So, you want to be a PADI instructor, that’s fantastic! Let’s get you started!

All you need to do is sign-up for an IDC (PADI Instructor Development Course) and turn up on the first day, it’s that simple. Yes, you could do that way but better still, don’t wait until the course starts to see check your skill level and knowledge.

PADI Talked to their PADI Course Directors and Staff Instructors about what it takes to pass an IDC with less stress while getting the best results. Below you will see their recommends and best advice, along with knowledge we have gained by running The Waterhoppers IDC’s over several years.

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the PADI instructor manual.

Neil Evans, PADI Course Director said “Definitely be prepared to go through the PADI Instructor Manual. You’ll need to know where certain information is (such as standards and minimum age requirement and ratios for courses).”

As The Waterhoppers we encourage our candidates to do mock study before they start for real. In this way we can give provide extra teaching to any area that needs it before you start The Waterhoppers IDC.

Work on your trim.

Get your weighting down for the pool, freshwater and saltwater. Says Evans, “People are so used to diving one way and they’re not used to, say, diving with no wetsuit. IDC candidates need to know their weighting for every scenario.”

But what if you have never dived in fresh water (including a swimming pool and every pool is different) than speak to the dive centre about arranging access to the location that you will be doing your training before the IDC starts, we have a pre-IDC option for this.

Go through the Diving Knowledge Workbook.

Read over your material (aka Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving). If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask an instructor, contact the IDC centre or Course Director before you start the IDC.

Michelle Pugh MSDT said “Go over it with someone early, as opposed to waiting until class starts,”

On The Waterhoppers IDC we have found that taking time to complete the “old” Divemaster exams, builds on your knowledge and highlights any area which we can work on together before you start day one of your IDC with us.

Nail your buoyancy.

Can you hover well? If not, practice.

Evans said, “You want to be as neutrally buoyant as possible—as opposed to planting down in the sand.”

Before The Waterhoppers IDC starts you have the option to practice everything, not just the glass room stuff. We send time getting in the water with you, so you can master you buoyancy and your skills, before you put them into practice.

Practice demonstration of quality skills.

Kevin Barry, IDC staff instructor said, “There’s an IDC saying: ‘There’s slow, slower and a five.’ People tend to rush through their demonstrations of skills such as mask clearing, and that doesn’t get you a good score.”

Practice makes perfect! Be honest, if you Course Director asks you have you done your skills, don’t just answer yes, even if you have but a few years ago. It’s better for everyone and a lot less stressful for you, knowing that your skills are demonstration quality.

You have the option on The Waterhoppers IDC to practice all this before you put a single toe in the IDC water.

Not sure which skills to practice? The list of 24 basic scuba skills you will need to model are found in the PADI Instructor Manual, or just contact Jill at info@waterhoppers.com for any information you need.

Know dive theory.

Will Welbourn, Course Director said, “Find practice questions and sample exams online and have a go at them,” the Dive Theory online can be arranged through Jill (via email at info@waterhoppers.com) as an online purchase to hone your dive theory.

Spend time assisting instructors.

Pugh said, “Any instructor would love the help of an insured divemaster. Time with an instructor buys you hands-on learning, including gaining tricks for handling a lot of situations that can happen with beginner divers. Instructors can tell you what the most common things are that can happen with any skill, and what you need to do to handle those situations.”

As The Waterhoppers we get to see all the potential problems that may occur with 1^st time divers, due to our popular 1^st time divers’ program. This mean Divemaster’s get to see these daily, meaning that when completing the IDC, nothing comes as a surprise.

Knowing you have the skill and knowledge to make a confident and relaxed instructor in the future.

Choose a good instructor to shadow.

Pugh also said, “Take your time in finding an instructor to learn from.” Not all are created equal, and you want to be sure you’re gaining experience from someone who packs the skills, as well as patience.

Again, you have the option to spend time with our Instructors before the IDC starts. Where you will be assisted by and learn from others, that have done it already. We have an establish Instructor team, many with 10+ years teaching experience as well become Elite Instructors, year on year.

We do hope this helps you feel more confident about completing your IDC and becoming a PADI Instructor!!!!

If you have any questions about the becoming a PADI Instructor (or even a Divemaster) or want know when the next Waterhoppers IDC starts and what option you have, please don’t hesitate to contact Jill at info@waterhoppers.com.

All the best for starting your Instructor Journey.

This blog was inspired by https://blog.padi.com/8-tips-for-rocking-the-padi-instructor-development-course-idc/