Looking for a good gap year dive program, suggestions?

[Lmajor]

I am very new to diving only have completed an open water cert. just over a year ago. I'm looking for a program with a good comprehensive learning progression. I've read a lot of the stuff about the zero to hero or zero to pro dive internships and realize that just after a few months or even six or seven I won't gain the wide expansive experience to truly be a great or even good dive instructor but I like the idea of these programs because it's a lot of intensive diving and learning in a condensed time. I want to go somewhere for a few months where I can focus solely on diving, learn a lot, get some good dives and experience, in preferabley a pleasant setting. Somewhere that has reputable instructors varied diving all at a good value. Can anyone give me any suggestions of places, dive centers or any advice? I'm not looking to start a debate or to bash on dive companies, programs, or for people to tell me how bad a zero to hero program is.

I want honest, sincere advice. Any personal experience from people who went a similar path doing the zero to hero programs.

I'm interested in getting into the dive world this way I'm not looking for a career or even a great job after just a few months of diving, but instead as a way to meet some divers gain a lot of experience and have a good time. Although I'm not looking for a party. I want to learn!!!

Thanks

[DivemasterDennis]

You have a lot of options. In Hawaii, Maui has a number of dive shops and great shore diving. Your can dive on the cheap from shore, but pick up classes when you want. Key Largo is another location with lots of dive ops, but not great shore diving. I have friend who went on months long "dive bumming trips" and raved about Roatan and Utilla. If money is not an issue, enjoy a long stay at Bonaire/Curacao or in the Caymans. You will find that all of these places have a lot more dive professionals than jobs available. Hooking up early and establishing a relationship with a dive center may be useful to you. You need to make the connections personally, don't rely on others to "set you up."
DivemasterDennis

[Lmajor]

Thanks for your reply. I'm looking for somewhere fairly inexpensive with good diving. There seems to be a lot in Thailand. Do you have any experience or info about dive centers there?

[hello diver]

Hi....Well, there are lots of options especially in Thailand! I went to Thailand as an Open Water diver, and decided to stay long term. Koh Tao is probably the most affordable place that I discovered. The island has a great community life, and there are lots of shops to dive with. One I dived with was Phoenix Divers. They have very experienced staff, professional service, and just are a lot of fun! i know they offer a great Dive master program with unlimited diving, discounts on some specialties if you want to do any. I think if you are going to dive a lot, the dive master program is something good to do for the money. A friend of mine completed the course with them and loved it. They did not want to work, and said the course is what you make of it...so you are not in class all day. I think Phoenix Divers has a website too. Maybe you can contact them!

[MX727]

Not many interns have a bad thing to say about Rainbow Reef Internship

You will learn the entire business and earn it. A friend of mine is coming up on the end of his internship and has over 400 dives. He will also have certified over 25 divers. So, while some call it "zero-hero," it is really OW to MSDT by working 6 days a week, sometimes 12 hours a day. It's not easy, it's not a gimme, but from the time weeks I've spent there, it is fun. I would highly recommend it, and only wish I'd been able to do something like it so many years ago.

[Islandheart]

I'm of the ole school of thought, Intership ! The Z-2-H method gets you the card but many have little reguard, as to your ability to deal with "Real" students.

That means dealing with real issues and not made-up situations with pat responses and no stress.

Anyone that compares Gear Exchange, to you being with a group and a real student losing buoyancy in Open Water, their panic and your response to that, is dreaming.

Many folks see themselves as bullet-proof, and it's just not the way it is. You will be responsible for people lives and you better get it right because there is no 2nd chance at it.

An "inexperienced" DM or OWSI is just that, and sometimes, can be a danger to divers placed in their care......

Take your time, and become "Experienced", add in the training, pickup the tips of the ole hands, and you'll be in high demand and confident in your abilities.

There's no substitute.

[Superlyte27]

Not many interns have a bad thing to say about Rainbow Reef Internship

You will learn the entire business and earn it. A friend of mine is coming up on the end of his internship and has over 400 dives. He will also have certified over 25 divers. So, while some call it "zero-hero," it is really OW to MSDT by working 6 days a week, sometimes 12 hours a day. It's not easy, it's not a gimme, but from the time weeks I've spent there, it is fun. I would highly recommend it, and only wish I'd been able to do something like it so many years ago.

I was a boat captain in Key Largo who got to see more of these graduates than most people ever will. A card does not a diver make, nor does it make an instructor. There is no substitute for diving. To be a great instructor, you have to have experience that takes years to grow into. Anyone can be an instructor, but I'm assuming you want to be a GREAT instructor. No Z2H program will give you that. I promise.