Learn to dive with a strong technical foundation
Do you want to learn scuba diving in Flanders and develop good technique, control and confidence from the beginning? At Sidemount Academy, you learn more than the minimum skills required to earn a certification.
From the first session, we focus on breathing, buoyancy, trim, communication and controlled movement. This allows you to continue your diving journey with more knowledge and confidence.
How does an Open Water course work?
The RAID Open Water course is designed for new divers. You do not need any previous diving experience. Theory, confined water training and open water dives form one structured learning programme.
Theory at your own pace
Through the RAID digital learning platform, you study the main principles of scuba diving. Topics include pressure, gas consumption, equipment, dive planning, communication and safe diving practices.
During the contact sessions, we answer your questions and explore the subjects that are important for the practical training.
Skills in confined water
You become familiar with the diving equipment and learn how to breathe underwater, descend, ascend, clear your mask and work together with your buddy.
From the beginning, we combine these exercises with a stable position, controlled movement and good buoyancy.
Experience in open water
Once you are properly prepared, you apply the skills in open water. You learn how to manage depth, changing conditions and the planning of a real dive.
After successfully completing the course, you receive your RAID Open Water Diver certification.
Why learn to dive with Sidemount Academy?
A scuba course should not be a list of exercises that you complete as quickly as possible. We want you to understand what you are doing, why you are doing it and how to perform each skill with genuine control.
A strong technical foundation
Sidemount Academy is highly regarded in Belgium for the technical quality of its courses and the standard of the skills being taught.
Our experience in recreational, technical, sidemount and cave diving influences how we train new divers.
For divers who want a stronger start
Our approach is intended for people who want more than simply earning a certification and who are prepared to practise with purpose and train a little more intensively.
You do not need to be particularly athletic or experienced. We do expect you to participate actively in developing a strong foundation.
- Control of trim and buoyancy
- Calm and efficient finning techniques
- Clear communication with your buddy
- Awareness of your equipment and surroundings
- Performing skills while maintaining control
- Understanding why each technique is used
By spending more time on technique, repetition and understanding during your course, you can continue your diving journey with more confidence, knowledge and control.
Experience your first dive
Are you not yet certain whether scuba diving is right for you? During a try dive, you become familiar with the equipment, essential signals and breathing underwater in a calm environment.
You receive personal guidance and enough time to discover how it feels to move underwater. Even during this first introduction, we pay attention to breathing, position and control.
What can you expect?
- A clear briefing
- A complete equipment check
- Personal guidance
- A calm progression without unnecessary time pressure
- A debrief with time for your questions
Where can you learn to dive?
Confined water sessions take place, depending on the schedule, at the municipal swimming pool in Temse or at Wetfun in Limburg.
Open water training normally takes place at Put van Ekeren or another suitable dive site agreed with your instructor.
The final schedule depends on the course, weather conditions, available locations and the level of the participants.
From your first certification to more diving experience
Earning your Open Water certification is the beginning of your development as a diver. You continue to improve by diving regularly and applying the fundamental skills from your course.
Depending on your interests, you can continue with training in buoyancy and trim, navigation, nitrox, deep diving, drysuit diving, rescue skills, sidemount or other specialities.
We are happy to help you select a logical next step based on the experience and skills you genuinely want to develop.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to learn to dive?
No. The Open Water course is designed for people without previous diving experience. You learn the theory and practical skills step by step under the guidance of an instructor.
Can I try diving before starting a complete course?
Yes. A try dive allows you to become familiar with scuba equipment and breathing underwater in a controlled environment. It is a good first step when you are not yet ready to plan a complete course.
Where do the practical sessions take place?
Confined water sessions take place, depending on the schedule, at the municipal swimming pool in Temse or at Wetfun in Limburg. Open water dives normally take place at Put van Ekeren or another suitable location agreed with your instructor.
How deep can I dive after my Open Water course?
An adult RAID Open Water Diver is trained to make recreational dives to a maximum depth of 18 metres or 60 feet, with a suitable buddy and within the limits of their training and experience.
Do I need to buy my own scuba equipment?
You do not need to purchase a complete set immediately. Before the course, we discuss which equipment is available and which personal items you may need.
How long does it take to earn a diving certification?
The duration depends on the schedule, available training sessions and your personal progress. We allow sufficient time for you to master the skills rather than simply perform them once.
Can I learn to dive with a medical condition?
That depends on the condition and your medical situation. You complete a medical questionnaire before the course. If one of your answers requires further assessment, a doctor must confirm that you are medically fit to dive.
Can my child learn to dive?
RAID offers options for young divers from the age of 10. Age, development, comfort in the water and the applicable training limits determine which programme is suitable. Contact us so we can discuss this carefully before the course.
Ready to learn to dive?
Would you like to start RAID Open Water, plan a try dive or discuss which programme is right for you? Contact us for more information about the course content, schedule and current training possibilities.