How good of a swimmer do you need to complete open water course

[Ravikiranm]

Hi,

Pretty new to diving and was walking around Bali and see a lot of shops offering open water courses. Some to a few of them and a couple of them said that I need to be a good/steering swimmer to do the open water course. Others were more of the opinion that diving and swimming are different activities.

On my own, I can swim on my own in the pool. There was a time I could do 400 mts but dad to say that I have not kept my fitness level and would probably be exhausted at 100 mts today. Have no experience of open water swimming (35 M).

Should I take up the open water course?

 

[KevinNM]

It depends. The PADI requirement is 200 meter swim, or 300 meters with mask, fins and snorkel. I don't think there is a time limit, you just need to not stop.

Other agencies have other requirements.

 

[AJ]

Never did a swim test until I started my GUE course. In reality you need reasonable fitness, but above all comfort in the water. Swimming does both for you.

 

[Stoo]

Never did a swim test until I started my GUE course. In reality you need reasonable fitness, but above all comfort in the water. Swimming does both for you.

This. Comfort in the water is the main thing (and some degree of fitness), but if you need to swim two miles in SCUBA, you're doing it wrong.

 

[Marie13]

I asked that same question recently. See my thread about my open water experiences. My OW class is SDI. Requirements same as PADI and my class was given the choice. I swim poorly. But I passed. Read my thread and prepare to have a good laugh. I'm still amazed I was able to do it. That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

 

[Ravikiranm]

I asked that same question recently. See my thread about my open water experiences. My OW class is SDI. Requirements same as PADI and my class was given the choice. I swim poorly. But I passed. Read my thread and prepare to have a good laugh. I'm still amazed I was able to do it. That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

Thanks Marie!!!

Your post has actually instilled some confidence in me. Appears that I was needlessly worried . Plan to enroll in the course tomorrow. Will post my experiences in the thread

 

[Ravikiranm]

This. Comfort in the water is the main thing (and some degree of fitness), but if you need to swim two miles in SCUBA, you're doing it wrong.

I am fairly comfortable in water. As long as there is a boat/shore I can swim too or a tank I can breathe from, I am okay. Open waters with nothing in sight scare me though

 

[Ravikiranm]

It depends. The PADI requirement is 200 meter swim, or 300 meters with mask, fins and snorkel. I don't think there is a time limit, you just need to not stop.

Other agencies have other requirements.

Thanks for the info

 

[Tippytoes12]

The diving in Bali is wonderful , I would definitely recommend that you at least try it. As the others have said there is no time limit on the 200 mt swim. You also have to be able to tread water for 10 minutes.

My husband and I tried diving in 2008 as a bit of fun....we have now done almost 900 dives between us and love it so much.

Lest us know how you get on and good luck.

 

[Marie13]

Thanks Marie!!!

Your post has actually instilled some confidence in me. Appears that I was needlessly worried . Plan to enroll in the course tomorrow. Will post my experiences in the thread

Glad to hear! Frankly if I can do it, anyone can. Heck, I don't like swimming in the deep end of pools, yet I'm fine sitting on the bottom in 12 feet of water!