Introducing PADI SEAL Team Classes!!
These kids age 8 - 11 are getting ready to get wet!!
Even at 8 years old these
youth know the OK sign!
Finally something for our local youth is here!!!
HiTek Scuba is proud to present PADI SEAL Team classes specially designed for kids age 8-11.
We believe that starting our youth off on the right foot in and round the water is fundamental for fostering a healthy respect and appreciation for water activities as they mature. So we've started conducting PADI SEAL Team classes through Tualatin Valley Parks and Recreation facilities in the Beaverton area.
Take a look at some of the cool pictures of kids having fun in the pool over on the left.
"We use special equipment that we purchased just for the kids," comments HiTek's Director Cliff Cammert. "Our first session was a bit crazy trying to get all of the students sized properly." He continued, "But by the second session things were dialed in and they run much smoother now."
Thanks to some help from one of HiTek's PADI AI's (assistant instructor), Andy Burlingham, some last minute equipment changes saved the day.
"Andy was a huge help in getting all the gear setup and keeping the student divers safe during the pool activities," Stated Cliff. "It was key to having a successful day for sure."
HiTek Scuba uses special BCD's sized for the 50lb youngsters with special small sized mouthpieces to allow the younger kids to get the regulators in their mouth. In addition, we use very small tanks (19, 30, and 40 cubic feet) so that they able to hold the weight easily. Special masks and fins were also needed because of their small size.
HiTek Scuba believes in safety above all else, and we want parents to feel comfortable and confident that while their children are in our care, every possible precaution is being implemented in a fun, but serious way.
Call us for details!
503-886-9161
or E-Mail questions@hitekscuba.com
The group is preparing to go underwater for the first time!
During the first session, the kids just get used to the idea of breathing underwater. It's a challenge at first because kids at this age have usually only been in the water on the surface, so the idea of staying underwater is pretty foreign. They sure grab at the idea quickly though.
"These kids are pretty fearless," says Cliff Cammert, the instructor for this particular class, "I was amazed at how none of them seemed to let little things bother them."
High Five time after surfacing from a successful exercise below.
It's really important for the student's first experience to be filled with affirmation that they are doing well. Lots of "high fives" and "good jobs" help the students continue to grow in their skills and confidence.
"I have to be careful sometimes," explained Cliff, "sometimes I make them laugh a bit TOO much underwater and their masks leak. They don't seem to mind much though."
These two were quite the pair during class, a good buddy team!
Not just about scuba diving, the activities teach youngsters how to work together and help one another as well. We like to see them grow friendships that cross school lines and grades.
"Diving is new to all of them" Cliff noticed, "so having someone that is close to their age going through the same things together seems to help make learning easier and more fun."
