Where to get certified, SF, Australia, or NZ?

[telek]

Hi,

My wife and I are planning to take a year off starting in the fall of next year. We live in SF, and are planning to head to Australia and New Zealand first. My question would be, would you recommend getting certified before we travel, here in SF? Or would getting certified in Australia or NZ be better or cheaper in any way?

We are planning to go to S.E. Asia afterward, and I'm sure diving certifications are cheaper there, but we're not gonna miss the Great Barrior Reef...

Anyway, any thoughts on this issue? Would appreciate any info.

 

[fisheater]

I recommend that you get certified here (I'm in the Bay Area, too) and then you can concentrate on exploring on your trip, rather than worrying about your skills and gear.