HFAC Scuba Team

HFAC Youth SCUBA Dive Team

Healthy Footprints Adventure Community is launching the HFAC Youth SCUBA Dive Team! A multi-year ocean leadership pathway for youth and their adults. Together, divers gain globally-recognized SSI scuba certifications, build strong underwater skills, and take action to protect California’s marine ecosystems.

This is more than a certification class... it’s a growing team of youth ocean stewards that will create lifetime friendships and dive buddies.

Ready to Dive In?

Start Here: Scroll down to register for the 2026 HFAC Dive Team at no cost.

Next Cohort!

Orientation via Zoom: August 18th at 6pm

Tuesday Zoom Classes start: August 25th 6pm-7pm

Saturday Pool Sessions begin: August 29th 9am-12pm

What’s Included:

• 7–8 instructional (heated) pool sessions in Montclair

• SSI online learning modules and certification fees

• Invitations to the HFAC Dive Team events (Dive Team is being developed throughout the 2026-2027 school year as people get certified)

• Recurring no-cost shore dives (every other month or more)

• Optional community science dives & boat dives (add-on fees apply)

Personal Gear Package Included:

Each diver receives their own Mares gear package to keep:

Mask • Snorkel • Fins • Booties • Gloves • Hood • Defog • Mouthpiece • Gear Bag

Everything you need! No extra gear purchases required to begin.

Program Cost:

To enroll:

You Must be an active participant in HFAC classes and events as students or volunteers.

No cost 2026 DIVE team registration through HFAC includes priority registration to diving events, discounts, and invitations to special events. Through our partner, you will also have no cost SCUBA gear rental as long as you are a part of the dive team.

We schedule groups of 8 at a time. All must attend an orientation before the start of class.

Certification & Personal Equipment:

Approximately $700 discounted total per diver for personal gear package and certification (Paid to the Scuba Schools of America - required boat dives are a separate cost)

Payment options:

• Cash, Check, or Credit Card

• Synchrony 0% financing for 18 months available through our partner, Scuba School of America

• HFAC online checkout with financing options available

Who Can Join

Youth and their adults (optional)... parent involvement is encouraged! (See age requirements below)

• Minimum age 10 (Junior OW 10‑14; full card 15 +)

• Options available for under 10 years old

• Comfortably swim 200 yds and tread water for 10 min

• Complete medical questionnaire (doctor sign‑off if needed)


• Student or adult must be active in HFAC programs as students or the volunteer team

Ocean Conservation in Action

HFAC team divers protect marine ecosystems through:

• Fish & biodiversity monitoring

• Kelp forest restoration support

• Marine debris removal dives

• Giant Sea Bass counting & reporting

• Community science dive missions

• & more!

Our Vision is to create a team of young divers who:

• stay active in California’s waters on a regular basis

• build lifelong friendships

• develop leadership and scientific skills

• grow into strong advocates for ocean health

• long term vision is to travel to dive sites together for responsible recreation and continued ocean stewardship activities

We’re creating a youth dive community with purpose!

Parents can get certified alongside their child and/or join as Dive Team volunteers.

Some conservation dives involve added costs or more advanced certificates (boat charters, park access, etc.). HFAC is actively pursuing grants to reduce or eliminate these future expenses.

Ready to Dive In?

Start Here: Register for the 2026 HFAC Dive Team at no cost. You will be contacted with our upcoming orientation dates.

At the orientation, the $700 payment will be paid directly to the dive shop.

Once 8+ divers are enrolled, your cohort schedule begins!

Let’s dive into a brighter future for our ocean together.