How to Prepare for Your First Scuba Diving Lesson
Your first scuba diving lesson is exciting, after all, it’s the moment you take your very first breaths underwater! Whether you’ve booked a Discover Scuba Diving experience or you’re beginning your PADI Open Water course at Abyss Scuba School, a little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s everything you need to know before you arrive, so you can relax, enjoy the moment, and make the most out of your underwater adventure.
Don’t Worry About Buying Kit — We’ve Got Everything You Need
One of the best things about learning to dive is that you don’t need to buy any equipment to get started.
At Abyss Scuba School, we provide:
A well-fitting mask
Fins
BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
Regulator set
Cylinder
Exposure protection suitable for the pool
All weights and accessories
Just bring swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a spare T-shirt or rash vest to wear under your kit if you prefer.
Once you fall in love with diving (and you will!), we’re always happy to help you choose your first pieces of gear from brands like Cressi, Fourth Element, Tecline and Xdeep — but there’s no pressure to do so.
Our Heated Indoor Pool Makes Everything Easier
If you’re worried about cold water, don’t be. Our heated indoor pool at Littlehampton Marina stays warm all year round, making it the perfect environment to practise the basics without worrying about the temperature.
You’ll learn essential skills in comfort before ever heading into open water.
Eat Light & Arrive a Little Early
A light meal a couple of hours beforehand is ideal, nothing too heavy, nothing too sugary.
Try to arrive 10–15 minutes early so you can get fitted with your equipment and talk through any questions with your instructor.
Bring an Open Mind (and a Few Deep Breaths!)
It’s totally normal to feel excited, nervous, or a mix of both. Diving is a brand-new experience for most people, and that first underwater breath can feel surreal.
Our instructors are patient, friendly and experienced with new divers, so we’ll go at your pace. You don’t have to be super fit, super confident, or a strong swimmer, just willing to try something new and trust the process.
What You’ll Learn in Your First Lesson
During your first scuba session, you’ll:
Learn how your equipment works
Practise breathing underwater
Get used to moving in scuba gear
Learn simple underwater skills
Build confidence step by step
You won’t be thrown in at the deep end — everything is calm, controlled and fun.
Ask Questions (There Are No Silly Ones!)
Not sure how the regulator works? Wondering how long your air lasts? Curious about open water training?
Ask away! We love sharing our knowledge, and you’ll learn faster when you’re relaxed and informed.
What Happens After Your First Session?
After your initial pool experience, most people want more and that’s where the PADI Open Water Diver course comes in.
Start your confined water sessions now in the pool, complete your eLearning from home, and you can finish your open water dives when the weather warms up in spring… or sooner if you’re ready!
Final Tip: Enjoy It
Learning to dive is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. That moment you breathe underwater for the first time - unforgettable.
Whether you want to try something new, build confidence, start a new hobby, or work towards becoming a PADI Pro, it all begins with that very first lesson.
Ready to Begin Your Underwater Adventure?
👉 Contact Abyss Scuba School to book your Discover Scuba Diving session or start your PADI Open Water course today.
📍 Littlehampton Marina — West Sussex’s home of warm-water training, year-round diving and unforgettable first breaths underwater.
