2011 Update: Cal School of Diving has been open almost 30 years. Many Instructors, store personnel, but mostly we have learned almost ALL about teaching safe, fun, SCUBA, and almost ALL about the gear for these sports. We have watched the Internet explode and retail stores plummet to the void. We are still here - because we have adapted, AND have 9000 water type people on our emailer list. VERY loyal....

Retail store hours & and contacting us! We almost closed in 2009, but we are again growing. As of may, retail store hours are Sat. only 12-3. Our phone , (510) 5243248 is on 12-3 everyday; and you can easily make appointments to meet us at the store most anytime. Call to schedule yourself in a class. I live in front of our pool - about 400 meters from the store. This is EASY for us - way easier than opening the store Mon-Sat 10-6. So call to start getting what you want - especially when it concerns SNORLELING or SCUBA.

lMost people who contemplate learning to scuba dive already are fairly comfortable in water, like fish, and are looking for something to do on vacations that's exciting, yet safe. Some come with the idea that it is VERY easy to learn. This information generally comes from friends who dive, or a dive store sales person. Well, it is easy, but it takes three or four pool sessions spaced apart so you can reflect on what you learn each class. Also a minimum of two or three lectures (on physics and ocean environment) is a good idea! This is an important concept nowadays as many dive stores and instructors try to teach diving in two days. This can work for some folks who already can descend to 20 feet or so with mask, fins, and snorkel and equalize the pressure of the water on their ears. Learning to do this equalization is easy if you have enough pool sessions to practice. Some folks are just a bit intimidated by all the gear - tanks hose, valves, weight belts, wet suits, breathing regulators, masks etc. It takes some time to get used to swimming around with all this gear on.
The good part is if you are not feeling rushed, it is serious fun to zoom around underwater in the pool till you reach a point where the plastic fish and the drain become a bit boring and you start craving to see living animals and plants in the ocean. This is the proper time to visit and dive in the ocean -- after you have built up your confidence in your abilities and knowledge of the basic equipment. Again, to all who are reading this, wherever you are; to not take weekend "quickie" courses. The last three years have been tough on the scuba industry . Do not sacrifice good education. Scuba is an extremely safe, enjoyable sport UNLESS it is taught TOO quickly and you are rushed to the ocean. The dive resorts around the world are totally outraged by the quality of skills of many divers the last 2 years. Plus you will look bad - no style points.