Improve Control. Move With Ease.
Excellent buoyancy control is what separates comfortable divers from confident ones. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course helps you refine the skills you learned in Open Water and apply them in real diving conditions.
This course focuses on precision, balance, and efficiency—allowing you to dive with better control, improved air consumption, and minimal impact on the environment.
Course Details
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Dives Required: 2
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Course Fee: $250
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Prerequisite: PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
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Minimum Age: 10 years
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Certification: PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
Dives may be completed in the pool, ocean, or during scheduled local trips, depending on conditions and student needs.
Where This Course Is Conducted
Peak Performance Buoyancy can be completed in several settings:
Local Ocean Dives
Most students complete this specialty during local shore dives or regulator trips, where buoyancy control can be practiced in kelp, mid-water, and near-bottom environments.
Boat Dives
This specialty can also be completed on scheduled boat trips, allowing divers to practice buoyancy in deeper water and varied conditions.
Pool Sessions (When Appropriate)
Certain skills may be introduced or refined in the pool before moving to open water.
Your instructor will determine the best setting based on experience level and conditions.
What You’ll Learn
During two scuba dives, you’ll work on:
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Determining proper weighting
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Improving trim and body position
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Fine-tuning buoyancy adjustments
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Hovering in multiple positions (horizontal and vertical)
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Streamlining movement to reduce effort and air consumption
The first dive of this specialty may also count as an Adventure Dive toward the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Gear Requirements
Required Gear
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Mask, snorkel, fins
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BCD and regulator
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Exposure protection appropriate for Southern California (7mm Wetsuit)
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Dive computer and depth gauge
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Weight system
Using your own scuba equipment is strongly recommended so adjustments reflect the gear you dive regularly.
Optional / Helpful
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Trim pockets or alternate weight systems (as advised by your instructor)
Our instructors can help you assess or adjust your setup during the course.
Specialty Bundle Option
This course is included in our Specialty Diver Bundle.
Complete any two PADI Specialty courses for $350 and receive:
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2 PADI Specialty certification cards
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Credit toward Master Scuba Diver
Available specialties include:
Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, Underwater Navigation, Fish Identification, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and Enriched Air (Nitrox).
Note:
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PADI eLearning / course materials are not included
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Boat trips, site fees, and gear rentals are not included
Ask us if bundling makes sense for your goals.
Course Flow
After purchase:
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An instructor will contact you by email or phone
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You’ll coordinate scheduling and dive locations
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Orientation and skill review are completed before diving
Exact dates and locations vary. Please refer to our Dive Calendar for available dives.
Eco-Conscious Diving
Good buoyancy protects marine life, preserves visibility, and reduces environmental impact. This course emphasizes control, awareness, and low-impact diving techniques applicable to all future dives.