1st time Diver - Instruction in PDC

[bennyscuba]

Hello All,

I'm going to PDC with my gf after new years and she has never dove before. She has decided to take a discover scuba class to give it a shot.

I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a good op for a first time diver. I was inclined to go with TankHa from reading the boards but if anyone had any strong personal feelings for anyone else that would be great. I would probably do the open water part with her and then do a few more days of diving myself (cozumel/cenotes) but I really wanted to make sure she had a good first experience.

Also for that time of year (1/4 - 1/10) how necessary is it to book all dives ahead of time. Do boats for the more popular shops (like Tankha) book up or is it a pretty safe bet i can just walk up the day before and hop on board? I prefer staying with one shop the full week, but could bounce around if necessary...

Thanks,

bg

 

[PlayaCountryBoy]

Hola BG, Just thought I would drop in and say "Hi"! I run a lil operation down here in PDC. Here's a sample of what one of my Intro or DSD courses looks like...it's private and one on one...

 

[divingjd]

Tank Ha is a good shop. I doubt you could do better in Playa. You might be able to book the day before, but it would be a good idea to book ahead. The dive operations can get booked up.

 

[Byte Me]

Just got back from PDC 12/03 - dove w/ Jason. Going to be going back down in May with a couple scuba newbs - who like your gf haven't been underwater before. I asked Jason about helping the two of them out. That expanded into perhaps doing something will all 6 of us! Can't beat the personal attention and customer service he provides.

I wrote up a big report in another thread.

 

[GeorgeC]

Hola BG, Just thought I would drop in and say "Hi"! I run a lil operation down here in PDC. Here's a sample of what one of my Intro or DSD courses looks like...it's private and one on one...

I just dove with PlayaCountyBoy (Jason) today. Needless to say I had a great time. He is extremely personable, knowledgeable and capable of curtailing his diving style to accommodate all types of dives at various skill levels. I had to drive ½ hour south to get to his location due to my hotel location. The only reason I made the drive was due to the recommendations from this board and I was not disappointed!

 

[muckle]

I recommend Tank Ha. I have used them on two trips, and recently my wife completed her open water check-outs with them. The staff were very safety-conscious and thorough.

 

[tlmainer]

I'll put my 2 cents in for Jason with Fantaseadive. I am already OW certified but we took 2 friends with us (1 adult and 1 child) to do their checkout dives for certification and we all got to dive together. Great experience, 1 on 1 treatment. Look for my new thread tomorrow re: Jason and my 8 dives this past week!