Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
There are four main costs involved in diving with Penrith Sub Aqua Club
- Club membership - for 2023, this is £115 for adults or £25 plus £2 per week attended for students/juniors. This gets you entry to the pool every Sunday morning between 9 and 10. There is also a one off £50 fee for new trainees which covers the costs of hiring equipment and all tank fills until first qualification.
- SAA membership - further information on this can be found at www.saa.org.uk but is currently a maximum of £99 for full, new adult membership.
- Air fills - air fills are free for new trainees and are then £2 per tank for club members. We can also offer tank fills for visiting divers or air rifles on request (see 'contact us' page). Any cylinders brought for filling must be in test.
- Equipment - this can be as expensive as you want it to be. There is a wide range of diving equipment available and we will do our best to help you make the right choice for you. The club has a variety of equipment available to use whilst training until you have a better idea of what you would like and whether diving is for you.
Do I need my own kit to start?
No, the club has a full range of equipment to get you going from fins, masks and snorkels to BCDs and regulators. We would suggest though that you consider getting some of the more basic pieces of kit (mask, hood and gloves etc.) fairly soon after you decide that you do want to continue to train with us. Equipment (if not needed by trainees) can also be hired by club members for those times when your own is not available.
So what DO I need to bring?
You will need your swimming kit (full one-piece costume for the ladies) and an old T-shirt to stop any rubbing from the jacket. If you have any SCUBA/Snorkelling stuff, feel free to bring that too but don't worry if you don't.
Do I need any previous experience?
No, we love to teach all comers; whether you have been bitten by the holiday diving bug, have seen something on TV and fancy giving it a go or just want a new challenge.
I'm not sure if I'll be any good, can I just have a go to see?
Yes of course. We offer a single session 'try dive' for you to see what it's like wearing the kit and breathing under water. There is a £10 cost for this but that will be deducted from your membership fee if you join the club within the subsequent 3 months.
Do I have to be an expert swimmer?
No, but you do need a good basic level of swimming ability (swim 200m without too much difficulty, float and 'duck' dive).
How old do I have to be?/Am I too old?
We offer SCUBA training to people aged 12 and over although we do ask that those under 18 are accompanied at the pool and on trips away by a responsible adult. For those under 12 we can offer snorkel training and pool experiences from age 10.
You are never too old to try something new and we have had members diving nearly into their 80's. The only issue to note is that the equipment can be relatively heavy so you do need to be fairly fit and stable.
I have already done some training with PADI/BSAC/ScotSAC etc. but I want to do more. Can I join you?
Absolutely! We have a full list of crossover details and will be happy to help you advance your skills.
I am visiting the area and would like to join in some of your planned dives. Is this possible?
As long as you are suitably qualified for diving in cold water with a drysuit, have dived within the last 6 months and have your own insurance cover you are welcome to join us. Just make contact through the 'Contact Us' page for information about our next planned dives. A donation to club funds would be very welcome.
So what do I do next?
Come along to Penrith Pool between 9 and 10 on a Sunday morning and someone will be happy to have a chat with you and answer any questions or arrange the next step.
If your question has not been answered here or elsewhere on the site, please get in touch with us via the details on the 'Contact Us' page.