Cost: $380/$280*

If you've always wondered what lies beneath the surface, now's the time to find out! Start the journey of a lifetime with the PADI Open Water Diver course. It will change you forever!

In the PADI Open Water Diver course, your PADI Instructor takes you through the basics of learning how to scuba dive. You start in a pool and progress to the open water (ocean, lake, quarry, etc.) getting the background knowledge along the way.

Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification.

If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Open Water Diver program available. Minimum age is 10.

>> Download the Class Schedule HERE <<

The course encompasses three phases: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives and Open Water Training Dives.

1. Knowledge Development – This develops your familiarity with basic diving principles and procedures. You learn things like how pressure affects your body, how to choose the best gear and what to consider when planning dives. You complete the Knowledge Development portion in one of two ways:

Classroom setting: You can complete the Knowledge Development on your own, reading each of five sections of the PADI Open Water Diver Manual and watching the corresponding section of the PADI Open Water Diver Video (which also previews skills you’ll practice in the pool). In a classroom environment with other students, we’ll briefly review what you studied, a Y-kiki instructor will elaborate on the information, demonstrate the various pieces of equipment and quiz you for comprehension. At the end of the course, you take a final exam that makes sure you’ve got all the key concepts and ideas down.

eLearning: Whether you're on the go or want to take it slow, now you can complete the Knowledge Development portion of the PADI Open Water Diver Course online with PADI eLearning. It's a great match for an active schedule. With PADI eLearning, you have convenient online access to knowledge development course materials for one year. You’ll read and complete each of five sections of the manual online, watching corresponding video clips along the way and completing the final exam online. Once you’ve completed all the segments, you can print your eLearning Record and bring it in to Y-kiki Divers to schedule your pool and open water dives.

Cost for eLearning: To start the PADI eLearning course, click here. The eLearning coursework is $120 plus the enhancement crew pak of $37. The confined water training is $140 and the open water training is $150. Purchase your personal equipment (mask, fins, snorkel and boots) from Y-kiki and receive a 10% savings. Mask, fins, snorkel and boots are required for this class.

2. Confined Water Dives – This is what it’s all about – diving. You develop basic scuba skills in a pool. Here you’ll learn everything from setting up your gear to how to easily get water out of your mask without surfacing. You’ll also practice some emergency skills, like sharing air – just in case. There are five confined water dives, with each building upon the previous. Over the course of these five dives, you attain the skills you need to dive in open water. Plus, you may play some games, make new friends and have a great time.

3. Open Water Training Dives – After your confined water dives, you and the new friends you’ve made continue learning during four open water dives at a local dive site. This is where you have fun putting it all together and fully experience the underwater adventure – at the beginner level, of course. You may make these dives locally or at a more exotic destination on vacation (called a referral).

Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification is just the beginning. As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquility await you.

Prerequisites: 10 years old for Junior Open Water Diver and 15 years old for Open Water Diver. Good health, reasonable fitness and comfort in the water.

Materials Needed for Classroom Setting: PADI Open Water Crew-Pak, PADI Open Water DVD and Log Book insert pages (provided in cost of class). Your personal equipment: mask, fins, snorkel & boots.

*Cost is $380. Purchase your mask, fins, snorkel and boots from us and we'll discount the class to $280. Mask, fins, snorkel and boots are required for this class.

See Our Course Schedule Below

Referral: Going on vacation and want to learn to dive? Why waste vacation time sitting in a classroom? Complete your knowledge development sessions (either in a classroom setting or with eLearning) and confined open water dives with Y-kiki Divers and then complete your open water training dives on vacation. Cost is $325. Purchase your mask, fins, snorkel and boots from us and we'll discount the class to $225.

Open Water Training Dives only: If you’ve completed your knowledge development sessions and confined open water dives with another shop and only need your four open water checkout dives to complete your certification, this option is for you. Cost is $150. Includes equipment rental (excluding mask, fins, snorkel and boots) and certification fees.

Scuba Tune-Up: A little rusty? Been awhile since you’ve pulled out your dive tables? Take a Scuba Tune-Up with Y-kiki Divers and review basic scuba skills. Dust off your gear and bring it to class. We’ll inspect it for potential maintenance concerns. Cost is $75 and includes a PADI refresher workbook, classroom and pool sessions. Includes equipment rental (excluding mask, fins, snorkel and boots). For a refresher of just the pool skills, cost is $50.

Private Open Water Scuba Diver Course: Contact Valerie Elliott at 314-469-8722 for more details.

 December 18, 2009 (50) – Weekend Class
 Class: Dec. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Dec. 19 & 20, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Dec. 19 & 20 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral

 January 5, 2010 (1) – Weekday Class
 Class: Jan. 5, 6 & 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Jan. 9 & 10 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 January 8, 2010 (2) – Weekend Class
 Class: Jan. 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Jan. 9 & 10, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Jan. 9 & 10 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 January 19, 2010 (3) – Weekday Class
 Class: Jan. 19, 20 & 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Jan. 23 & 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 January 22, 2010 (4) – Weekend Class
 Class: Jan. 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Jan. 23 & 24, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Jan. 23 & 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 February 2, 2010 (5) – Weekday Class
 Class: Feb. 2, 3 & 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Feb. 6 & 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 February 5, 2010 (6) – Weekend Class
 Class: Feb. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Feb. 6 & 7, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Feb. 6 & 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 February 5, 2010 – Weekend Class at the St. Peters RecPlex
 Class: Feb. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Feb. 6 & 7, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Feb. 6 & 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class
 Must register for this class through the St. Peters RecPlex

 February 16, 2010 (7) – Weekday Class
 Class: Feb. 16, 17 & 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Feb. 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 February 19, 2010 (8) – Weekend Class
 Class: Feb. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Feb. 20 & 21, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Feb. 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 February 19, 2010 – Weekend Class at the Clayton Center
 Class: Feb. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Feb. 20 & 21, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Feb. 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Must register for this class through the Clayton Center
 Dives: Referral

 March 2, 2010 (9) – Weekday Class
 Class: Mar. 2, 3 & 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Mar. 6 & 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 March 5, 2010 (10) – Weekend Class
 Class: Mar. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Mar. 6 & 7, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Mar. 6 & 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 March 16, 2010 (11) – Weekday Class
 Class: Mar. 16, 17 & 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Mar. 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 March 19, 2010 (12) – Weekend Class
 Class: Mar. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Mar. 20 & 21, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Mar. 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 March 19, 2010 – Weekend Class at the St. Peters RecPlex
 Class: Mar. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Mar. 20 & 21, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Mar. 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Must register for this class through the St. Peters RecPlex
 Dives: Referral

 Get certified over Spring Break! NEW!
 March 23, 2010 (12.SB1) – Weekday Class
 Class: March 23, 24 & 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: March 27 & 28 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 Get certified over Spring Break! NEW!
 March 26, 2010 (12.SB2) – Weekend Class
 Class: Mar. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Mar. 27 & 28, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: March 27 & 28 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 April 6, 2010 (13) – Weekday Class
 Class: April 6, 7 & 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: April 10 & 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 April 9, 2010 (14) – Weekend Class
 Class: April 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND April 10 & 11, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: April 10 & 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 April 13, 2010 (15) – Weekday Class
 Class: April 13, 14 & 15 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: April 17 & 18 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 April 16, 2010 (16) – Weekend Class
 Class: April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND April 17 & 18, 8 a.m. to noon
Pool: April 17 & 18 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 April 23, 2010 – Weekend Class at the St. Peters RecPlex
 Class: April 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND April 24 & 25, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: April 24 & 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Must register for this class through the St. Peters RecPlex
 Dives: Referral

 April 27, 2010 (17) – Weekday Class
 Class: April 27, 28 & 29 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: May 1 & 2 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: May 8 & 9 (weather permitting)

 April 30, 2010 (18) – Weekend Class
 Class: April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND May 1 & 2, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: May 1 & 2 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: May 8 & 9 (weather permitting)

 May 11, 2010 (19) – Weekday Class
 Class: May 11, 12 & 13 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: May 15 & 16 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: May 22 & 23

 May 15, 2010 (20) – Weekend Class
 Class: May 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND May 15 & 16, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: May 15 & 16 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: May 22 & 23

 May 25, 2010 (21) – Weekday Class
 Class: May 25, 26 & 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: May 29 & 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: June 5 & 6

 May 28, 2010 (22) – Weekend Class
 Class: May 28, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND May 29 & 30, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: May 29 & 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: June 5 & 6

 June 8, 2010 (23) – Weekday Class
 Class: June 8, 9 & 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: June 12 & 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: June 19 & 20

 June 11, 2010 (24) – Weekend Class
 Class: June 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND June 12 & 13, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: June 12 & 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: June 19 & 20

 June 22, 2010 (25) – Weekday Class
 Class: June 22, 23 & 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: June 26 & 27 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: July 3 & 4 – tentative OR July 10 & 11

 June 25, 2010 (26) – Weekend Class
 Class: June 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND June 26 & 27, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: June 26 & 27 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: July 3 & 4 – tentative OR July 10 & 11

 July 6, 2010 (27) – Weekday Class
 Class: July 6, 7 & 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: July 10 & 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: July 17 & 18

 July 9, 2010 (28) – Weekend Class
 Class: July 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND July 10 & 11, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: July 10 & 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: July 17 & 18

 July 9, 2010 (28) – Weekend Class at the St. Peters RecPlex
 Class: July 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND July 10 & 11, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: July 10 & 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Must register for this class through the St. Peters RecPlex

 July 20, 2010 (29) – Weekday Class
 Class: July 20, 21, & 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: July 24 & 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: July 31 & August 1

 July 23, 2010 (30) – Weekend Class
 Class: July 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND July 24 & 25, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: July 24 & 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: July 31 & August 1

 August 3, 2010 (31) – Weekday Class
 Class: August 3, 4 & 5 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: August 7 & 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: August 14 & 15

 August 6, 2010 (32) – Weekend Class
 Class: August 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND August 7 & 8, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: August 7 & 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: August 14 & 15

 August 17, 2010 (33) – Weekday Class
 Class: August 17, 18 & 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: August 21 & 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: August 28 & 29

 August 21, 2010 (34) – Weekend Class
 Class: Aug. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Aug. 21 & 22, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: August 21 & 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: August 28 & 29

 August 31, 2010 (35) – Weekday Class
 Class: Aug. 31, Sept. 1 & 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Sept. 4 & 5 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Sept. 11 & 12

 September 3, 2010 (36) – Weekend Class
 Class: Sept. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Sept. 4 & 5, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Sept. 4 & 5 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Sept. 11 & 12

 September 14, 2010 (37) – Weekday Class
 Class: Sept. 14, 15 & 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Sept. 18 & 19 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Sept. 25 & 26

 September 17, 2010 (38) – Weekend Class
 Class: Sept. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Sept. 18 & 19, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Sept. 18 & 19 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Sept. 25 & 26

 September 28, 2010 (39) – Weekday Class
 Class: Sept. 28, 29 & 30 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Oct. 2 & 3 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Oct. 9 & 10 (OR on Bull Shoals Houseboat Trip)

 October 1, 2010 (40) – Weekend Class
 Class: Oct. 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Oct. 2 & 3, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Oct. 2 & 3 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Oct. 9 & 10 (OR on Bull Shoals Houseboat Trip)

 October 12, 2010 (41) – Weekday Class
 Class: Oct. 12, 13 & 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Pool: Oct. 16 & 17 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Dives: Oct. 23 & 24

 October 15, 2010 (42) – Weekend Class
 Class: Oct. 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Oct. 16 & 17, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Oct. 16 & 17 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Oct. 23 & 24

 October 26, 2010 (43) – Weekday Class
 Class: Oct. 26, 27 & 28 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Oct. 30 & 31 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Nov. 6 & 7 (weather permitting)

 October 29, 2010 (44) – Weekend Class
 Class: Oct. 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Oct. 30 & 31, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Oct. 30 & 31 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Nov. 6 & 7 (weather permitting)

 November 9, 2010 (45) – Weekday Class
 Class: Nov. 9, 10 & 11 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Nov. 13 & 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 November 12, 2010 (46) – Weekend Class
 Class: Nov. 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Nov. 13 & 14, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Nov. 13 & 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 November 30, 2010 (47) – Weekday Class
 Class: Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Dec. 4 & 5 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 December 3, 2010 (48) – Weekend Class
 Class: Dec. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Dec. 4 & 5, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Dec. 4 & 5 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 December 14, 2010 (49) – Weekday Class
 Class: Dec. 14, 15 & 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 Pool: Dec. 18 & 19 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class

 December 17, 2010 (50) – Weekend Class
 Class: Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AND Dec. 18 & 19, 8 a.m. to noon
 Pool: Dec. 18 & 19 from 1 to 5 p.m.
 Dives: Referral or in conjunction with Dry Suit Class