Blue Holic Scuba Student Resource Hub

Welcome to your go-to page for getting dive-ready with Blue Holic Scuba! Whether you’re joining us for your first pool session, heading out on your first boat trip, or looking to prep your gear like a pro, this page has you covered. We’ve organized everything here chronologically—from gear prep to your final certification steps.

🛍️ Step 1: Gear Preparation

We require students to have a large dive bag to carry all gear. This helps protect your equipment and keeps everything together.

🧳 Packing Tips:

  • Remove all cardboard/plastic packaging—everything gets wet, so prep for it!

  • Attach your snorkel to the left side of your treated mask using both the mask strap and the snorkel strap.

  • Try on your mask to ensure comfort, then detach and store in your mask box for protection.

🧰 How to Pack Your Gear:

  1. Lay fins along the sides of your bag (adds protection)

  2. Fold wetsuit and place it between fins

  3. Tuck boots and gloves in open corners

  4. Coil and secure your regulator inside your BCD and roll them together

  5. Add your mask/snorkel and SMB & reel on top

  6. Place extras (knife, flashlight, dive computer, logbook) in a separate compartment

Don't forget to bring your bag when picking up rental gear—this will include weights and tank.

🧼 Step 2: Prepping Your Brand New Mask

Brand new masks have residue that causes fogging. Here’s how to "treat" it:

Toothpaste Method:

  1. Use plain white toothpaste (non-gel)

  2. Rub inside of the lens for 5–10 minutes

  3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

  4. Repeat if needed or leave on overnight

After treating, always use defog before each dive.

🏊 Step 3: Pool Day

Location: Algin Sutton Pool
Address: 8800 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90044
Parking: 557 W 88th St, Los Angeles, CA

Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM Arrival

  • 8:15–9:15 AM Briefing

  • 9:30–11:30 AM Pool Session

  • 11:30 AM–12:00 PM Wrap-Up

Second Pool Day?

  • Meet at the shop at 1:30 PM for classroom session + exam (3 hours)

  • Bring your manual with completed quizzes

  • Bring a fidget toy if it helps with focus—we support all learning styles!

🏫 Step 4: Classroom Review

  • We’ll review each quiz from the manual together

  • Learn to calculate dive times with the Recreational Dive Planner

  • Ask your instructor anything—this is your time to build confidence

  • You’ll take your final exam at the end of this session

Don’t worry—you're in good hands and well supported throughout!

🧽 Step 6: Gear Return & Cleaning after Ocean

All rental gear must be returned by Tuesday after your ocean weekend.

Cleaning Instructions:

  • Soak all neoprene gear (wetsuit, gloves, boots) in a bathtub

  • Rinse your BCD, press buttons underwater to clear salt from valves

  • Keep dust cap ON the regulator while rinsing

  • Dunk the regulator gently; don’t scrub or blast it with pressure

  • You don’t need to dry gear—just make sure it’s not sandy or salty!

🎉 If it’s clean, we’ll refund your $40 cleaning deposit.

📸 Step 7: Certification & What’s Next

Once your course is complete:

  • Email us a passport-style selfie (no sunglasses/hats, <300MB)

  • Download the PADI App to access your digital license

  • Request a physical license for an additional fee if desired

Ready to keep diving? You’re welcome to join our:

  • 🛥️ Boat Trips

  • 🏊 Pool Training Sessions

  • 🌿 Mindfulness Underwater (coming soon!)

We recommend investing in a dive computer early on to start building good habits.

💬 Questions or Feedback?

We’d love to hear how your experience went—or any suggestions to make it even better!

📞 (323) 641-7416
📧 blueholicscuba@yahoo.com
📸 Instagram: @BlueHolicScuba

Thanks for diving with us—we're so glad you're part of the Blue Holic family!