Diving for Beginners

Question
Hello!  I'm looking for diving lessons in Southern Maryland or DC for the beginner.  The student is 14 and inexperienced, and does not have a diving team at her school to join for help.  Anything you could share would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Bri -

The area you refer to has one of the largest diving groups in the US, The Potomac Valley Association of USA Diving.. The best program is the Montgomery Dive Club run by my friend John Wolsh. He has lesson programs at two pools: The Montgomery Aquatic Center in the Bethesda/Rockville area and The Germantown Aquatic Center in Germantown. Just Google these two pools and I am sure you will find their websites and the contact info. I would suggest dropping by both of these pools and have your diver watch a practice session to see what it is all about, then you can choose the one that suits you best.

You can also go www.usadiving.org. Click on Clubs and then Find A Club. Enter MD and a list of teams will come up. Also enter VA as their are many teams in that state close to the area you live.No teams are listed under DC. Another source is www.divemeets.com. At the top of the homepage, click on Lists of Divers, Teams and Coaches. At the next page click on Teams.A huge list of teams from all over the world will come up. The first list to look under is AAU Diving. Scroll down to teams under MD and VA. Click on the teams name for contact info. The other list is under USA Diving Teams. Scroll way down the page to find clubs there and do the same thing on clicking on team names under MD and VA.Also try clicking on teams under NCAA as there could be beginning programs at local universities.

Other diving websites:

www.diving.about.com - Site that explains the sport.Great info here for new divers.

www.aaudiving.org -  Another source to find a program.

www.flipnrip.com - Site for divers and parents.

Good luck in your search. I am sure you will find something you like.