Advice on dive ops for OW instruction in KL ?

[Stargazer]

I'm planning to take 21 year old son to KL to get certified this summer. Research seems to show high marks for a few shops for beginner instruction, and I'm considering Quiescence, Scuba Do, Horizon and Rainbow Reef. I'm looking for solid instruction, not short cuts. Any feedback on these or other dive ops that would help me choose is appreciated !

 

[CajunDiva]

Of the ops you are considering, I can recommend Quiescence and Rainbow Reef Dive Center. I don't have any experience with the other two, but if a dive op is going to survive in the competitive market of Key Largo, they have to be decent

We have been diving with Rainbow Reef Dive Center for over 10 years and have found them to be a GREAT all-around dive op. They run a PADI Career Development Center and have two PADI Platinum Course Directors on staff. They train more dive instructors than anyone in the USA. Their staff instructors are motivated, thorough and FUN!

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

I can highly recommend Jason at Conch Republic Divers. Tell him you want old school thorough training and he will abundantly deliver. He is a very nice guy as well and Conch Republic is one of the top ops down there.

 

[grantwiscour]

+1 on RR and Q.

 

[Stargazer]

Thanks for the input, though it's not making it easier narrowing down the choices! Guess I'm going to get on the phone and talk to each one next to see how they compare. Does anyone think the agency (PADI vs SSI vs ?) matters ? Any other opinions welcome.

 

[WB2GLP]

Big fan of Conch Republic, but also look into Florida Keys Dive Center. Sally is a fantastic instructor with plenty of North East experience.

---------- Post added June 24th, 2014 at 02:47 PM ----------

Most shops have an instructor or two on staff with credentials from multiple agencies.

 

[iluvtheocean]

here's a question i don't think has been asked... how long of a time frame are you going to be down there? and would he take the online learning so it would be all pool/ocean sessions where he can concentrate on actual skill learning online isn't a short cut -- just different. It's the pool & the OW where it counts...

 

[Stargazer]

I'm planning on a week, basically...thinking last few days could be real dives. I am wondering if doing the online course in advance is the right way to go....agree that more time in the pool/ocean is more valuable. They didn't have online when I did it years ago, so wondering how successful an approach it is ?

 

[iluvtheocean]

I'm planning on a week, basically...thinking last few days could be real dives. I am wondering if doing the online course in advance is the right way to go....agree that more time in the pool/ocean is more valuable. They didn't have online when I did it years ago, so wondering how successful an approach it is ?

since he's an adult at 21 -- there shouldn't be any possible comprehension issues like with a much younger diver online is fine for classroom -- learn at your own pace etc. online classes still require you to study the material

 

[Stargazer]

Thanks everyone for your input.....I'll be looking into combination of online program + on-site, possibly Conch Republic because they are SSI and seem to have a good rep everywhere.