Archive for Scuba Diving Classes
November 7, 2011 at 2:01 PM · Filed under Adventure Trips, Exotic Islands, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving Certifications, Scuba Diving Classes, Scuba Diving Destination, Scuba Diving Kansas City, Scuba Diving Locations, Scuba Diving North Kansas City, Scuba Diving Overland Park
Article Ann E. Butenas | Photography Brian Turner and courtsey of Leslie O’Neill
If you are planning to pursue a brave new adventure in life, just dive right in! Well, before you do that, however, perhaps you should give Leslie O’Neill, owner and founder of Scuba Explorers (Scuba-Explorers.com) a call. If you don’t get enough excitement from your normal hobbies and have a strong desire to color outside of the lines and check off something from the proverbial bucket list, O’Neill can help you discover a whole new world.
Nearly three decades ago, O’Neill was on a vacation in the Cayman Islands and enthusiastically embraced the beauty and magnitude of the ocean. Instead of enjoying it from the surface, she decided to learn to scuba dive and spent the next two years learning, becoming certified and earning her certification to teach this sport to others. She developed such a passion and love for this endeavor, that it only seemed natural to share that joy with others, while at the same time properly educating them on all aspects of diving.
Five years after her visit to the Cayman Islands, O’Neill founded Scuba Explorers, and the number of students she has instructed since that time reaches great depths. When this writer suggested that snorkeling is enough for her, O’Neill countered that snorkeling is merely a teaser.
“If you see something really cool under water and want a closer view, you will need a tank to get to it,” she smiles.
What about that one little thing that just might keep a person from ever trying? It’s called fear and it usually brings its cousins anxiety and nervousness right along with it. Diving into a swimming pool is one thing. Submerging one’s self into a murky lake is yet another. But to explore the deep mysteries of the sea? Please just show me the boat.
“Most people think they will panic and become claustrophobic while under the water,” notes O’Neill. “However, once they see the abundance of marine life and the gorgeous colors, the fear goes away. It’s a new world down there.”Okay. Interest has been piqued, but what about that other little thing down there? You know about whom I speak. Most people refer to him as “Jaws.” O’Neill readily soothes any such fears.
“Believe it or not, sharks are not at all interested in you when you are diving,” she says “If you’re submerged, you are totally safe; those swimming or splashing on the surface are at a slight risk. In actuality, sharks stay far away from divers unless we are feeding them and even then they can be quite shy and skittish. We are truly not on their diet!”
While there is so much to see and explore in the ocean’s domain, the average amount of time most divers spend down there is about an hour in shallow waters and less than 20 minutes at deeper depths.
“The maximum depth for a recreational dive is 130 feet,” explains O’Neill. “The exception to that is the Blue Hole in Belize, where divers descend to 140 feet to the ceiling of the caves; then we have seven minutes from beginning of descent to beginning of ascent; this dive is more for the advanced divers.”
O’Neill trains drivers on location all over the metro, usually holding classes at country clubs, health clubs, backyard pools and YMCAs. She teaches group classes and individuals.
Students can expect to spend two full days in the educational aspect of diving and should then allow two full days for the certification process. In all, the entire training and certification costs about $500 and includes the instruction, the books, use of equipment, the cost of certification and the lifetime certification card.
While O’Neill spends an appreciable amount of time on such basics as pressure, volume, air density, buoyancy, and the conservation of air, she also focuses on the “what ifs.”
“Most of the time, nothing of consequence ever happens under the water,” she says. “But we are always prepared.”
Surprisingly, one doesn’t have to know how to swim in order to learn how to dive. Just having a bit of comfort in the water is all that is necessary. O’Neill teaches eager students all over the metro area, and then frequently travels with them to various places around the world to hone their skills in some of the most breath-taking venues.
“I’ve taken students to Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas and many other places,” she notes.
One experienced diver who has taken to the ocean’s calling since 1960 is William Townsend of Overland Park.
He began diving more than 50 years ago and has not stopped since. He started out on his own in Acapulco but then took lessons from a top diving instructor here in the metro area. When he was introduced to Leslie O’Neill, he was impressed by her commitment to teaching her students not only the mechanics of diving, but also her desire to instill in them self-confidence, awareness of their surroundings, of danger and recognizing their limits while under the water.“More than anything, she teaches students not to panic,” emphasizes Townsend. “Panic will kill you.”
What Townsend most enjoys about diving is the amazing world below the surface and the adventure of experiencing all of the sensitivities of his body, along with all of the surroundings of the underwater life. “Every dive is a new experience,” he smiles.
Maggie Lee of Stilwell decided on the spur of the moment to learn to dive just this year. She jokes that she is not getting any younger, so why not embrace the desire to do something new and different in her life?“As I get older, I am allowing myself to lighten up and do some fun things,” says Lee. “Leslie is so encouraging and supportive and in-tune with each student and everyone’s individual challenges; it’s impossible not to be confident and comfortable once you are certified.”
A die-hard nature lover and animal lover, Lee is excited about seeing what is underwater. Not having had a real vacation in nearly 18 years, she trusts her recent certification will give her license to go on a well-deserved vacation soon.
Michael DeLong of Lee’s Summit has encouraging words for anyone considering learning to scuba dive.
“Sometimes we put limitations on ourselves because of unjustified fears we may have, but if you train properly and follow instructions, you can have an unbelievable time, opening yourself up to things of which you never dreamed,” he notes.
DeLong also notes that Leslie is such an amazing instructor and one of the most valuable tools she gives her students is that of confidence.
Leawood resident Barbara Wiens has found scuba diving to be a rewarding experience and one that she can share with her husband and daughter, both of whom are also certified by O’Neill. Wiens loves the fact that scuba diving is a great way to separate one’s self from the distractions of the outside world.
“Down there, it’s just you, the members of your group, the water, and the sea life,” she notes and further elaborates that Leslie is a very patient, calming, and understanding instructor.
“You have to establish trust in yourself, in your equipment, and in the dive master,” says Wiens. “Leslie makes it very easy to do that.”
Robyn Bradshaw of Kansas City says her love of scuba diving has given her a newfound respect for life beneath the surface of the ocean.
“There is a serenity to moving through the water and having schools of fish swim around you as though you are one of them,” she smiles. “Nature is still the greatest artist of all.”
Author, Ann E. Butenas | Photography, Brian Turner and courtsey of Leslie O’Neill
October 12, 2011 at 9:00 PM · Filed under Adventure Trips, Exotic Islands, Marine Life, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving Certifications, Scuba Diving Classes, Scuba Diving Kansas City, Scuba Diving North Kansas City, Scuba Diving Overland Park
If you’re new to scuba diving or may be a little rusty, we’re here to make you feel safe and comfortable so that you may experience this fun and relaxed atmosphere of the underwater world.
Scuba Explorers will train you to scuba dive right here in Kansas City and then take you on adventures to islands that will surpass your expectations!
We teach in North Kansas City, Lees Summit, Kansas City, & Blue Springs, MO, Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village & Olathe, KS…and many other cities.
The pristine reefs will take your breath away as you peer over the coral walls into the deeper water…where, if you’re lucky, you may see a pod of dolphins swimming past or a group of rays and possibly friendly interaction with playful seals! You will learn about marine life, plants and coral on every dive!
The most exciting part is- you never know what you’re going to encounter. You may rest assured, you’ll be quite safe!
We put special emphasis on providing students & guests with individualized instruction at their own pace. In the water and out, we’re with you every step of the way. When you enter our world, you can expect to dive the best sites in the islands while gaining insider knowledge of the history & culture.
If you’re a beginner, we invite you to learn PADI scuba diving. If you’re an experienced diver, we invite you to buddy with us or plan and execute your own dives.
You have the opportunity to complete your Open Water instruction, we except dive referrals or you may choose to upgrade your certification in the warm waters of the Caribbean.
We have partnerships with some of the finest hotels on the islands. In short, we have exceptional service in extraordinary settings.
Discover our world on your next vacation, and why diving with Scuba Explorers is the best way to enjoy island diving!
September 20, 2011 at 8:58 PM · Filed under Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving Classes, Scuba Diving Kansas City, Scuba Diving Locations
Many people over the years have said, “Scuba Diving Kansas City? How do you do that?”
Well, we explain, we have airplanes in Kansas City too.
Even if we were not land locked we would still fly to the Caribbean for pleasure dives!
The East & West coasts have great diving, however, for the really beautiful clear blue water…you may want to leave the states.
Scuba diving in Kansas City is an excellent place to train. The pool & classroom training only requires two full days and the open water certification takes another two full days; your certification lasts a lifetime.
Once you are fully trained it’s time to set sail for an exotic trip to the Caribbean, Asia, South Pacific or any other place that may be on your bucket list.
So the next time someone mentions scuba diving Kansas City…you can remind them… the world is their oyster!
We will go anywhere they desire!
Happy Diving!
July 15, 2011 at 9:44 AM · Filed under Scuba Diving Certifications, Scuba Diving Classes, Scuba Diving Destination, Scuba Diving Locations
Where the water is perfect, calm clear & beautiful! One of Leslie’s many favorite dive locations.
Turks & Caicos
August 3, 2010 at 11:03 PM · Filed under Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving Certifications, Scuba Diving Classes, Scuba Diving Locations, Scuba Diving Overland Park
Have you ever wondered what it is like to breathe under water?
There’s only one way to find out…try it!
Class begins in 3′ of water. If you become uncomfortable simply stand up. You will be amazed how easy and safe scuba diving truly is. Educating yourself on this topic will reduce all fear, getting involved and doing it will enrich your life!
We train scuba divers everywhere in the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan areas: Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Lenexa, Overland Park, Kansas - anywhere North, South, East & West. We come to your area and teach you at the nearest pool. YMCA’s, local pools, your backyard pool, etc.
This is a great sport for anyone that enjoys water sports such as: skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, sailing & wind surfing. And most any type of athletes that enjoy water. I’ve actually taught many people that had extreme fear of water- if you truly want to overcome it, we can make it happen!
Could you envision yourself coming with us on a scuba trip? Imagine riding off to your 1st dive site. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the wind blowing through your hair as the boat sails through crystal clear water. You can see white sand beaches lined with palm trees against the bright blue sky. As we dive in, the water is bath water warm so there is no need for a wet suit. You are surrounded by fantastic varieties of colorful corals, beautifully colored fish, dolphins and more! Got the picture?
During your trip you have many options: walk through a rainforest, ride a zip-line above the tree tops, rappelling of a cliff, wildlife & bird watching, jungle treks on nature trails.
Some prefer sunning at the pool, enjoying a spa treatment, shopping for fun clothes, finding unusual décor for your home, a leisurely drive around the island or countryside, a luxurious lunch or an elegant dinner.
Or you may like to read a captivating book while swinging in a hammock as you drift off to sleep until happy hour begins at the local drinking establishment, just in time to bet on your turtle before the race begins.
In order to do all this, you will have to spend a few days completing the scuba course & a few days for certification before we leave!
It’s a two day commitment for class and two days to certify. You won’t want to waste the time or expense during your trip for this.
This is a lifetime certification.
Organize a group of 7 people & your class will be free! ($180 value)!
The beginning of your new adventure!
Call: Leslie 913-522-8131
May 13, 2010 at 8:31 PM · Filed under Scuba Diving Classes
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? If you want to find out but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see if you like it. This may take place in a pool or other body of water.
While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving experience you’ll learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
The Fun Part
There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It takes a little getting used to –after all, human beings weren’t designed to do that – but after a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge instructors have with the Discover Scuba Diving program is not coaxing participants into the water, but coaxing them out when the program is over. The fun part? It’s all fun!
- Plus, you can get credit! If your Discover Scuba Diving program includes an actual scuba dive in open water, your experience may count toward PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification, putting you a step ahead of the game when you decide to go for it.
What You Learn
You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. One thing you’ll learn is that you really can breathe underwater.
- Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it
- Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable there
- Learn some basic skills and safety rules that will carry over to your full certification course when you take the next step
The Scuba Gear You Use
All the equipment you will need is typically included in a Discover Scuba Diving experience. You’ll use all the basic scuba gear including a mask, fins and snorkel, a buoyancy compensator device that also carries your scuba tank, a regulator to breathe from and instrumentation to monitor depth and air supply. You might also wear a scuba wetsuit or a weight system depending on where you do your Discover Scuba Diving program.
The Learning Materials You Need
- Just your willingness and undivided attention (and swimsuit & towel)
Prerequisites
- To take Discover Scuba Diving, you must be at least 10 years old
Your Next Adventure
Once you complete a Discover Scuba Diving program, you’ll want to check out:
Scuba Diver or the Open Water Diver certification courses.
Come bubble off with us!
April 22, 2010 at 12:35 PM · Filed under Scuba Diving Classes
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater. If you want to find out but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see if you like it. Most PADI dive shops offer a version of this program, either in a pool or other body of water. You may try it close to home or while on vacation.
While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving experience you’ll learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It takes a little getting used to –after all, human beings weren’t designed to do that – but after a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge instructors have with the diving program is not coaxing participants into the water, but coaxing them out when the program is over. The fun part? It’s all fun!
What You Learn
You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. One thing you’ll learn is that you really can breathe underwater and whether you like doing that or not. You will:
- Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it
- Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable there
- Learn some basic skills and safety rules that will carry over to your full scuba certification course when you take the next step
The Scuba Gear You Use
All the equipment you will need is typically included in a Discover Scuba Diving experience. You’ll use all the basic scuba gear including a mask, snorkel and fins, a buoyancy compensator jacket that also carries your scuba tank, a scuba regulator to breathe from and instrumentation to monitor depth and air supply. You might also wear a scuba wetsuit or a weight system depending on where you do your Discover Scuba Diving program.
The Learning Materials You Need
- Just your willingness and undivided attention
Prerequisites
- To take Discover Scuba Diving, you must be at least 10 years old
Your Next Adventure
Once you complete a Discover Scuba Diving program, you’ll want to check out:
Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver certification courses.
So what are you waiting for?
Let’s go diving!
http://bit.ly/9wg6JB
March 30, 2010 at 5:55 PM · Filed under Scuba Diving Classes
Scuba is a special experience for a child, a once in a lifetime memory that your child will never forget! The children are introduced to a new underwater world. They are taught to safely explore while snorkeling or scuba diving!
Sassy Snorkelers 5-7 yrs of age-
Lets your child experience the underwater world. The kids have a blast learning to snorkel while playing underwater games. (flotation devices for non-swimmers). It’s easy, fun, and safe!
BUBBLEMAKER – 8 yrs + (duration 1.5 hrs)
The children learn to scuba dive in less than six feet of water.
This program is an introduction to the thrill of breathing underwater; we play games and other fun activities in the pool.
The colorful Bubblemaker emblems, decals, towels and toys along with a distinctive recognition certificate and card make the experience one to remember. This is a great way to include the little ones in your family vacation. Everyone returns home with exciting stories to share.
Celebrate a birthday by throwing a memorable, exciting Bubblemaker party with friends and family. It’s fun, easy and safe.
SEAL TEAM PROGRAM 8 yrs + (duration: 2 days)
Join the PADI Seal Team and discover a world of underwater fun and adventure built around action-packed Aqua Missions. What is an Aqua Mission? It’s an underwater pool adventure where kids learn scuba activities and how to float underwater like an Astronaut.
The program teaches kids about diving through fun, learning activities until they are ready to enroll in the PADI Junior Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver course.
Children are required to complete the first five of 15 Aqua Mission, watch a PADI Seal Video, answer questions, and complete a pool dive.
Upon successful completion of the first five Aqua Missions, students become PADI Seal Team members. Upon successful completion of 10 additional specialty Aqua Missions, students become Master Seal Team members.
DISCOVER SCUBA (10 + years old)
There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. After a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge instructors have is coaxing kids out of the water at the end of the program. This is a great way to try scuba before signing up for the Jr. Open Water Course. We supply all the gear to help you experience scuba diving. It’s so fun!
JR OPEN WATER
The most popular dive program in the world! This is a lifetime of adventure for anyone 10- 14 yrs of age, in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water.
PADI Open Water Diver
This course is for anyone 15 and up; the most popular program in the world. You receive a life time certification recognized in more than 175 countries. As a certified Open Water Diver you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional.
Your underwater adventure can begin today!
