RAID - Try Dive
Splash into the Blue Unknown
The RAID Try Dive is an introductory scuba diving experience designed for beginners. It provides a safe, controlled opportunity to breathe underwater using scuba equipment, typically in a pool or confined water environment. This program allows participants to experience neutral buoyancy and basic underwater movement under direct supervision of a qualified RAID instructor. It is not a certification course but serves as an entry point to scuba diving.
Benefits of the RAID Try Dive
Over 70% of our planet is water, teeming with gravity-defying creatures and secret worlds. Why join the RAID Try Dive?
- Experience breathing underwater and achieving neutral buoyancy for the first time.
- Introduction to the underwater environment, highlighting the vast coverage of water on Earth (over 70% of the planet).
- Opportunity to connect with others interested in diving.
- Suitable for individuals and families, including options for group events like birthday parties at select centers.
- Can be conducted in confined water (standard) or extended to open water at some dive centers.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Be comfortable in the water and able to swim (a basic swim check may be performed).
- Complete required paperwork: dive medical questionnaire, liability release, and safe diving practices form.
- If any medical concerns are indicated on the questionnaire, a physician's approval is required before in-water activities.
- Participants under 18 need parental/guardian consent. All forms are accessible online via a RAID user profile.
Course Structure
- Paperwork Review: Confirmation of all required forms.
- Academic Session: Basic knowledge review, delivered via instructor presentation, flip chart, or RAID's online platform (including a quiz).
- Equipment Workshop: Hands-on instruction on assembling and using scuba gear, including its functions.
- In-Water Session: Practice of essential skills in confined water (pool), followed by supervised underwater exploration and buoyancy control.
Duration
Duration: Typically a half-day session.
Environment: Primarily confined water (pool); some centers offer an optional open-water extension.
Depth: Confined water only for the standard program.
Equipment Provided
- Mask, fins, and snorkel
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Regulator
- Cylinder (tank)
- Weights
- Wetsuit
Certification
This is a non-certification experience program. Upon completion, participants receive recognition of participation (electronic where applicable). Skills mastered may be credited toward future RAID certification courses (e.g., Scuba Diver or Open Water 20) if pursued within a short timeframe (instructor discretion).
Next Steps to Enroll
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Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
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Access and complete online learning materials via the FREe-Learning Center (optional purchase for digital course access, providing lifetime availability).
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Contact the center to book, discuss fees, and schedule your session. The center will unlock training materials, conduct the program, and handle any recognition.
