Frequently asked questions
SCUBA Diving
How do I become a certified SCUBA diver?
The TerraFins can get you SCUBA certified for free! First, join our website by clicking the 'How To Join' tab in the menu above. After you join, you can begin your certificaiton process.
What SCUBA gear do I need?
SCUBA gera is very important, after all, it's life support equipment! However, don't let expensive SCUBA equiptment stop you from enjoying the sport! The TerraFins will fund your all equipment rentals, instruction, and dive park admission fees.
Is SCUBA diving expensive?
SCUBA diving is and expensive sport. Things can really add up after accounting for training, gear, and travel. However, at your time with the Univeristy, the TerraFins will cover all the equiptment and training costs when you dive with us! Our trips are also subsidized to make it affordable for all to attend. Make the most of your time here at Maryland and start diving!
Is SCUBA diving dangerous?
SCUBA diving has a very good track record mainly due to extensive training and safety measures put in place before, during, and after dives. As with any sport, SCUBA diving has inherent dangers. Because safety is our top priority, we place utmost importance on training and safety precautions!
What are the requirements to SCUBA dive?
We require students to be able to swim 200 meters and tread water for 10 minutes. You must also answer no to all questions on the waiver questionare. If you answer yes, you must be cleared by a physician before diving.
Can I dive if I wear glasses?
The best option is to wear soft contacts. Perscription lenses for masks are also an option, however, the club doesn't have any avalible. If your perscription isn't too bad, you could also dive without any corrective lens (as long as you can see reasonably well).
Do I need to be able to swim to be SCUBA certified?
Yes, there is a 100 yard swim and float in the water for 10 minutes without any assitance.
Freediving
How is freediving different from snorkeling or skin diving?
Snorkeling is the casual act of putting on a mask and snorkel and looking below while floating. Snorkelers may not have any training and generally spend most of the time on the surface. Skin diving takes snorkeling a step further by adding short dives underwater. Skin divers may have training that teaches skills, such as efficient dives and snorkel-clearing.
General Questions
Who do the TerraFins work with?
The TerraFins partners with Atlantic Edge SCUBA who work closely with us to provide the best instructors, gear, and trips! They are the largest SCUBA diving training center in the region and are some of the best people you can meet!
Where do the TerraFins get their funding from?
The TerraFins get much of their funding from the Univeristy of Maryland SGA which provides student organizations with funds to run amazing programs such as this! In addition, we run our own fundraising programs and sell merchandise to fund our trips. If you're interested in support us, consider buying some of our merch, donating to the club, or hooking us up with a partner!
What is the mission of the TerraFins?
Terrafins is a Sports Club open to all members of the University of Maryland, established for the purpose of developing leadership and SCUBA diving skills as well as awareness of marine issues through active promotion of SCUBA diving for recreational, athletic, and scientific purposes to encourage students to participate in community projects established to tackle them. Whether you're just beginning, or a Master SCUBA diver, we have plenty to offer. As a member of the Terrafins you will have access to certification course information, as well as opportunities to dive locally and out of state. Terrafins not only offers information on classes, opportunities for diving, and trips, but provides members access to a close-knit community of fellow divers. If you are interested in the sport, or are pursuing a career in the field of science and looking for a way to boost your resume, or, if you just want to have fun, the Terrafins SCUBA Club is the place for you!
What are the requirements to be a member?
You must be a UMD affiliate (student, staff/faculty, or alumni) to join our club!