diving lessons in Santa Monica, CA

Question
This is crazy:  I can't seem to find diving lessons in this area except at Santa Monica College, and the hours don't fit my daughter's schedule.  She's 11, wants lessons, not a club, will only be doing it recreationally and not ever competitively.  THANKS!

Answer
Stephanie -

While you do not want to join club team, it may be you best and only choice. She could enroll in a club programs Learn To Dive lesson classes and not have to join the club or commit to competing. Many club teams offer such classes, especially in the summer when they have more pool time.

One thing about enrolling in a lesson program run by a city, county or other municipal pool is that it could be taught by a lifeguard that really does not know much about diving. This is sport is very misunderstood and many instructors just guess on what to teach. This can lead to her not learning the safety aspects of the sport.

Learn To Dive lessons taught by club teams are very often taught by former divers who are safety certified and will teach correct fundamental skills.

When you find a club team close to you (and that won't be hard) just explain to them what you are looking for as you described to me. I am sure they will have something for her.

Go to www.usadiving.org, click on Clubs and then Find A Club. Enter CA and a list of teams will come up. Try the program at UCLA (Tom Stebbins) or at USC (Hong Ping Li) and ask when they have lessons. Drop by and have her watch to see if this is what she wants.

You can also try a website that lists all the public pools in the US. It is mainly geared towards adults who want to find a pool while on a trip so they can do lap swimming. They do feature which pools have diving boards and instruction. Go to www.swimmersguide.com and follow the search instructions. You are bound to find something where you live as Southern California has more pools per capita than any area of the US.It is also one of the most successful areas anywhere in the world for diving excellence.

Good luck. Hope all this helps.

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