New diver wanting to get open water certified

[jasong714]

Check out Scuba World in Orange. Bert was my instructor and made the class enjoyable and made sure we learned the skills properly.

Call the shop (Andrea is the owner) 714-998-6382

Prices are reasonable and you will do your checkout dives at Casino Point on Catalina Island which is awesome!

 

[Spg01]

I was in your position a few months ago, I checked about 6 or 7 local shops with price ranges from $200 to $1200. I just took a class through Sea Ventures in Fullerton (714-871-2218) and got certified last month. They use the college pool which is about 2 blocks away. I work in Irvine but live in Anaheim, so it was a little closer to home. The classes were for a month with Monday Class, Tuesday pool and Saturday the beach.

Just take the time to talk with each shop and instructor to see who you like best. Then see what classes fit your schedule. At first I thought I wanted a quick 1 week class, but then realized a longer class just gives you more time to learn and practice everything. I could keep going on and on but will stop.

So give Jim a call and see what happens

Bryan

 

[runway1]

JMDiver and dwaters gave you the best advice. Liburdi's, Sports Chalet...good/bad? They're just companies taking a cut for there facility usage, coordination, equip rentals, etc.

Some Sports Chalet certs may be awesome. Some will totally suck! What they said:

1. Try to find a local dive club & talk to the members about instructors & dive shops.
2. Rule number 1 is interview him/her directly before dropping $$ to anyone

 

[CD162697]

Try Dive N' Surf in Redondo Beach. They are a PADI Instructor Development Center with a pool onsite that is heated to 92 degrees. A bit of a drive from Irvine but they are the oldest dive operation in Southern California and they also own Body Glove.

 

[SharkMonkey]

Hey Scuba_Steve
You & a friend are always welcome to come to one of our monthly club meetings. Our next meeting is this October 15 at the Newport Beach Tennis Club at 7:00PM. Checkout our Newsletter at LagunaSeaDwellers.com
Its a great way to meet other divers and socialize!!


Visit the Laguna Sea Dwellers on the Web