Just to chime in (get my feet wet I suppose!) I got my OW cert in October in the PNW and we did only tables, no eRDP or computers, although we did (briefly) discuss computers and the pros and cons of them. That said, my class was amazing and really well paced, and I feel a lot more at ease with the computer since I also understand the dive tables. I know what is (somewhat) behind the the computer, so I hold more of the acountability. Our logs (and instructor) also asked us to fill in the table information to keep track of our dives, which made us be aware of what we were doing. In the pool we had six divers, one instructor, and no less than 3 DMs and DMCs. In OW checkouts we had our instructor, four divers (two were certifying later) and 2 DMs who were leading tours, and two more just hanging around. I felt amazingly safe, even as a new diver, in a drysuit in five foot viz. But without an awesome instructor and some truly amazing DMs I doubt I would have felt anywhere near that safe and comfortable. She knew us well enough to know what made us nervous, and reacted to that. We dove with AL80s in the pool (I am a 5'2" female) and I had no issues climbing out of the pool with it on, and it made the transition to the steel tanks for the sound much easier. I loved my instructor enough that I will happily take any class she recommends, since I trust her completely. Without that trust...I don't know.
Just my thoughts :handball:
Megan
Just my thoughts :handball:
Megan