Unless the DM is DSD qualified they cannot conduct a DSD, and even if they ARE DSD qualified it can only be in a swimming pool, not the ocean. Beware of being offered a local DM without knowing their qualifications, as a lot of local dive staff are not even OW qualified.
My wife is not a complete Newbie, she has done 6 DSDs till date (3 last month) but they were in India with no current and good visibility. Are the conditions in around Tulamben calm and safe? Should we avoid any sites that are prone to currents?
I will make sure that the DM allocated to us has the proper credentials and the experience, my assumptions is that he will have plenty of local experience. I will keep a careful eye and if I have any doubt, I will not hesitate to pay extra for an instructor. I'm hoping my wife will do 3-4 DSDDs
It would be unusual for Cedric at Geko dive not to answer emails promptly; maybe drop him another in case they are dropping into his junk box, or contact him through here.
I'm communicating with James, I initially called them direct and talked to James followed by an email. After 3 days of no reply, I posted a message on their FB page and got a response. I then asked a few questions (actually a lot) but no reply. I PMed Cedric today
I was very happy when in reply they planned to allocate a dive guide (I didn't think of it) for her to snorkel and life jacket. That is exactly what would make her comfortable and maybe I could go for a dive leaving her in safe hands. I only have 20 dives experience and wanted to try out Manta Point, but I will trust them to give me the proper advice for diving the hard sites.
But I'm torn between staying the second half of my trip in PadangBai or Nusa lembognan or 2 days in PB and 2 Days in NL. What would you advice? Nusa lembognan looks like a nice island with nice beaches for my wife, but if the seas are rough and not ideal for a non diver, then maybe PB is better.
Any advice?
---------- Post added June 7th, 2014 at 08:24 PM ----------
The people at LDR would be more than proficient at providing your wife with a good DSD. The staff there have a pool on site and are very experienced with the area - I stay at LDR but dive with BDA and spent a great morning watching the DMs at LDR give a DSD course (very thoroughly) to a family with kids included. They obviously enjoyed the experience as I saw the kids with their junior bubble maker and the wife OW certified at the end of the week.
After so many great reviews here and TripAdvisor, I do trust them do a good job. But I wanted someone who has seen them in action to give their inputs. Thanks for the thumbs up!
I also believe the sites in Tulamben are very safe i.e calm and no current. But a small challenge for her would be to do a shore dive, hopefully the waves will be tiny