Quote:
Originally Posted by Peregrino
I gave up my instructor liscenses years ago. Not sure there is anyone in Fayetteville I would send a friend to. Stay away from Cape Fear. RecTec (old Aquanut store) used to be OK but I don't know if they're still in business. 21st Century Tactical fronts for some PADI instructors but I don't know any of them. There's a technical shop here in Aberdeen that might teach basic OW; the guy that owns it works in USASOC. I've met him and he seems OK - his shop is at least clean and professionally laid out. A bit far to drive but I've found tech instructors tend to be a bit more "thorough" with their basic OW instruction. (They understand the importance of imparting a sound foundation - after all - they want to grow more [live] tech divers.) A former associate owns a store in Angier but that's even further to drive. Wherever you go - DO NOT get hung up on the "my certification agency is the only legitimate one" BS that the agencies spew to capture market share. So long as the agency meets minimum national/international standards (I forget the name; have to look it up later), one Basic OW cert is as good as any other. Some even have "home study" modules; the only time you deal with an instructor is for the water (pool and OW) sessions. The only thing the agencies are really interested in is collecting your money (for any imaginable reason - certification tabs to be continued on other wet suit) and avoiding lawsuits if you fail a Darwin moment. We can RV and discuss at a PM if you're interested. DO NOT BUY ANY GEAR until we've spoken.
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It's RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council).
I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (all that means is I can teach 5 or more "specialitiess"), and have been for 16 years, as well as an instructor for 25 years, and a diver since I was 12 (that's 50 years if you're counting)
Peregrino is absolutely correct. The individual instructor and his or her POI is much more important than the agency or store. You have time, so take your time. Find the right person.
I don't teach Open Water anymore - except for friends. I cannot compete, price-wise, with the dive stores who use it as a loss leader in order to sell equipment. I work through a store that I think is pretty good, the owner of whom I have known for longer than I like to think about (his mom was a contemporary of mine). I've recommended to a couple friends that they take the OW course at a good store (they are far from the one I work with), and then I'll certify them as "Advanced" or any particular specialty they wish... and "remediate" anything lacking in their initial certification.
Oh... and Peregrino is spot on with his advice about purchasing equipment. I always accompany friends if they are going to buy dive equipment. That crap is expensive! Some of the less expensive stuff is (IMHO) as good, or better, than "the high priced" "fad of the moment" stuff. (Hell, Jet Fins are still out there, and very popular with cave/wreck divers.)
I know I don't need to tell you this, but despite the 'soft sell' most give - scuba diving is still an activity that can leave you dead, or wishing you were. As we in SF know all too well, there is no substitute for proper training. Good luck, and have fun! It is a great family activity.
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