terrylowe
Contributor
Try the Dive Locker in Panama City.
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The north Florida springs used for OW training are pretty non-threatening compared to a boat in the open ocean. They also don't get blown out by weather nearly as often. Some have caves or cavers connected and entering the cave or cavern should never be part of OW training, but OW instructors who use these sites should understand this and be experienced in keeping control of students. But doing another day diving or shore diving from on the gulf or ocean isn't a bad idea.
Someone from those areas please correct me if I'm way of base here...I would imagine that the water temps in those areas would be in the 60's. Is that a consideration? I suppose you could get her thicker exposure protection, but just be aware that she might need it.
Not sure if this is the correct forum to post in. My 10-year-old daughter is doing the open water class and pool work where we live in the Atlanta area next week. However, the dive shop's upcoming Florida trips before our vacation are full. We're looking for a (reasonably) convenient place for a 2-day weekend trip later this month to find an instructor to take her on the 4 PADI open water certification dives. We're thinking, in no particular order, Destin, Panama City, Jacksonville area, or Blue Grotto in Williston, Florida. Does anyone have any recommendations for dive shops or instructors in these or other reasonably proximate areas (appx. 5-7 hours from Atlanta)? Looking for good water and a good dive site for training, and a bonus if anyone knows of an instructor with good experience training children. Thanks in advance!