Scuba diving a family adventure

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This article was published 13/08/2014 (4364 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Scuba diving used to be known as a hair-raising adventure sport, but its reputation has taken a turn to the family-friendly side of things.

Elmwood resident Shayne Groves said he and his son Brett have been able to dive together thanks to the Scuba Rangers program run by 3 Fathoms Scuba (163 Henderson Hwy.).

The 38-year-old said he’d always wanted to scuba dive before taking the plunge about two-and-a-half years ago. Brett followed a year later.

“It’s something I wanted to do since I was his age, or even younger,” he said. “We were heading down south (to Akumal, Mexico) and it would be the perfect opportunity.

“I hope it keeps him on the path to becoming a full-fledged diver so him and I can dive around the world together.”

Shayne said scuba diving is “one of the most incredible things you can do with your kid, it’s like a different planet”.

Shayne recalled that on the trip, getting certification for Brett took much less time than he or the local dive instructor expected because he was well-prepared. Brett, 10, was glad he was able to explore under the sea — his favourite part of the program — as opposed to being stuck higher up.

“I didn’t want to just snorkel on the surface, I wanted to go deeper,” he said.

Shayne said Brett’s other passion is golf, which they can also do together.

“He’s growing up my own best friend,” Shayne said.

3 Fathoms owner Ian Sutherland explained the Scuba Rangers program teaches the same basic skills as it does to adults, but presents them in a fun, age-appropriate way. There is also greater direct supervision in the Scuba Rangers program, allowing the students to learn at a more relaxed pace until they turn 12 and can choose to challenge the open water certification course to progress toward solo diving.

“(We teach) exactly the same skills as in the adult course, but where these guys are concerned, the competence level in performing these skills isn’t as important as it is for an adult,” Sutherland said.

The program, which started in 2006, is the only Scuba Rangers offering in Winnipeg and one of a few across the country. Scuba Rangers generally operates out of Elmwood Kildonans Pool, but because an electrical fire temporarily closed the pool in May, the upcoming sessions will take place at the Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (999 Sargent Ave.).

The program is for kids aged eight through 12 and costs $250 (including all necessary equipment). The next five-week session begins Sept. 8.

“It used to be the man’s macho sport. Very little women, and certainly no children,” Sutherland, 66, said. “But since the Ranger program started, it has become a family sport.”

To register, contact Sutherland at 204-668-2816.

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