Therapeutic Scuba Diving
for the mind, body & soul
experience freedom, weightlessness & peace
for the mind, body & soul
experience freedom, weightlessness & peace
Under the Surface was created by a Veteran military nurse and a paramedic that know first hand the struggles of dealing with PTSD and chronic injuries. We are living through the rehabilitation process and understand the stress getting healthy can have on the family.
Therapeutic scuba diving offers an environment of comradery while creating social connections with others who understand the difficulties of everyday life when suffering from mental and physical injuries.
Underwater, we are all equal. Scuba diving is like entering another world, when you slip under the water's surface everything changes. Slow breathing promotes a state of calm, a weightless environment alleviates pressure and pain, atmospheric pressure while at depth creates a natural release of feel good endorphins.
Most of all, scuba diving provides an opportunity to explore new possibilities and builds a sense of identity that can lead to personal growth and a healthy lifestyle.
A 2 hour introduction to scuba diving in a pool. This is intended for those who are new to scuba diving and introduces them to basic diving skills including a theory lesson and confined water skills practice in a pool. TSE will be offered on a monthly basis. After the completion of the TSE, you can choose to participate in any regularly scheduled Therapeutic Scuba Session (TSS).
Therapeutic Scuba Sessions (TSS) include 1-2 hours of rehabilitative exercises, scuba skills and drills as well as team building activities to develop confidence, achievement, and self esteem focusing on ability not disability. These sessions will be offered weekly or biweekly depending on the number of participants, in a pool or in open water when the season allows.
Once a month, UTS will offer members to participate in Flotilla SIT Sessions via Zoom and/or in person when allowed. These SIT sessions will offer an opportunity for peer support via check ins and will include occasional guest speakers to discuss coping strategies, health and wellness, or share inspiring stories while creating a network of resources centered around Veteran and family well-being.
To register for a Therapeutic Scuba Experience or Therapeutic Scuba Sessions.
Want to become a certified scuba diver? We offer PADI and Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) courses!
Listen, share and learn more about Whole Health and scuba diving.
UTS is the ONLY organization offering Therapeutic Scuba Sessions! We have the medical knowledge to easily adapt and accommodate for those with PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain and much more. Being a first responder family transitioned out of the military, we understand the difficulties of every day life when suffering from mental and physical injuries sustained in the line of duty.
No! While being comfortable in the water is an asset there's no need to be concerned with swimming ability for the Therapeutic Scuba Sessions. If you are interested in Open Water Scuba Diving Certification, there are basic swimming skills that are required.
The cost for sessions are dependent on a few factors such as amount of time required in the pool, how many sessions you are signed up for and how many people are in a group. We offer private, semi-private and group sessions.
Learn skills at your own pace! You can be assessed on your scuba skills and drills during the Therapeutic Scuba Sessions by an Instructor. Once mastered, these skills can contribute to an Open Water Scuba Diving Certification.
All participants need to fill out a medical questionnaire and possibly have it signed by their doctor. Note that being eligible for pool vs open water diving may differ with your injury and medications, so discuss both with your medical provider.
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring along family, friends and other peer support to participate in sessions with you whether or not they can scuba dive. Must be at least 8 years old for pool sessions. Therapeutic Scuba Sessions are for the entire family!
Click below to our GoFundMe page! Fundraising initiatives will go directly towards purchasing equipment and support Therapeutic Scuba Experiences for new members!