Below the Surface
Learn to Dive Today!
Why choose Below the Surface? F.A.Q
Are we the cheapest you can find ? We hope not, but we believe we offer the best value for quality training. Why?No hidden costs, some of the cheaper courses require you to purchase kit or pay for the open water days as an additional cost. We don't like this, all costs are transparent, our courses include course theory (at trade prices), course certification, all required pool sessions, open water dive days (not including site entry, as the cost depends on your entry preference) We also give a free SSI snorkel course with all SSI open water courses as we feel this is a much nicer way to teach you the required snorkel skills for you course. Note on the dive site you may be asked to fill a cylinder as part of your training or if you need extra fills.
All kit is provided for entry level or specialist training such as side mount diving. If you haven't yet bought kit and you are looking at other specialty courses, this can be arranged for you, just talk to us.
This is where we believe we are different to most schools, we teach the student not the course, the open water/ocean diver course is broken down depending on the agency you choose to 4 or 5 sessions. However we will not move you on if we don't feel you are ready, we want you to succeed and pushing you to the next stage will not achieve that, but it will knock your confidence, so if you need a little more time you will get it, at no extra charge. This method produces confident, skilled divers not just people who tick the boxes. You do your courses once so make sure you are getting the best, we believe we can supply you that course with our amazing team.
This is one of the things we are most proud of, we only teach in small groups , for any pool sessions the maximum group you will be part of is four. This allows plenty of quality time with your instructor. On dive days Open water students will be one to one with either your instructor or one of our other professional staff, alongside your instructor. This takes all the stress out of those first open water dives, allowing you to enjoy the days diving and complete your course. On specialty courses numbers still limited to four to one instructor, with staff ratios generally being 2 to 1.
We love this question as hopefully you want to do more. Open Water/Ocean Diver is just the start of your underwater adventure. You can join our club, which runs on a Thursday and Friday evening 19.30-21.00 , this is a not for profit club cost is £20 per month for a single night or £30 for either or both nights so you can choose. Pool kit is supplied FOC by us for six months, with the exception of mask, fins & snorkel, cylinder fees are £4 cash per session if you need one. We have a club group WhatsApp so you can chat with other members of the club and arrange diving & a public Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/belowthesurfacediveschool where trips are advertised and a monthly news letter letting you know what's been happening and what's coming up. Of course we also always have courses, so you can increase your skills.
Of course, some courses require face to face theory sessions as standard and these are included in your course costs, but for anyone who needs a little extra support or finds reading though all that theory hard going we are here and ready to help. You just need to ask us. This is still provided free of charge.
We certainly do, we have a few items on the website but our dive centre in Hebden Bridge is probably the best stocked in the area. Our service engineers can take care of your kit too. Cylinder testing and filling is also available & your cylinders can be filled whilst you wait up to 300 bar. Club members get reduced fees on cylinder fills. Use the link below to find us
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xvepVrL1HSAsZ4Fc7
Below the Surface
26 Albert Street
Hebden BrIdge
HX78PS
Call: 07967733764 or 07800871700
Email: info@belowthesurface.co.uk or use the contact system on here.
SHOP COURSES & KIT, dive & swim kit shop is a tiny selection of what's in store.
SSI course information:
SSI START YOUR ADVENTURE
SSI TRY SCUBA, SSI SCUBA DIVER, SSI OPEN WATER DIVER Use the QR code to start the process , then download the amazing SSI app to complete, then give us a call or message to start your journey. Always check the medical form on the home page before purchasing the course, if you have to answer yes contact us first on 07800871700.
Learn More
SSI SPECIALITY COURSES
SSI Specialty training is the first step towards becoming a safer and more competent diver. Your pathway starts right after, or even combining Specialty programs like Perfect Buoyancy, Enriched Air Nitrox and/or Dry Suit during your Open Water Diver course & can be continued with many other courses to advance your learning and extend your diving opportunities, course like:- SSI NIGHT & LIMITED VISIBILITY DIVING, SSI WRECK DIVING, SSI PHOTO & VIDEO DIVNG, SSI DEEP DIVING, SSI NAVIGATION, SSI BOAT DIVING, SSI SEARCH & RECOVERY, SSI EQUIPMENT TECHNIQUES, SSI WAVES,TIDES & CURRENTS SPECIALIST, SSI SCIENCE OF DIVING, SSI SEARCH & RECOVERY
Learn More
SSI CONTINUED TRAINING
SSI ADVANCED ADVENTURER PROGRAM, SSI SCUBA SKILLS UPDATE, SSI DIVER STRESS & RESCUE, SSI DIVE GUIDE, SSI DIVE MASTER, SSI ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, SSI OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR.
Learn More
SSI CHILDRENS SPECIALS
SSI EXPLORERS The SSI Explorers program allows children starting at age six to go underwater and sample the different ways they can explore the aquatic world around them. They will gain a solid foundation in ocean conservation and have the opportunity to experience four main aquatic adventures: snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving, and swimming like a real mermaid. SSI Explorers can also expand their diving knowledge as they continue their underwater experience with specialty courses like marine mammal ecology, underwater photography, and up to 20 others. This is a modular course the price includes theory for as many of the modules your child wishes to do, the initial cost covers that theory and the modules for snorkel explorer & scuba explorer, five practical sessions. Once your child is aged 10 they can join most of the standard, dive courses.
Learn More
SSI MARINE CONSERVATION
We want everyone to be aware of the environmental problems, our oceans are suffering considerably. You can start by downloading the SSI app, using the QR code above, download the SSI app & get your free blue oceans conservation course. The SSI Blue Oceans movement supports the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic environments, including oceans, seas, coasts, and waterways and their magnificent diversity of plant and animal species. We offer courses in Shark Ecology, Marine Ecology, Coral Identification, Sea Turtle Ecology, Marine mammal Ecology & Manta & Ray Ecology. these can be done by anyone with an interest in marine conservation , there is no requirement to be a diver which is fantastic & they can be done entirely online with an option to to add a theory session or practical session if required.
Learn More
First Aid, SSI REACT RIGHT
React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. This is is an amazing course, your theory & practical sessions cover primary & secondary first aid, defibrillator training and even oxygen administration, which for most is an additional cost. Please see other first aid section if you require HSE approved first aid at work etc
Learn MorePADI COURSE INFO:
PADI START YOUR ADVENTURE
PADI DISCOVER SCUBA, PADI DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING, PADI SCUBA DIVER, PADI OPEN WATER DIVER
Learn More
PADI SPECIALITY COURSES
PADI WRECK DIVER, PADI UNDERWATER DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER, PADI DEEP DIVER, PADI UNDERWATER NAVIGATOR, PADI BOAT DIVER, PADI PEAK PERFORMANCE BOYANCY, PADI SEARCH & RECOVERY, PADI ENRICHED AIR, PADI EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST, PADI NIGHT DIVER, PADI ALTITUDE DIVER, PADI PROJECT AWARE, PADI PROJECT AWARE FISH ID, PADI PROJECT AWARE DIVE AGAINST DEBRIS, PADI PROJECT AWARE CORAL CONSERVATION, PADI OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION, PADI DRIFT DIVER, PADI DRY SUIT DIVER
Learn More
PADI CONTINUED TRAINING
PADI ADVENTURE DIVER, PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER, PADI RESCUE DIVER, PADI MASTER SCUBA DIVER, PADI DIVEMASTER, PADI DIVEMASTER DISCOVER SCUBA LEADER, PADI ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, PADI INSTRUCTOR,
Learn More
PADI SCUBA FOR KIDS
PADI BUBBLE MAKER, PADI DISCOVER SCUBA, PADI SEAL TEAM, PADI MASTER SEAL TEAM, PADI JUNIOR SCUBA DIVER, PADI JUNIOR OPEN WATER DIVER, PADI JUNIOR ADVENTURE DIVER, PADI JUNIOR ADVANCED OPEN WATER, PADI JUNIOR RESCUE DIVER, PADI JUNIOR MASTER SCUBA DIVER, PADI JUNIOR DIVEMASTER. See speciality course information for details on age requirements for children for the specialities.
Learn More
PROJECT AWARE CONSERVATION COURSES
THESE COURSES ARE FOR ALL WITH AN INTEREST IN CONSERVATION & MANY ARE OPEN TO DIVERS & NON DIVERS ALIKE.
Learn More
First Aid
We offer all HSE approved courses, tailored to meet the needs of your business, club, school or individual.
Learn MoreBSAC COURSE INFO:
BSAC CONTINUED TRAINING
BSAC OCEAN DIVER, BSAC ADVANCED OCEAN DIVER, BSAC SPORTS DIVER, BSAC DIVE LEADER.
Learn MoreRAID COURSE INFO:
Services & confirmed course dates
REG & KIT SERVICING
All kit serviced with our in house service engineer or with our chosen external engineers if required. Please call 07967733764 to book your kit in.
Photo Gallery
Team
BELOW THE SURFACE
About Us
Below The Surface is one of the oldest dive schools in Yorkshire, we started in 1991 to provide quality diving education we made the decision to provide a more personal feel to learning to dive by only taking small groups rather than the large impersonal groups students can find themselves in. We are now very proud to be a PADI Dive Centre & PADI Youth Training Centre an SSI Dive Centre, BSAC Training Centre & Raid Centre.,
Read MoreBILL PAINTER
PADI Master Instructor, SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer, BSAC Assistant Advanced instructor & Owner
Bill has been diving for over 50 years , since the age of 14. He was a military diver until he left in 1986 and has been teaching recreational diving ever since. He is a PADI master instructor but also BSAC, SSI & SAA. He started Below The Surface dive school in 1991. He has enjoyed diving all over the world and has taught professionally all over the world.
Read MoreSAL PAINTER
SSI Master Instructor, PADI Staff Instructor, BSAC Dive Leader & Owner
I joined Below The Surface in 2009 on a Discover Scuba & have been here ever since. Now no longer a student, although always learning! I am now a SSI Master Instructor , PADI Staff Instructor & EFR first aid Instructor & a BSAC Dive Leader as well as looking after the accounts, advertising, admin, running the dive trips & helping Bill in the dive centre, when I can.
Read MoreIAN BARNES
BSAC Instructor , PADI Assistant Instructor & SSI Instructor.
Ian is an key member of the team, having also come through with us from an initial Discover Scuba session & without his help we would struggle, he is loved by the students he supported as a divemaster & discover scuba divers love his sessions. He is an accomplished diver with fantastic skills & an invaluable member of our team.
Read MoreBRIAN KERR
PADI Divemaster
2022 saw Brian has complete his PADI Divemaster course but Brian has been Bills right hand man for many years joining below the surface in 1996 and working up the qualifications whilst all the time being there whenever we need help. He likes nothing better than to dive in the Scottish waters and St Abbs is a particular favourite. Always up for a dive trip, Brian is an invaluable member of the team always providing help and support in so many ways.
Read MoreSTUART HYDE
SSI Assistant Instructor SSI Snorkel Instructor
Stuart has been changed as a result of doing firstly the SSI dive guide course & then topping up with his science of diving to achieve his SSI Divemaster qualification & in June this year has achieved his SSI Assistant Instructor certification. He may not know it but we saw a different diver as a result, one we now feel is a valuable member of the team, who will always look after the more nervous of the qualified divers, offering them his support & therefore allowing them to grow in confidence. it's been great to see. He now operates many of our snorkel courses which all our divers get as part of the SSI open water course, which he does with the same care & confidence & we appreciate his help greatly. Stuart says of diving .... Stuart met Bill over 20 years ago and passed his Open water with Below the Surface. Having stopped diving a few years later Stuart reignited his interest 3 years ago and has now achieved SSI Dive Guide and Divemaster status "Diving is a team sport but allows personal enjoyment in the most beautiful waters of the world. As a team player I wanted to improve my own abilities and help with dives keeping everyone safe. BTS has facilitate that in bucket loads. It is a real honour to be part of Sally and Bills extended team."
CRAIG MILES
SSI Assistant Instructor SSI Snorkel Instructor
Craig is a valuable member of our team both as a dive master and snorkel instructor he has great in water skills and a lovely manor with the students. This is what Craig has to say of diving, My diving journey began in 2019 while on holiday, and I quickly fell in love with the underwater world. Wanting to keep my skills fresh and continue exploring, I joined Below The Surface shortly after returning home. What started as a holiday activity has since turned into an incredible adventure. I've had the privilege of learning from exceptional instructors—Bill, Sally, and Ian—who have mentored me every step of the way. Their encouragement and guidance have helped me grow both in confidence and ability, constantly pushing me to try new skills and progress further in my diving journey. Now, as a Dive Master and Snorkel Instructor, I’m proud to share that same passion with others. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing the joy and sense of achievement on a new diver’s face when they master a skill or complete a course. It’s truly priceless. Diving has given me more than just a hobby it’s given me a community, a purpose, and a chance to inspire others.
CHRIS RICH
PADI Rescue Diver & Standby Diver
Chris was dragged along by Thomas when he wanted to dive but has become a great diver with the skills to become a divemaster but is happy to help us as a Rescue diver & standby diver & always offers help with those who as new divers need a little support when taking those first steps on their own after qualifying. We appreciate his support greatly & is a valued member of the team.
Contact
- Below the Surface Albert Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 8AH, UK
- Please call Sal on 07800871700 if you cant get hold of Bill , he may be diving....
- +44-7967733764
- +44-07800871700
- info@belowthesurface.co.uk
- Thursday & Friday 10.30-5 Saturday 10.30-4 Please note we are primarily a dive school so on occasions we may all be required for teaching or we have a trip the centre may be closed. So please do call if you need to confirm we are open. We are happy to take your calls anytime.
The dive centre in Hebden is small but a tardis in terms of stock available, with on street parking & a car park to the rear why not pop in. Unlike the internet kit is available to try on, knowledgeable staff to help you & instructors on site to talk courses & point you in the right direction.
booking system
An amazing way to discover the joy of scuba or if your not ready for scuba to improve your snorkeling skills. All equipment is provided, an hours scuba diving or snorkeling in the pool with an instructor a certificate of achievement & photos of your experience to download from our site if you choose. Its a perfect gift or to ensure scuba is for you before you commit to a full course. min age 8 sessions are held at Todmorden pool on a Thursday or Friday evening, after booking please contact us to confirm scuba or snorkeling so we have the correct staff and kit available for you and can sort kit sizes prior to your session.Read More
- Category: Business
- Service Length: 01:30 Hours
- Address: Ewood Lane, Todmorden, UK (Map)
- More Info: OL147DF
- Price:£35.00
Below the Surface Dive club
Join today only £20 per person per month.
Below the surface has an amazing dive club, welcoming divers of all agencies, we run out of Todmorden sports centre 7.30-9pm on a Thursday & Friday evening. We get together students & qualified alike with dive masters & instructors on hand to help refresh any skills divers may want to practice . It usually ends in a beer at the local in Hebden Bridge where we talk about the next trip & peoples wants & wishes for the coming seasons diving. The club is only £20 pp per month for a membership of a single night, choosing the Thursday or the Friday , or £30 for dual membership where you can come to either or both nights, kit can be provided FOC for new divers. Tanks & kit if required need to be ordered a tank fee of £4 applies. Call or message for details & joining form. For those of you seeing this from the Skipton Divers site, Skipton Divers formally Skipton Buddy Divers was originally set up in 1993 as a club by Bill Painter & Below the Surface to keep our divers diving, although Skipton Divers no longer exists here at Below the Surface we still have a strong club of over 40 members & more are always welcome.
