Any Dive shop recommendation near Pasadena for AOW?

[SunScuba]

This is a great forum. I've been reading this everyday since I got certified. Learned so much about equipments, dive trips, accidents, etc. You guys are great!

I'm planning to take AOW in the next few weeks. I live in Pasadena and would like to hear any recommendation on Dive shops for my AOW course. It doesn't have to be in Pasadena of course. I'm willing to dive 30-40 miles. I took my Basic OW at Sport Chalet inside Santa Anita Mall, Arcadia. It a great place but I want something different. They use the pool that belongs to the Boys and Girls Club of America. When we took the class, there were a bunch of kids watching us and playing near the pool. Which kinda distracted the class. They didn't get too close though. Our instructor kept them a safe distance from the pool for liability reasons.

So far my list includes:
Dolphin Dive Center in Arcadia
Reefseekers in Beverly Hills
Pacific Wilderness in Orange

Does anyone have experience with these dive shops?
Any other dive shop recommendation is really appreciated.

Thanks

 

[drbill]

Haven's Reef in Eagle Rock is also worth checking out.

 

[Empty V]

I just sent one of my good friends over to Hollywood Divers. I also recommend Lorenzo at California Diving Company in Santa Clarita Valley.

Billy

 

[JMdiver]

I second Hollywood Divers great shop.

Happy Diving
John

 

[headhunter]

I like Hollywood Divers.

They cater to a wider variety of dive philosophies than most of the other shops that I see and I find they are close enough to me in Altadena (which may as well be Pasadena) that I can just pop over and pick something up if I need it. They are also the closest shop to me that carries the type of gear I use.

Christian

 

[LAJim]

Hollywood Divers or Reefseekers. Choice depends on what kind of diving you are ultimately interested in. Visit both shops and talk to one instructor at each.

Jim

 

[LAJim]

Forgot to mention I live in Altadena too. Its not too hard to pop over to HD via the 134.

Jim

 

[jenazah]

Ocean Safari in San Gabriel. They use the pool in LA East College, very nice.

 

[Ken Kurtis]

Reefseekers in Beverly Hills
Does anyone have experience with these dive shops?

I have a little experience with Reef Seekers. I happen to think they're an outstanding organization. Fabulous people, caring instructors, great prices, thorough selection . . . I just can't say enough good things about them.

- Ken

(Of course, I might be just a tad biased.)

 

[CompuDude]

Hollywood Divers, based on personal experience and location. www.hollywoodivers.com

Reef Seekers is also an excellent shop, and the owner (see above post) is a regular here on SB, but it is a longer drive. Up to you how much weight that carries, so I'd say visit both and decide for yourself. www.reefseekers.com