Swim tests for certification

[Cichlid]

Are they done with fins on or no?

[Vercingetorix]

No fins

[przeor]

I think PADI gives you the choice of a 200m swim or 300m snorkel which I thought was with mask/snorkel/fins, but perhaps I am mistaken?

[DDGator]

SSI swim test was no gear -- no fins, no wet suit -- for both swim test and treading water test.

[ertechsg]

no fins, no time limit

[jacewindu]

mine was weird - they made us swim around the deep end of the pool instead of doing laps which would have been much faster & easier
(i'm a former swimmer)
but nevertheless it was fun doing it sort of like a "track"

[cummings66]

Yeah,that's odd. How could they tell how much distance you've done?
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>At any rate, most agencies have a fin/wetsuit option if you need it. I don't think it's right to take that route.</DIV>

[Cichlid]

I think that there shouldn't be an option either. I was just thinking with fins on, the test would be waaay too easy.

[tc_rain]

As of 2 years ago,PADI did allow you to do a 300m snorkel with mask and fins or a 200m swim. Most instructors pushed for the 200m though.

[Moxie]

I think that having a basic level of swimming ability is really one of the fundamentals of diving. You have to be able to stand up before you can run right?