HERE IS AN UPDATE TO THE STORY...
I spoke with my girlfriend to make sure I had gotten the details right and make sure I wasn't throwing mud at the wrong people.
She confirmed that the OWNER said the splits wouldn't be good to use. He gave the comment about cave/wreck diving after she asked what split fins are for (after noticing he sells them in his shop).
So I decided to call myself and get my own answers. He was a nice guy on the phone and more than willing to accommodate my questioning...but still the answers were BS. He acknowledged that people use splits successfully and after the class is over he certainly does not care what she uses.
The bottom line: He will not let her use the split fins for her OW class.
Reason (paraphrased):
1) He has had problems in the past with students being able to complete to sections of the class so they decided not let students use them.
The two class sections are: The manual BC inflate on the surface & the rescue portion. They won't give enough power when she has to tow another diver or keep her head above water for the BC inflate skill.
I don't know what rescue portion he is talking about because I am PADI OW certified. I didn't feel like arguing with him because she has paid for the class and may not be able to get her money back...I don't want to cause trouble for her if she has to actually take the class from him.
She has paid in full and we are not sure if she can get a full refund. We are booked for a vacation in early January and have little time to find other options. To be honest...I'm not sure what to do about all this. The class was $250 and it would be a shame to lose all that money.
I spoke with my girlfriend to make sure I had gotten the details right and make sure I wasn't throwing mud at the wrong people.
She confirmed that the OWNER said the splits wouldn't be good to use. He gave the comment about cave/wreck diving after she asked what split fins are for (after noticing he sells them in his shop).
So I decided to call myself and get my own answers. He was a nice guy on the phone and more than willing to accommodate my questioning...but still the answers were BS. He acknowledged that people use splits successfully and after the class is over he certainly does not care what she uses.
The bottom line: He will not let her use the split fins for her OW class.
Reason (paraphrased):
1) He has had problems in the past with students being able to complete to sections of the class so they decided not let students use them.
The two class sections are: The manual BC inflate on the surface & the rescue portion. They won't give enough power when she has to tow another diver or keep her head above water for the BC inflate skill.
I don't know what rescue portion he is talking about because I am PADI OW certified. I didn't feel like arguing with him because she has paid for the class and may not be able to get her money back...I don't want to cause trouble for her if she has to actually take the class from him.
She has paid in full and we are not sure if she can get a full refund. We are booked for a vacation in early January and have little time to find other options. To be honest...I'm not sure what to do about all this. The class was $250 and it would be a shame to lose all that money.