What It’s Really Like to Get Scuba Certified at Ocean First
Hailey Leader Aug 06, 2026
Follow an Ocean First team member's journey to getting scuba certified in Colorado. Discover how expert instruction and safety-first pool training help beginners conquer their fear of diving.
I have always been captivated by the ocean, but living in Colorado made the possibility of exploring its wonders seem out of reach. While the thought of getting my scuba diving certification had crossed my mind, I never thought I would be able to overcome the fear of trying something so unfamiliar—or if I would even want to try. However, after speaking with several experienced divers, I decided that I was ready to conquer that fear.
I originally figured that having a positive certification experience would come down to mental preparation, acing the online exam, and choosing the right gear. I quickly learned that the most crucial factor was actually much simpler: choosing the right dive shop.
Ocean First eased my nerves right from the get-go. The online materials were assigned promptly, leaving me with plenty of time to get comfortable with the ins and outs of diving before the course even started. Once we began, the in-person classroom portion eased my nerves even further; the instructor was clear and concise, and answered questions with genuine enthusiasm and confidence.
When it came time for the pool portion of the class, I felt confident that I was ready to dive based on what I had learned. Before getting in the pool, the instructors taught us how to set up our equipment properly and emphasized the importance of handling it correctly to avoid personal injury or gear damage. Before getting in the water, the instructor demonstrated multiple methods for entering the water, and had each student complete each one. This helped me get comfortable wearing unfamiliar equipment before we began breathing underwater.
Once in the pool, we started at the shallow end to practice each skill at a comfortable depth before progressing to the deep end. Throughout the class the instructors communicated clearly and calmly, briefing and demonstrating each skill before having each student perform it. They explained the reasoning behind each skill, and ensured that we fully understood the proper safety measures.
I ended the course feeling confident in taking the next step, excited for all of the possibilities ahead! While becoming a certified diver is an opportunity you can find at most dive shops, the unique experience that Ocean First provides is much more valuable than just a certification. They taught me the true value of ocean conservation and opened the door to a lifetime of unforgettable experiences.
-Hailey
Ocean First employee and new diver
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