The Surface Interval
Stories, tips and updates from the Tom’s Dive & Swim team.
From the team at 5909 Burnet Rd
What to Expect at Your Child's First Swim Lesson
First swim lesson jitters? Here's exactly what happens at your child's first swim class in Austin — from check-in to what instructors actually do in the water.
Read the postHow Much Does Scuba Certification Cost in Austin, TX?
A clear breakdown of what scuba certification costs in Austin — Open Water pricing, what's included, group vs. private, and how SSI compares to PADI.
Read the postHow to Help Kids Overcome Fear of the Water
Practical, gentle strategies to help a fearful child get comfortable in water — what to try at home, what to avoid, and when lessons make the difference.
Read the postHow Much Do Swim Lessons Cost in Austin, TX?
A clear, no-guesswork breakdown of what swim lessons cost in Austin — group, private, and semi-private pricing, plus what actually drives the price.
Read the postWhat Makes an Organized Dive Trip Different
For many divers, the excitement of scuba diving extends far beyond the local lake or weekend day trip.
Read the postThe Long Hose Regulator Setup, Explained
A simple equipment upgrade that can improve both your buddy's safety and your comfort: the long hose.
Read the postNew Wetsuits, BCDs and Goggles in the Shop
We've got some exciting new goodies in the shop, and we couldn't wait to share them with you!
Read the postWhy Showing Up Is the Best Part of Diving
From a week diving in Bonaire to Boats, Bubbles & Burgers on Lake Travis, the lesson is the same: you don't have to go far to have an adventure.
Read the postThe Optimize Pathway: Take Control of Your Time Underwater
Last month we highlighted our second training pathway, Explore & Enrich.
Read the postDiving Mammoth Lake with Tom’s Dive Club
Some dive sites are destinations. Others are classrooms. Mammoth Lake is both.
Read the postDiving Mansfield Dam Park on Lake Travis
Mansfield Dam Park is Austin's most popular Lake Travis dive site: shore entry, sunken boats, dam relics, and where Tom’s runs boat diving events.
Read the postSpecialty Training: Control & Comfort
One of the most common questions I hear is, “What specialty should I take next?” With more than 30 SSI specialties available, it's a fair question.
Read the postWhere Are We Diving Next?
School is out, the days are getting longer, and divers are starting to think about their next adventure.
Read the postWhat's New at Tom’s Dive & Swim This Summer
Summer diving season is here, and that means many of us are thinking about our next trip, our next class, and maybe even our next gear upgrade.
Read the postShould I Try a Rebreather?
The short answer is, of course, yes. A rebreather offers a more immersive, almost zen-like experience underwater compared to traditional open circuit scuba.
Read the postGet In The Water
A couple of months ago, we used a very simple phrase for our summer newsletter: Get In The Water.
Read the postWhat a Tom’s Dive Team Event Looks Like
If you want more from diving than simply finding a date on the calendar, this is where that starts.
Read the postDiving Kaua'i: A Small Island and a Smaller World
During the writing of this newsletter article, I've been spending time in Kaua'i, Hawaii.
Read the postXR Training — Refining How You Dive
When most divers think about technical diving, they picture additional tanks, complex gear, and advanced environments.
Read the postWhy We Dive — Getting Back in the Water
Recently, I learned that the diving world lost one of its pioneers in scuba travel, Wayne Brown, founder of Aggressor Adventures.
Read the postWhy Participate in Specialty Training?
There comes a moment in every diver's journey when you realize you're ready for more.
Read the postGear for the Season Ahead: Small Upgrades. Big Difference.
As the season picks up, it's worth taking a look at your setup. Small upgrades can make a dive more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.
Read the postTravel — Diving in the Right Places, the Right Way
Dive travel changes how you experience the sport: warmer water, more time underwater, multiple dives a day. It's not where you go, it's how you go.
Read the postClub & Community — Why Dive Together
Diving is better when you don't have to figure it out alone. The Austin Aquanauts are built around one idea: dive more, dive with purpose, together.
Read the postReady to get in the water?
Try Scuba for $99, or book a free swim assessment.