Congratulations on obtaining your PADI Open Water certification! This is a significant accomplishment and marks the beginning of an exciting journey into the underwater world. However, as a newly certified diver, you might be wondering, "What's next?"
Here are a few suggestions on what to do after getting your PADI Open Water certification:
1. Keep diving!
The most important thing you can do after obtaining your Open Water certification is to keep diving. The more you dive, the more comfortable and confident you will become in the water. This will also allow you to put the skills you learned during your certification into practice.
2. Continue your diving education and sign up.
The Open Water certification is just the beginning of your diving education. There are many other courses available, such as Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster. These courses will allow you to learn new skills and explore different aspects of diving. You can also consider taking speciality courses such as underwater photography, wreck diving, or nitrox diving. We offer the Advanced Open Water course, and you can start immediately by signing up.
3. Join a diving club or community.
Diving is a social activity, and joining a diving club or community is a great way to meet other divers and share your passion for diving. You can also learn from more experienced divers and get tips on the best dive sites in your area. Come talk to us and our divers.
4. Travel to new dive destinations.
Now that you have your Open Water certification, the world of diving is open to you. There are countless dive destinations around the world, each with its unique marine life and underwater landscapes. You can start by exploring dive sites in your local area, but don't be afraid to venture further afield and experience diving in new and exciting locations.
5. Purchase your own dive gear.
If you haven't already, consider purchasing your own dive gear. Owning your own gear will allow you to dive more comfortably and confidently. It also means you can dive on your own schedule without relying on gear availability.
In conclusion, obtaining your PADI Open Water certification is just the beginning of your diving journey. There are many things you can do to continue your education, meet other divers, and explore new dive destinations. The most important thing is to keep diving and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world!
If you're unable to make time for any of the available scuba diving options, consider joining an online diving community like ScubaDoBeDo and subscribing to dive magazines to immerse yourself in the world of scuba diving as much as possible. Although it's not as good as actually diving, this is a viable alternative to keep your passion for diving alive and continue expanding your knowledge.