Marine Ecology Webinar

Wed. July 15th at 6:10 PM

Taught by our own marine biologist Cathy Christopher.

This program provides a general understanding of the complex and exciting science of marine ecology, which is the study of how organisms interact with each other and the environment, the flow of energy through communities, and the link between ocean ecosystems.

This class is for anyone 8 years old and up, even non-certified divers. It can be taken online as a standalone course, in conjunction with a virtual webinar, or in a classroom seminar with an Ocean First marine biologist. 

More Info

Coral ID Webinar

Wed. July 21st at 6:10 PM

Taught by our own marine biologist Cathy Christopher.

Coral reefs are the building blocks of many ocean ecosystems. This program teaches you the skills and concepts required to recognize and identify common families of coral species.

This class is for anyone 8 years old and up, even non-certified divers. It can be taken online as a standalone course, in conjunction with a virtual webinar, or in a classroom seminar with an Ocean First marine biologist. 

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Cocktails & Corals: Training Coastal Communities to Rebuild Reefs

Thurs. July 23rd at 6:30pm

This is a FREE & virtual event hosted via Zoom. 

Krista Shoe has built 5 artificial reefs in Bocas del Toro, Panama in collaboration with Caribbean Coral Restoration. 
International demand convinced Krista to open Mother of Corals, a nonprofit organization, to teach coastal communities how to restore their own reefs and share this knowledge globally.
Corals are animals that live in colonies and have a symbiotic relationship with the algae that feed them. During this social, Krista will explain the problems corals are experiencing, what the causes are, and why we care. She'll also go into detail about artificial reefs, what they are, the economic and sustainability impacts, and why they're a solution. 

Register 

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Blue Mesa Camp & Dive

Fri. Sept. 11th - Sun. Sept. 13th

When:  Friday, September 11th - Sunday, September 13th.
Where: Blue Mesa Outpost, 940 Cove Rd, Gunnison, CO 81230. A 4.5-hour drive to Colorado's largest body of water. 
Cost: $40 per person / $25 for Club Aquarius Members. Includes Saturday night dinner, wine, beer, drinks, games, tanks/weights. 

Accommodations
Cabins:
We have reserved 4 cabins that include full kitchens, bathrooms, and bedding. 
4 person max cabins (1 queen bed, 1 pullout bed) - $140 per night, including taxes and fees. Sleeps 2-3 comfortably
6 person max cabins (1 full bed, 2 twin bunks, 1 pullout) - $165 per night including taxes and fees. Sleeps 3-4 comfortably. 
Tent Camping: 
There are 3 tent sites available at the outpost. $30 per tent site includes taxes & fees. 4 ppl max. per site.
RV Sites:
We have reserved 3 RV sites with hook-ups available at the outpost.  $50 per RV per night includes taxes and fees. 6 ppl max.

Activities
Diving:
For those of you wanting to dive, we will be diving Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. 
Water Temp: 55-65 
Visibility: 10-20 feet (variable) 
Elevation: 8000+ plus
What to see: Underwater slot canyons, trout, crawdads, rock formations, dramatic granite walls. By colorado standards, this is a very good dive, and an excellent chance to get some drysuit/altitude experience in.  
Boat Rentals:
Kayaks, paddle boards, and even pontoons are available for rent. 
https://www.thebluemesa.com/rentals
Hiking: 
Numerous hiking trails nearby. https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
In addition, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just a 45 min drive to the west. 

Email training@oceanfirst.blue to reserve your spot today!

Monday/Tuesday Open Water Class

Earn your open water certification in three weeks. Classes meet on Monday and Tuesdays for three weeks. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Weekend Open Water Class

Earn your open water certification in two weekends. Classes generally meet 2 weekends in a row on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Semi-Private Weekend Open Water Class

Earn your open water certification in two weekends with personalized private instruction for you and your family or friends. Classes generally meet on Friday-Sunday. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Accelerated Open Water Class

Complete your open water certification in one weekend! Ask about eligibility. Classes meet the last Wednesday and Friday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Open Water Practice Sessions

All current open water students are invited to our free open water practice sessions on select Saturday and Sunday afternoons, where students can work on their comfort and skills in the pool before their open water dives. Please call ahead to ensure your space. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Scuba Skills Update

Refresh your scuba knowledge before your next open water dive. This three-hour class will re-introduce you to your dive skills so you can have a safe and worry-free dive trip. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Group Try Scuba Class

Get your feet wet in our exciting introductory two-hour Try Scuba class. Everything is included, just bring your bathing suit! Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Freediving Class

Learn how to safely explore the underwater world on a single breath in our Level 1 Freediving class. Class is generally held on the first three Thursdays of every month. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Freediving Clinics

Our monthly freediving clinics are designed to help freedivers fine-tune their skills and learn new techniques and concepts emerging in the sport.  Certified freedivers only unless otherwise stated. The drop-in cost is $20, or free for Freediving Club Members. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Scuba Rangers

Introduce your child (ages 8-12) to the underwater world with Scuba Rangers! Start with the developmental program and then move into the specialty programs. Learn more.

Aurora Reservoir, Colorado

Complete your certification dives closer to home at Aurora Reservoir, only an hour from Boulder. Summer water temperatures are generally 65-70ºF. Available July through October.

Upcoming Dates TBD

Blue Hole, New Mexico

Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico along old Route 66, the Blue Hole is an 80ft deep natural sinkhole filled with cool, crystal clear springwater. Trips run year-round.

Upcoming Dates:

Homestead Crater, Utah

Complete your dives in the geothermally heated Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah. The toasty 95ºF water makes this a truly unique dive experience. Trips run from the fall through the spring.

Upcoming Dates:

• July 11-12
• Aug. 22-23
• Oct. 2-4
• Nov. 6-8
• Dec. 4-6

Cozumel, Mexico

Complete your open water dives in the warm waters of Cozumel. Fly in on Saturday, have five days of diving, and return on Saturday. Open Water students who choose to complete their Open Water certification dives on this trip can apply the certification fee towards the overall trip cost. Trips run Jan/Feb and Sept/Oct. Visit our Upcoming Adventures page for more information.

Looking for something more exotic?

Ocean First Travel offers a variety of group trips to exciting international dive destinations, and are able to help plan a custom trip for all types of divers.

Enriched Air Nitrox

Nitrox allows for longer bottom time and larger safety margins. One of our most popular con-ed courses, and can be completed without pool time. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

View upcoming dates

Ecology Programs

These programs offer a wealth of knowledge about different aspects of the underwater world, including how to identify fish based on physical appearance and behavior, the life-cycles of sea turtles, the unique reproductive cycle of corals, and how human behaviors impact the marine environment. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

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React Right

Learn the the basics of First Aid, CPR, AED and Oxygen administration in diving emergencies and how to properly evaluate an emergency situation. Required prerequisite for Stress & Rescue. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Stress & Rescue

Learn how to avoid, recognize, and solve problems on the surface and underwater and be prepared for an unexpected emergency. Class runs for three days in a row. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Upcoming Dates:

• Jun. 29, 30, Jul. 1
• Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2 

Science of Diving

This program provides an in-depth and detailed study of physics, physiology, decompression theory, the aquatic environment and diving equipment. It is required training for most SSI Dive Professional programs.

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Underwater Navigation

Learn how to use a compass, natural navigation skills, estimate distances, perform search patterns, and find your way back to the exit point. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

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Wreck Diving

Wreck dives offer a glimpse into the past and a hearty history lesson. Learn how to stay safe while navigating these exciting nautical artifacts. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

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Perfect Buoyancy

Proper buoyancy control is best mastered with proper training. The Perfect Buoyancy course will teach you how to reduce your effort and improve air consumption underwater, while preventing you from accidentally damaging the reef. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

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Deep Diving

This course will give you the knowledge, skills, and experience to safely dive to deeper depths. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

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Night & Limited Visibility

This course will teach you about planning and conducting safe night and limited visibility dives. Class times are subject to change, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

View upcoming dates

Waves, Tides, and Currents

The motion of the ocean can have a big effect on your enjoyment of a dive. This course will teach you how to interact with a variety of water conditions.

Individually scheduled. More Info

Boat Diving

This course covers the knowledge you need to make your first boat diving vacation a true success, and how to prepare for diving from all sizes and types of boats. Individually scheduled.

Drysuit Diving

With a Dry Suit Diving speciality course, never fear cold water again! Learn the basics of dry suit diving in this specialty course, and ensure your comfort and safety underwater. Typically individually scheduled, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Upcoming Classes:

• Apr. 19

Photo and Video

This program teaches you the skills needed to dive with an underwater camera, and provides the in-depth knowledge and experience required to properly use, maintain and store your equipment. Our goal is help you capture your amazing underwater experiences. Individually scheduled. 

Equipment Techniques

Become one with your Total Diving System. In this course, you will learn about equipment selection, care and maintenance of your gear, and proper gear storage. Your equipment will thank you! Individually scheduled. 

Altitude Diving

When diving at altitudes higher than 1000’, your dive table changes. Altitude Diving teaches you how to safely plan dives at high altitudes. Individually scheduled, please contact Ocean First for confirmation.

Upcoming Classes:

• May 16