I just got back from my Basic Cave class with Ralph DiPanfilo. It was a great, albeit, humbling experience.
When I decided to pursue cave training I had several criteria for the instructor. I wanted to select an instructor that was passionate about cave diving, was an ACTIVE cave diver, and someone that had the integrity to fail me if my skills were not what they should be. Moreover, I wanted someone who was sensitive to what Id be leaving behind if I was less then able or screwed up. With these criteria in mind, I searched the net and spoke to a lot of local cave divers and selected Ralph DiPanfilo.
Soon after meeting Ralph, I realized he met all my criteria. All the positive things I heard about Ralph from past students and other cave divers was true. Ralph is a VERY good instructor. Id certainly place him on the short list of the best instructors Ive ever had. He is honest, open and candid in his assessments and provided me with a lot of great feedback. He made sure that I have a clear idea of what I need to work on to develop both as a general diver and successfully grow as a cave diver. Most importantly, he also provided me with all the tools I need to do so safely. I am very satisfied with the training and grateful to Ralph.
I certainly feel choosing Ralph as my instructor was the right decision and would recommend him to anyone. I am equally certain that as I mature as a cave diver and am ready to pursue the apprentice level that I will call on him again. Id recommend Ralph to anyone interested in cave training.
That being said, damn you Ralph for being so inspiring. I hope your short hairs get stuck in your catheter! Im already looking at how much OT and Comp time I can work to afford/have the available time to come back and cave dive again. The diving was challenging-to say the least, the scenery breathtaking, and the community of cave divers Ralph introduced me to was awesome. Mr Rennaker at Cave Excursions, Wayne and Bruce at Cave Excursions East, and Cathy at the Dive Outpost give the type of customer service that all shops should aspire to. Their advice was good and their friendliness inspiring. I was very impressed with Cathy who took the time to sit down with my wife over a cup of coffee while she waited for me to get back from Cow. Im happy to give folks like these my money and support. As with Ralph, I cant recommend these folks enough.
Im completely hooked, damn you Ralph!.
Dave Stewart
When I decided to pursue cave training I had several criteria for the instructor. I wanted to select an instructor that was passionate about cave diving, was an ACTIVE cave diver, and someone that had the integrity to fail me if my skills were not what they should be. Moreover, I wanted someone who was sensitive to what Id be leaving behind if I was less then able or screwed up. With these criteria in mind, I searched the net and spoke to a lot of local cave divers and selected Ralph DiPanfilo.
Soon after meeting Ralph, I realized he met all my criteria. All the positive things I heard about Ralph from past students and other cave divers was true. Ralph is a VERY good instructor. Id certainly place him on the short list of the best instructors Ive ever had. He is honest, open and candid in his assessments and provided me with a lot of great feedback. He made sure that I have a clear idea of what I need to work on to develop both as a general diver and successfully grow as a cave diver. Most importantly, he also provided me with all the tools I need to do so safely. I am very satisfied with the training and grateful to Ralph.
I certainly feel choosing Ralph as my instructor was the right decision and would recommend him to anyone. I am equally certain that as I mature as a cave diver and am ready to pursue the apprentice level that I will call on him again. Id recommend Ralph to anyone interested in cave training.
That being said, damn you Ralph for being so inspiring. I hope your short hairs get stuck in your catheter! Im already looking at how much OT and Comp time I can work to afford/have the available time to come back and cave dive again. The diving was challenging-to say the least, the scenery breathtaking, and the community of cave divers Ralph introduced me to was awesome. Mr Rennaker at Cave Excursions, Wayne and Bruce at Cave Excursions East, and Cathy at the Dive Outpost give the type of customer service that all shops should aspire to. Their advice was good and their friendliness inspiring. I was very impressed with Cathy who took the time to sit down with my wife over a cup of coffee while she waited for me to get back from Cow. Im happy to give folks like these my money and support. As with Ralph, I cant recommend these folks enough.
Im completely hooked, damn you Ralph!.
Dave Stewart