Our monthly eNewsletter keeps you up-to-date on training programs, products, services and dive travel opportunities offered by Central Connecticut’s premiere dive center.
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Thank you for taking the time to complete Scuba Shack’s Quality Assurance feedback form. The feedback you provide is reviewed by the training director and Training Council to help improve our programs and ensure a great experience for all Scuba Shack divers.
Overall, combined results are shared with instructors, but we generally do not provide results with student names to instructors unless you specify you want us to do that in your feedback.
Effective Jan. 1, 2011, Scuba Shack’s Drysuit Diver program has been replaced by the GUE Drysuit Diver class. Scuba Shack’s instructional staff worked closely with the GUE team to develop and implement the new course.
Class Fee
Call Scuba Shack for pricing. Group rates available.
Volume 1, Number 1
There is no doubt that we live very busy lives and we use information we get online to help us sort things out. Sometimes we are looking for specific data, or a recommendation, or just perhaps a little bit of an escape from the realities of our busy life. As scuba divers we aren’t any different (well we are a little different) and very often look online for specific information, reviews, or just to fantasize about our next dive adventure. So, by introducing Scuba Shack Weekly I hope that I can fill a part of that thirst for information about diving, the places we go and the environment we dive in.
First up is what is going on at the shop. This week we will be at the Hebron Harvest Fair. We will be out talking to people about the incredible experiences of scuba diving and offering special opportunities to try our Discover Scuba Diving this fall. If you are going to the fair be sure to stop by and say hello. We love talking diving. Nitrox class with Marla is happening on Saturday, Sept. 8, and our next Open Water class with Matt and Marla starts Sept. 13.
The latest edition of Alert Diver from Divers Alert Network arrived this week. This magazine is outstanding and is packed with so much great information. The publication alone is worth the price of your membership. Want to learn about Kona, Hawaii, basking sharks, commercial mixed-gas diving and so much more – check out Alert Diver – The Magazine for Divers Alert Network. A cover-to-cover must read.
There is an interesting article in the July/August Dive Training on lionfish. I was always under the impression that the lionfish hunts had very little effect on controlling the devastation caused by this invasive species in the Caribbean and Atlantic but it turns out there may be some benefit. While I’ve never actually been on a lionfish hunt, it might be something to consider given it may be helping. Roatan is having its first Roatan International Lionfish Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 13 if you happen to be down that way.
Finally, feedback is a gift. I would love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts, ideas, or want to know a little more about Scuba Shack please contact us by email.
As divers we are fascinated and in awe of our magnificent oceans and the underwater world. I can still remember my first dives in the Florida Keys & Hawaii, thinking about how lucky I was to explore this unique environment. My first trip to Nassau was another major turning point as I first encountered reef sharks. I wasn’t afraid of them. I respected them and marveled at their beauty.
So these oceans and everything that lives within them need to be protected. So how can one person, one dive shop in central Connecticut possibly help?
Here is how we will start to make a difference. Scuba Shack is now a proud participant in 100% AWARE. What does that mean? Well, with every PADI certification we issue, we will donate $10 to Project AWARE.
Project AWARE connects the passion for ocean adventure with the purpose of marine conservation.
We want to make a difference. This is just one small step that we can take right now. 70% of the planet is blue! Let’s keep it that way.
There exists a possibility for the Oceanic and Hollis diaphragm style regulators sold or serviced between October 1, 2017 and May 25, 2018 with a new HP Poppet to significantly restrict airflow at low tank pressures (below 500 psi), posing a drowning hazard to consumers. Any regulator with the new HP Poppet must be fitted with the new style.
Scuba Shack has not sold or serviced any Oceanic or Hollis diaphragm style regulators included in this quality alert. The information is being provided for all divers who may have purchased – or have had serviced – one of these regulators.
It is of the utmost importance that if you have a regulator model affected by this quality alert it be serviced and the pin replaced as soon as possible.
While no incidents have occurred, the possibility of an incident does exist. We strongly recommend that consumers take all necessary precautions when dealing with life support equipment.
To determine if you have a regulator(s) affected by this quality alert, please visit one of the links below.
With an eye to expanding education, repair, service and fulfillment, Scuba Shack now has a more extensive service area and a streamlined showroom. We have dedicated areas to Recreational Divers and Public Safety Teams.
In addition to a wide selection of gear, our showroom area also contains a classroom, dressing room, and Sunny, our official greeter and unofficial door chime!
Our Air Fill Station offers fills for SCUBA, SCBA, and many types of paintball and air rifle tanks. We are able to fill Ultra Pure, CGA E Air, Nitrox, and Trimix for properly certified divers.
Our Repair Station features full service for AGA and OTS full face masks, a wide variety of in house regulator repair, BCD service, as well as a dedicated tank and valve service are.
On the other side of our showroom is our fleet of BCDs, regulators, tanks, and wetsuits ready to fulfill your rental needs.
We’re quite pleased with our new setup that allows us to serve you and meet your service needs more quickly and efficiently.
Come visit us today!
Upgrade to a better drysuit with DUI. If you’re looking to go dry, trade your wetsuit for a credit towards a new drysuit! Visit Scuba Shack today for all the details … and bring your old suit with you!
Get up to $200 in credit towards a new DUI drysuit when you trade in your wetsuit.
Get up to $500 in credit towards a new DUI drysuit when you trade in your drysuit.
Receive $100 CREDIT for any used, intact wetsuit toward a NEW San Diego, Yukon, Coronado or H2O Operations (surface-mode configuration) drysuit.
Receive $150 CREDIT for any used, intact wetsuit toward a NEW TLSse, 30/30 or TLS Public Safety drysuit.
Receive $200 CREDIT for any used, intact wetsuit toward a NEW CF200X or CF200se, CLX450 Classic, FLX Extreme, TLS350, TLS Public Safety (w/ full encapsulation) or H20 Operations (dual-mode configuration) drysuit.
Receive $250 CREDIT for any used, intact drysuit toward a NEW San Diego, Yukon, Coronado or H2O Operations (surface-mode configuration) drysuit.
Receive $375 CREDIT for any used, intact drysuit toward a NEW TLSse, 30/30 or TLS Public Safety.
Receive $500 CREDIT for any used, intact drysuit toward a NEW CF200X or CF200se, CLX450 Classic, FLX Extreme, TLS350, TLS Public Safety (w/ full encapsulation) or H20 Operations (dual-mode configuration) drysuit.
Your PADI Open Water Certification is the most widely recognized certification rating in the world. Since you will be trained by Scuba Shack, one of the most respected training facilities in the United States, your certification will also be respected.
If you are in good health and comfortable in the water, you can earn your certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program offered. Scuba Shack instructors encourage kids to start diving between the ages of 12 and 14.
During the course, you’ll learn the basics of scuba, including diving fundamentals, equipment and techniques. You’ll complete an online home-study program, five pool dives, knowledge review sessions and four open water dives. Most of the course time is spent in the pool, developing your scuba skills and giving you time to practice until you are comfortable.
Please stop by our dive center for a no obligation discussion about our program and the options available to you.
You will need to provide your own scuba-quality mask, snorkel, fins and boots. Your success in the course is directly related to the comfort, fit and quality of this equipment. Our professional staff will assist you in selecting gear to ensure your satisfaction, and we offer a 100-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on gear purchases.
Each student will need the online class, which is the home study portion of the program. You can start this program right now if you’d like. You will also need the eLearning Enhancement Pak, with your dive tables and a log book.
After completion of the academic and confined water (pool) training, you’ll need to complete four open water certification dives over two days. You have three options.
If you plan on diving with us here in New England, you’ll need a hood and gloves to keep your head and hands warm. Some of the local destinations we visit to complete certification dives have an admission fee.
As mentioned, you have many options, and the price is dependent on what you may already own. Many students already purchased scuba-quality gear from us prior to enrolling in a class, and some have already purchased the online class. Some of you may want to complete your dives in an exotic, warm water destination. In short, there is no easy answer to this question, so we strongly encourage you to stop by our dive center for a no obligation conversation. We love meeting people who are interested in scuba diving.
Prior to enrollment in the PADI Open Water Diver course, prospective students must review the Medical Statement. If you answer YES to any question, you must have your physician (MD) review your medical history and sign the form clearing you for diving activities before enrolling in the class, purchasing equipment and registering for online eLearning.
How long will it take?
The class is performance based. What this means is that you move through the program at your own pace as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. The group classes are scheduled one night per week over six weeks. Semi-private classes are usually completed in three to six weeks. Private classes move at the students pace – depending on availability – and is usually completed in less than two weeks.
If you complete your certification dives in New England with us in a group setting, they are normally head monthly, on a Saturday and Sunday morning between May and October.
Your Commitment
Six weeks, one night per week plus four certification dives over a minimum of two days.
Results to Expect?
Comprehensive training for beginners, breathing underwater – and lots of fun.
Class Fee
Call Scuba Shack for pricing. Group rates available.
What’s Next?
Core Principles
Your PADI Open Water Certification is the most widely recognized certification rating in the world. Since you will be trained by Scuba Shack, one of the most respected training facilities in the United States, your certification will also be respected.
Group classes are held evenings starting at 6:30 p.m. and private classes are available.
Where do you start: If you are in good health and comfortable in the water, you can earn your certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program offered.
You will need to complete a medical history questionnaire prior to the start of the course. If you answer YES to any question, you will need to have your physician sign the form clearing you for diving activities before any in-water training. A physicians signature is required for all Scuba Shack students prior to completing open water dives.
In general, Scuba Shack instructors encourage kids to start diving between the ages of 12 and 14.
What does the course involve:During the course, you’ll learn the basics of scuba, including diving fundamentals, equipment and techniques. You’ll complete a home-study program, five pool dives, knowledge development sessions and four open water dives.
Most of the course time is spent in the pool, developing your scuba skills and giving you time to practice until you are comfortable.
What will I need: You will need to provide your own personal gear including mask, snorkel, fins and boots. Your success in the course is directly related to the comfort, fit and quality of this equipment. Our professional staff will assist you in selecting from a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes to ensure your satisfaction.
Each student will need their own text book, dive tables full-action DVD and log book. If you are taking the class with family members, you can share a DVD.
How long will it take:The class is performance based. What this means is that you move through the program at your own pace as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills.
The group classes are scheduled one night per week over six weeks, and private classes move at the students pace – depending on availability – and is usually completed in less than two weeks.
Certification dives are scheduled during one weekend, between May and October. You can also complete your certification dives on one of our group trips or during your vacation at a participating PADI Dive Center.
What You Need: Personal gear including mask, snorkel, fins & boots. Class materials, medical statement & releases.
Your Commitment:Six weeks, one night per week plus four certification dives during one weekend.
Results to Expect: Comprehensive training for beginners, breathing underwater– and lots of fun.
Class Fee$249
What’s Next?Buoyancy & Control 101 and Enriched Air
Check out the new Scuba Shack radio spot! Click on the “Play” button to hear, and listen for the commercial on your favorite radio station.
