Advanced cert referral? Or just some diving?

[rasgoo]

I got my PADI open water cert in N. California a few months ago. Brrrr! It's cold out here!

I'll be visiting the Tampa area April 14–17 and thought maybe I could do some warmer diving.

I was thinking of maybe doing the classwork for an advanced cert online or at my local dive shop and then doing the dives in FL. Or if that's not doable or not advisable, just get in some diving while I'm there.

Any advice about which is a better idea? Recommendations on dive centers / instructors / places to go that are nice for beginners?

Thanks all!

 

[DiveBandit]

for Advanced open water you'll only need to do 5 knowledge reviews for the dives you'll be doing, no tests.
My advice would be to buy a book from your local dive shop then hook up with an instructor around here. Find out which 5 dives you'll be doing and have those knowledge reviews done when you get to town.
I recommend doing it that way because if you start the class up there you'll be paying the shop up there and the instructor down here.
Of course I'll also have to put a shameless plug for my shop in here - When you get to town I'm sure we can help you out. Give me a call if you like. I'll be back in the shop Monday afternoon.

Dave.