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I don't think "weeklong" is convenient for most people, or at least most Americans who get little time off from work. Weekends are the unit of choice for working people, and a "long weekend" is about the limit of what the basic classes should entail if convenience to working people is one of PADI's goals. I did my OW course over a span of six weekends.
I took AOW on Utila. That reminds me of something. Utila being such a dive training machine can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the instructors there get a lot of experience, as there is a constant supply of students coming through. On the other hand, if you are one of those students, you need to be prepared for being in the midst of a lot of other students. It's a busy place. I recall the night dive I did--my very first night dive ever--as part of the AOW course. There were something like 20 people in the water at the site with their various instructors, and visibility wasn't great. Students were getting separated from their groups. It just wasn't pleasant at all. There is something to be said for somewhat more personal instruction in a place that sees fewer students. I think Utila is great, and it can be a great place to take some dive training, but a student needs to be prepared to be part of the herd.
Just to hi-jack a thread here - i'm planning on getting my AOW in Utila this November. I was hoping to fly into Roatan, spend a night, then ferry over to Utila, get AOW, fun dives, back to Roatan, etc.
I was hoping to use Underwater vision on Utila, and perhaps Splash-Inn on Roatan. In November, it seems to be "off-season" - i'm hoping it won't be that crowded in Utila. Anyone have any experience with this time of year - ie how busy it is?
Thanks