Hello everyone

[Rjp1983]

Hi everyone.
My course starts in a week. Already picked up my mask, fins, boots, and snorkel and books. Will be getting certified NAUI. I am psyched to say the least. My entire family and 90 percent of my friends dive. I have no idea why I waited this long to do this.
I have a lot of people telling me that comparing NAUI to PADI, NAUI is like a brutal diving boot camp requiring doing nonsense drills and other things not needed. From my research here it doesn't appear to be that way. They also said the NAUI course is much much more difficult to complete. Can anyone chime in here with opinions? I am looking forward to speaking with everyone and this site is a wealth of knowledge!!

[beaverdivers]

See which specific course you preferr, and Go for It. It's more about the specific instructor than the training agency!

Good Luck & Good Diving.

[sharkbait2010]

Both agencies are fine. I have worked with students in both. I agree, the instructor will make or break the training, not the agency. Have fun with it. Diving, even the training should be fun. If its not, something is wrong.

[Rjp1983]

From what I have been told by friends and family, the instructors used by the LDS giving the course are some of the best in the area. The other shop changed ownership and the instructors they now use are not very good. Pretty much how I chose te outfit was based on what I was informed of.

[NetDoc]

The instructor makes all the difference in the world. Choose wisely. While a few are like ex-Master Chiefs looking to relive their glory days in the Navy, most are trying to make sure that you have all the required skills you need to dive safely. Sometimes you won't understand WHY you are doing a skill. Please stop the instructor and ASK. A skill will do you no good if you don't know it's application.

[Rjp1983]

Good point netdoc. That's what I was told that alot of the stuff done with the outfit I am using is can/will happen eventually stuff and alot of "will prob never but happen but should it happen this is the procedure " type drills. I am all about being prepared for anything and would appreciate the extra stuff being taught in the class.

[RonFrank]

Read/Study the materials at least twice before the class starts. Quiz yourself before the class. Everything is explained in detail, and it all makes sense. If you do not understand the reason behind a mask drill for example, go back and read that section over as the reasons are generally obvious. For example you need to clear your mask when it leaks or gets knocked loose. Take notes where you have questions or need clarification.

In class you should have the opportunity to ask questions. Pay close attention to dive tables and how depth impacts the diver. Also Important, take care of your ears. Many new divers have ear issues mainly because the do not clear early/often enough. Clear early, clear often, in fact start working on that now. You should be able to clear your ears at any time, anywhere.

Pay attention, take your time, and relax.

Good Luck and have fun.

[Rjp1983]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and tips. I will start to read books more. Already started them and will continue and take the quizzes. I had the option to do home study but decided it would be better to take the physical course.

[LowDrag]

Good luck with your course. My wife and I start our course tonight at 6:30. We are diving SSI and I must agree about the instructors. I have pestered the crap out of ours with all kinds of questions and they still like me so they must be alright...

[Rjp1983]

Lowdrag,
How was your first night? Hope it went well. I have not yet met my instructor for my course but have heard he is very good. My course starts on the 21st so I have to wait a week. Hopefully it goes quick. Can't wait to get in the pool.