Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about Scubatics:
1. Is it difficult? No. Running the scooter is simple. There are some things to learn, but scootering, both right-side up and up-side down, is easy and fun.
2. What does it feel like? Scubatics is one of the most freeing things you can do in the water. Like a fish, an airshow pilot, and a race car driver all rolled into one.
3. Is it dangerous? No. Generally, your maximum depth will only be nine feet, and you’ll be in a pool or other confined water surrounded by safety divers and other Scubatic competitors. If you are free diving, all you do is come to the surface to get a breath. If you are on Scuba, all the things you know about breathing compressed air apply.
4. Do I need specialized gear? No. A snorkel and a scooter are all that’s needed for the free dive division, and any Scuba equipment will work in the Scuba category.
5. If I want specialized gear, can I get it? Yes. You can purchase a Scubatic harness that is designed to hold a Scuba cylinder as small as six cubic feet or as large as an aluminum 80. As there is no buoyancy compensating system in the harness, in order to use it in competition you will need a Zero Buoyancy Diver certification card.
6. Do I need to wear a wetsuit? Like any other situation, that depends on the water temperature and how cold you get. You can purchase a Scubatics wet suit that is designed to be integrated with the Scubatics harness.
7. Do I need protective gear? No. Just a wet suit if the water’s cold.
8. Do I need to be certified? In order to compete at a sanctioned event, you’ll need to have a Scuba certification card or, if you’re free diving, you’ll need a Skin Diving certification card. You will also need a Diver Propulsion Vehicle speciality card.
9. Is there a minimum age to compete? No. As long as you are certified as a diver you can compete. A junior certification is acceptable, so bring on the kids.
10. Do I need insurance? Yes. You must have dive medical insurance from a company like DAN, the Divers Alert Network.
11. . Can I use a rebreather? No. Sanctioned Scubatic events require all Scuba divers to use a single tank Scuba system.
12. How much is the prize money? That varies from contest to contest, check the website for each event.
13. How do I get started? Contact the International Scubatic Federation at 206-434-1300 or info@scubatics.org and we will put you in touch with a Scubatic instructor in your area.
14. What does it all cost? An annual membership in the International Scubatics Federation is $29 as a general member, $79 as a competition member. There are fees for the training camps and entrance fees for the contests. On the other hand, there is also prize money for the winners.
15. Where are the contests going to take place? This year contests are scheduled in Los Angeles, Ohio, Florida, and Vancouver.
16. Are there clubs? And are they all linked? If you can play in one place, you can play anywhere? Check with you local dive shop. The ISF certifies local chapters, and once you’re in a chapter you can compete anywhere. You can also compete without being in a local chapter.
17. Is there a national event? There is one national event each year. For 2008 it will be in Vancouver, co-located with the regional contest.
