor at all times
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12 to 14 years of age may dive with a parent or guardian
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Recommended Depth Limitation - 40 FT / 12 M
*Divers in Training under 15 years of age are required to enroll in private sessions*
Open Water Divers - 15 years or older
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Recommended Depth Limitation - 60 FT / 18 M
Pool Skills
Snorkeling
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Clearing Water from your Mask & Snorkel
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Proper Finning Technique
SCUBA
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Breathing Underwater
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Equipment Familiarization & Troubleshooting
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Neutral Buoyancy Control
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Entries & Exits, Descents & Ascents
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Buddy Skills - communication, assistance, & rescue
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Emergency Training - lost weights, low/out of air
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Many More Skills
Recommendations
Fitness Recommendations: SCUBA Diving is an equipment intensive sport. You should be prepared to carry heavy equipment and to swim in various conditions, including currents.
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Comfortable carrying 30 to 60 lbs of WET gear
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Decent Kinesthetic Awareness - meaning you should know how your limbs move in a given space without visual feedback.
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Decent Cardiovascular Fitness & Endurance to engage in 1 to 3 hours of total diving
Every student is required to have their own Mask, Snorkel, Booties, Fins & Gloves.
All students will receive a 10% discount on any equipment purchased for the training.
*Booties, Fins & Gloves are available as an option to rent.
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Dive Mask
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Snorkel
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5-7mm booties
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Open Heel Scuba Fins
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3-5mm gloves, only required for ocean
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Bathing suit & towel
Dive Mask
Snorkel
5-7mm
Dive Booties
Open Heel
Scuba Fins
3-5mm
Dive Gloves
(Required for Ocean Only)
Minimum gear requirements
Facility info
Bamboo Reef - San Francisco
Mon-Fri: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sunday: Storefront closed - Limited entry for classes
facilities:
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Classroom
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Outdoor heated pool (on-site)
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Changing Rooms
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Bathroom
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Store
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Gear Repair & Air Fills
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Rentals
facilities:
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Classroom
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Outdoor pool (off-site)
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Bathrooms
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Store
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Air & Nitrox Fills
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Rentals
Bamboo Reef - Monterey Bay
Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am - 6:00pm