Looking for LDS in Newport Beach Area

[WannaLaguna]

Hey All,

I am moving back to Newport Beach from Toronto Canada and was hoping I could get some assistance in finding a great LDS to do my DM cert. From there I want to go IDC. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I'd go anywhere from Huntington to Dana Point.

I will be back around June or July of this year.

Also, almost all of my dives (except one) have been in fresh water lakes. What do you guys suggest for easing into the deep blue sea! (my very first dive experience was at Casino Point on Catalina but that's the extent of my sw experience...)

Can't wait to get back home!!

Thanks!

 

[headhunter]

Laguna Sea Sports seems to have their act together if you don't count the slightly short fills that they give you. If you ask, they'll make sure to let the cylinder cool and top it off. Here is their URL:

http://www.scuba-superstore.com/

It looks like they have just put this new site up and nothing is working yet, but it has their address and phone number on it.

Really nice people and some very knowlegeable instructors judging from our conversations. Although I do business with them when I'm down there, I have not actually taken a class with them, so maybe someone else can chime in with that.

Christian

 

[WannaLaguna]

Laguna Sea Sports seems to have their act together if you don't count the slightly short fills that they give you. If you ask, they'll make sure to let the cylinder cool and top it off. Here is their URL:

http://www.scuba-superstore.com/

It looks like they have just put this new site up and nothing is working yet, but it has their address and phone number on it.

Really nice people and some very knowlegeable instructors judging from our conversations. Although I do business with them when I'm down there, I have not actually taken a class with them, so maybe someone else can chime in with that.

Christian

Hey Christian,

Thanks. I know of the store. Yes, the website has changed since I last visited. I should give them a call and offer my services. I'm a interactive designer when I'm not underwater ; )

thanks for the info.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

That link hasn't changed in a couple of months.The working link to Laguna Sea Sports website is

http://www.lagunaseasports.com/default.asp

There's also Newport Aquatic Center on PCH.

 

[scubaxris]

Jeff,
Laguna Sea Sports is my local dive shop. They are a great shop athought they think I am crasy for diving a 7 foot primary!!! I have taken several classes from them and would recomend any of their instructors. Gordie (the shop owner) runs the DM classes. He has a different approach than just buying your card. You will WORK for it. He comes up with cleaver seneros / projects to test your skills and make you think. He also has other insturctors teach sections of the class for greater perspective -- Jeff Bosanic (the guy who wrote the book on rebreathers) taught them there physics section last night. My regular dive buddy is currently taking his class (yeah you just missed one -- probably will be another is summer). If you are interested in discussing her impression drop me a PM and I will get you in touch with her (she does not hang around this board).
Christopher

PS if you need a buddy whe you get down here look me up...we can see if our diving styles agree.

 

[abrown203]

I am also considering my DM/Instructor options. Here are my leading candidates.

• Liburdi's - PADI
• Beach Cities Scuba - PADI
• Laguna Sea Sports - NAUI
• Los Angeles County - LA County/NAUI

Luburdi's has a great shop and they carry my brands of equipment. I don't know their instructors though. I remember that Beach Cities has a great guy that is a PADI Course Director (I forget his name).

Laguna Sea Sports is at the top of my list though.

I have also heard great things about the LA County ADP and UICC programs. They do not have a DM level, just instructor. I have heard that their instructor course is supposted to be the best (and most challenging) program anywhere. I need to do more research on this.

Next time I am in Laguna Sea Sports I plan on asking Gordy about the LA County program and how it compares to his at Laguna Sea Sports.

Good luck to you,

Aaron

 

[WannaLaguna]

Hey Guys,

thanks for all the feedback. It's great to see so much help out there....leave it up to divers!

I'm also looking to hook up with a group as well....any ideas there?!?

cheers,

Jeff

 

[headhunter]

I'm also looking to hook up with a group as well....any ideas there?!?

Well... we're a group.

You'll find that it's easy to hook up for a dive here on the board whenever you want to go out. Just post when and where you want to go and you'll usually find someone, if not a group of people.

We have a "Wrinkles Dive" every month and you'd be able to meet lots of other ScubaBoard members at one of these. We have a lot of fun and do plenty of diving.

Hope that's what you were asking about.

Christian

 

[WannaLaguna]

Well... we're a group.

You'll find that it's easy to hook up for a dive here on the board whenever you want to go out. Just post when and where you want to go and you'll usually find someone, if not a group of people.

We have a "Wrinkles Dive" every month and you'd be able to meet lots of other ScubaBoard members at one of these. We have a lot of fun and do plenty of diving.

Hope that's what you were asking about.

Christian

Yep! That is exactly what I was asking! Thanks! Since I will be new to the area (at least the dive locations) I will be completely at your mercy guys and gals! So be gentle!

 

[Lexy]

I can highly recommend Liburdi's - over in Costa Mesa and easy to get to. Their instructors are very knowledgable, accessible and just super cool. The folks in the store have a true passion for diving and underwater photography/videography. You can take your time and they REALLY listen. I can't say enough good things about the staff (all divers) and the instructors.

As far as getting experience in the pacific --- dive, dive and hey dive. Shore diving is a unique experience in Laguna. Bring your snorkle b/c there's a bit of surface swim time.

As I'm sure you've noticed, the folks in the SoCal section are friendly, helpful and happy to answer questions. I hope you'll come diving with us all!

Anyhow - stay warm in Toronto. Must be kinda boring with the Leafs playing!! I'm jonzin for NHL hockey too... So if you need hockey info -> just let me know too (I'm hockey freak& also player over here).