Classes 2016


Discover Scuba

 
The Discover Scuba Diving program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a professional in a swimming pool. Sign up today for only $10, that’s over 70% off! All proceeds go to the GLSPS. Additionally, this $10 will also be credited to the price of the PADI Open Water Diver Class with Air Down There Scuba if you sign up by April 12th.
 
What do I need to start?
* A sense of adventure
* Swimsuit
* Towel
* All participants need to be 12 years or older and have no previous diving certifications
 

Please, no large groups as there is limited availability during the show. We would be glad to arrange a special session for your group at a later date!

 

What will I do?

When you participate in a Discover Scuba Diving program, you discover excitement and adventure – freedom and serenity. Nothing compares to the “weightless” exhilaration of breathing underwater. Only a diver knows the feeling!
 

How long will it take?

Discover Scuba will take place Saturday from 10:00 AM to Noon; please meet at the GLSPS booth by 9:45 AM. After a brief introduction on the pool deck, you’ll enter the water quickly for your scuba adventure.
 

Note: Attendees must register in advance by emailing info@airdownthere.com. This is necessary to ensure availability and to cover pre-class logistics. You can pay for the class online through the Show Tickets page.
 
 

Discover Rebreathers

 
For the seventh year in a row, the GLSPS will be sponsoring a Discover Rebreathers class as a part of the Upper Midwest Scuba and Adventure Travel Show. For a nominal fee of $50 you will get two hours of hands-on experience with the Upper Midwest’s most experienced rebreather divers on the area’s most popular units. Rebreathers are big investments and if you are considering buying a one, this is an excellent opportunity to kick the tires, compare the different units, learn what you like or don’t like about them, and meet the instructors.
 
The workshop begins with classroom discussion on closed circuit rebreather theory and operation, the differences between the different rebreather designs, and the advantages and disadvantages of rebreathers over open circuit scuba. Participants will then get to try out all the different units in the hotel pool. The workshop fee covers rebreather use, gases, scrubber material and handouts. You will need to provide proof of Open Water scuba certification as well as a swimsuit, mask, fins and weight belt.
 
This is a great opportunity to compare the area’s most popular models as well as meet and ask questions of the area’s top rebreather instructors.
 
The class runs Saturday from 11:45 AM until 2:00 PM. Attendees must register in advance.
 

To register, email info@umsatshow.org or call Jay Hanson at 218-590-3483. You can pay for the class online through the Show Tickets page.

 
 

Discover Full Face Masks

 
For a nominal fee of $20, you will get hands-on experience in the pool with an OTS Guardian Mask. This will be a great way to try out a mask and to ask questions on its multifaceted use. You will also be supporting the Courage Kenny Disabled Divers Program since your entire $20 fee will be donated to that program.
 
The distinct advantages of using a full face mask is the greater field of vision, the ease of breathing and ability to breathe through the nose. Biggest plus locally would be for cold water diving as it provides excellent coverage and protection against cold water and no more numb teeth! You can also install a communication system that allows you to communicate with other divers.
 
A full face Mask can be considered a fairly large investment, this would be a great opportunity to try it out, find out what are the pros and cons, and meet the instructors. You will need to provide proof of Open Water scuba certification as well as a swimsuit.
 
The class runs Saturday from 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM. Attendees must register in advance.
 

To register, email info@mwschoolofdiving.com or call Mark Dugger at 651-653-1174. You can pay for the seminar directly to Mark.

 
 

Lunch Break Seminar

 

Photo Seminar by Ryan Sebesta: GoPro Photography Workshop

Let’s face it, the GoPro HD Hero cameras are everywhere. By now, you either have one already or are thinking of picking one up. The GoPro, and it’s free editing software, has allowed casual users to shoot and edit professional looking videos without breaking the bank. Ryan will walk you through the abilities of the GoPro and some simple tricks for great videos.
 
Session outcomes:
* Discover simple settings for the average user
* Understand the difference between resolution and frame rate; and how they effect video
* Learn the best mounting techniques for use underwater
* Get clued in on the newest ‘must-have’ accessories for capturing great underwater video
 

Medical Evaluation of Fitness to Dive by John Wahlstrom, M.D.

Dr. Wahlstrom is with St. Paul Allergy and Asthma
DAN consultant physician
Diplomat NOAA Working Diver Program
PADI instructor emeritus

MEDICAL STATEMENT
To the Participant: The purpose of this medical questionnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before participating in recreational diver training.
Please answer the following questions on your past or present medical history with a YES or NO. If you are not sure, answer YES.
If any of these items apply to you, we must request that you consult with a physician prior to participating in scuba diving.
 Now what do you do?
Dr. Wahlstrom will walk you through the steps needed to continue your dive certification.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD OR DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE…
 Asthma, or wheezing with breathing, or wheezing with exercise?
 Frequent or severe attacks of hayfever or allergy?
 Frequent colds, sinusitis or bronchitis?
A positive response to a question does not necessarily disqualify you from diving.
A positive response means that there is a preexisting condition that may affect your safety while diving and you must seek the advice of your physician.
Your Instructor will supply you with a RSTC Medical Statement and guidelines for recreational scuba diver’s physical examination to take to your physician.

 
 

Sunday Certification Classes

 

PSI-PCI Visual Cylinder Inspector Course

Sunday, March 13, 2016 – 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Ramada Bloomington, MSP Airport at the Mall (Formerly the Thunderbird Hotel)
2300 East American Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55425

 
This certification course teaches the regulations and fundamentals of conducting visual inspections of solid wall and composite SCUBA and SCBA cylinders. The full day course is suited for those new to visual inspection well as those who have been inspecting without formal training through its wide range of inspection subjects including damage limits, neck cracking, and laws affecting inspectors. Additionally, this course meets the OSHA and DOT requirements for employee HAZMAT training and attendants completing the course are qualified to conduct HAZMAT training for cylinder handlers.
It is recognized by USDOT, Compressed Gas Association, and cylinder manufacturers as the most comprehensive, up to date training available today on this subject. Previously certified inspectors may attend this full course under the VCIR for re-qualification (see below). The course is open to anyone 16 years or older and no previous cylinder inspection experience is required. Participants receive certificate as Visual Cylinder Inspectors upon course completion.

Click here to enroll online.

Price: $295.00
Instructor: Keith Sharp
Email: tks@jtdiveshop.com
 

PSI-PCI Visual Cylinder Inspector Refresher Course

Sunday, March 13, 2016 – 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Location: Ramada Bloomington, MSP Airport at the Mall (Formerly the Thunderbird Hotel)
2300 East American Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55425

 
Refresher courses allow previously certified inspectors (by PSI-PCI) to attend the full VCI course described above at a reduced price. Refreshers are offered in conjunction with all VCI courses even if not advertised as such. Contact the instructor hosting the class or PSI-PCI for information. If you are outside your 3 year window for updated training this is the course you need to take. Refresher participants receive certificate as Visual Cylinder Inspectors upon course completion

Click here to enroll online.

Price: $195.00
Instructor: Keith Sharp
Email: tks@jtdiveshop.com