PADI Yoga Diver Specialty Course

Unite Body, Breath, and Mind

The objective of the Yoga Diver course is to introduce a fundamental understanding of the Yoga practice, from both a traditional and contemporary point of view, highlighting basic history, theory, components, and benefits of Yoga.

We explore gentle yet powerful physical exercises, breath control practices, meditation techniques, and other foundations of Yoga. Through knowledge development, discussion, land based practice, and open water dive training we then learn how to use these practices to enhance the Scuba Diving experience and, in general, to become more relaxed, focused, happier, healthier people both in and out of the water.

How can Yoga enhance the Scuba Diving experience?

Asanas - Yoga "Postures", Stretches, Exercises

Scuba Diving can be a very physically demanding activity. We need good flexibility and dexterity to perform even the simpliest of tasks both underwater and at the surface. We need good balance as divers, as we are often moving ourselves and our equipment around on uneven surfaces and moving boats. We often have to lift and carry heavy equipment. At times we have to do long surface swims or face challenging environmental conditions like surf, waves, and currents. Sometimes we break a sweat and get out of breath just putting on our wetsuit!

One of the major hazards in diving is overexertion. Overexertion can lead to breathlessness and anxiety, and possibly even panic, which is very dangerous in the water. Overexertion can also lead to cardiac events in pre-disposed individuals, which according to Divers Alert Network (DAN), account for about a third of diving fatalities.

The physical exercises in Yoga help strengthen and limber the body, which reduces the risk of injuries, cramps, over-exertion, and other physical conditions. Being in better shape makes diving less strenuous, and therefore more safe and enjoyable.

Pranayama - Breathing Practices

The breathing techniques practiced in Yoga encourage fuller use of lung capacity and more efficient absorption of oxygen. The slow, controlled breathing facilitates a relaxed body and mind, which helps conserve breathing gas and is key to having an enjoyable dive experience. Learning to regulate lung volume and the length of inhalations and exhalations is vital for controlling buoyancy, which is essential for being a safe, skilled, and environmentally friendly diver.

Meditation - Stillness of the Mind

The concentration techniques practiced in Yoga train the mind to be calm, alert, and absorbed in the present moment. This leads to deeper state of awareness, control, and connection with ourselves and our environment. When we practice Meditation our experiences become more vivid and meaningful. When we dive in this heightened state of awareness, we can improve our composure in stressful situations, as well as expand our sense of wonder, appreciation, and oneness with the underwater world.

Yoga Diver E-Learning

Yoga Diver E-learning course is open to everyone, whether you are already a certified diver, learning to dive, or just dreaming about it!

You can choose to do the E-Learning as a stand-alone learning experience, or you can choose to continue your training in-person with a qualified Yoga Diver Instructor and earn your PADI Yoga Diver Distinctive Specialty Certification Card.

You must be at least 10 years of age and certified Open Water diver (through any training agency) to complete the Yoga Diver certification.

No previous Yoga experience is necessary

E-Learning includes the PADI Yoga Diver Student Manual, instructional videos, and downloadable audio recordings of guided meditation and relaxation. These resources can be enjoyed by both divers and non-divers who are interested in deepening their understanding of the Yoga practice.

Start E-Learning

Be aware that there may be Scuba instructors teaching similar courses and possibly even using a name like "Yoga Diver" but are not necessarily qualified to teach this course. Search here for a qualified Yoga Diver instructor and look for the SoulScuba Yoga Diver turtle logo when pursuing training.

Locate a Yoga Diver Instructor

Are you a Scuba Diving Instructor and a certified Yoga Teacher? Would you like to share your knowledge of Yoga and help others to become happier, healthier, safer, more skilled divers?

Combine your passions and enhance your professional skill set and become a Yoga Diver Instructor.

Teach Yoga Diver

Yoga Diver Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Distinctive Specialty?

A Distinctive Specialty is a course that is written by a PADI Instructor and endorsed by PADI. Just like any other course, you receive a PADI certification card and the course counts towards your continuing education.

What does the Yoga Diver Course involve?

1) Knowledge Development via E-Learning: - Yoga Diver Student Manual, Instructional videos and audio recordings

2) In-person Training (1-2 days): Knowledge development discussion, land-based Yoga/meditation class, 2 open water training dives

Am I eligible?

There are no pre-requisites to do the Yoga Diver E-Learning. However, in order to participate in the in-person training and receive the PADI Yoga Diver Distinctive Specialty certification you must be a minimum 10 years of age and a certified Open Water Diver (any agency)

Do I need to be fit and flexible?

Despite what many images portray, Yoga is not about doing impressive things with your body. If you are fit enough to dive (as confirmed by the PADI Medical questionnaire) then you are fit enough for Yoga Diver. No previous Yoga experience is required.

How much does it cost?

E-Learning is $44.95 U.S. per student. Each student must have their own log-in credentials to complete the E-Learning. In-person training varies depending on location and instructor.

Where can I do the in-person training?

In order to complete the Yoga Diver certification, you will need to link up with a certified Yoga Diver Instructor, such as the course author Amanda Parr who is based in Nevis, West Indies and occasionally travels to the USA and other locations to teach the course. Because teaching Yoga Diver requires very niche skills and experience, there are currently very few instructors who are qualified to teach Yoga Diver. Hopefully this will change very soon in the future and there will be more locations offering this course. Click here for a current list of qualified Yoga DIver instructors. If you are interested in bringing the course to your dive centre contact SoulScuba . If you are interested in becoming a Yoga Diver Instructor click here. Be aware that there may be instructors teaching similar courses, that may even be titled "Yoga Diver", but are not qualified to teach this particular course.

Can I do Yoga Diver without doing the in-person training?

Whether or not you choose to pursue the PADI certification, Yoga Diver E-Learning is a great way to brush up on your Scuba knowledge, learn the foundations of Yoga, and explore the relationship between Yoga and Diving. Once you have completed E-Learning you will receive a Yoga Diver E-Learning certificate of completion from SoulScuba. From there, it is up to your whether you want to continue with your in-person training and receive the PADI Distinctive Specialty certification

How do I get started?

The first step towards the Yoga Diver certification is completing the online E-learning at yogadiver.thinkific.com. Once completed you are ready to pursue your in-person training.

Yoga Diver

The Original Distinctive Specialty

Unite Body, Breath, and Mind

How can Yoga enhance the Scuba Diving experience?

Yoga Diver E-Learning

Yoga Diver Frequently Asked Questions