Ok, i cant get the new thread thing to work in the classes section of the conch divers, so might as well post here!
I have been looking around a while at the different agencies for AOW training and think that SSI/SDI is the way to go (unless i can swing a YMCA course that was suggested). I posted another thread a while back in the basic scuba discussion forum about this, so i dont need a run down of the agency requirements (see other threads on that http://69.93.91.170/t43172.html), what i would like to know is where others did their AOW with these agencies in the Orlando (Central Fl) area.
I have recently been speaking to GDI on here (heard good things from him and from FredT), but its a bit of a drive out to see him in Ridge Manor from Orlando. I also rent gear from NWDivers on 50 and go on trips with them, i have talked to them about their courses and they seem flexible enough, cheapish prices, but without any further reference i cant be sure. I did my OW with Dive Station (Fl Inst of Diving, depending on the name you read) on Edgewater, we didnt really like the teaching methods of the pool sessions, the OW part was ok, but there is a bitter taste in the mouth from that. There are others who do SDI including Orlando Scuba Center on 436/Red Bug (possibly also 50 and Bumby, has the same name), but each time i have been near there, they have been closed.
I know there are others in the general area, Scuba World (NAUI), Scuba Quest (NAUI) and Extasea (PADI), unless i hear great things about them i wouldnt go to them due to the agency requirements/layout - prefer the full specialisation teaching/training and such rather than the one dive per speciality (mini-speciality) course. The YMCA instructors in this area are both in Kissimmee (one private and one with Kissimme Pro Diving - i think), again a drive, but not too far if they offer good courses.
So, does anyone have any experience doing their AOW training with any of those mentioned (or just individual specialities) or can you enlighten me on further on other teachers in the area? Everyone says its the instructor, not the agency, so now i am asking for good references to get a good instructor having already had one sour experience of an LDS and not wishing to rely on luck and chance to find a good instructor for the next level.
Thanks again,
Simon
I have been looking around a while at the different agencies for AOW training and think that SSI/SDI is the way to go (unless i can swing a YMCA course that was suggested). I posted another thread a while back in the basic scuba discussion forum about this, so i dont need a run down of the agency requirements (see other threads on that http://69.93.91.170/t43172.html), what i would like to know is where others did their AOW with these agencies in the Orlando (Central Fl) area.
I have recently been speaking to GDI on here (heard good things from him and from FredT), but its a bit of a drive out to see him in Ridge Manor from Orlando. I also rent gear from NWDivers on 50 and go on trips with them, i have talked to them about their courses and they seem flexible enough, cheapish prices, but without any further reference i cant be sure. I did my OW with Dive Station (Fl Inst of Diving, depending on the name you read) on Edgewater, we didnt really like the teaching methods of the pool sessions, the OW part was ok, but there is a bitter taste in the mouth from that. There are others who do SDI including Orlando Scuba Center on 436/Red Bug (possibly also 50 and Bumby, has the same name), but each time i have been near there, they have been closed.
I know there are others in the general area, Scuba World (NAUI), Scuba Quest (NAUI) and Extasea (PADI), unless i hear great things about them i wouldnt go to them due to the agency requirements/layout - prefer the full specialisation teaching/training and such rather than the one dive per speciality (mini-speciality) course. The YMCA instructors in this area are both in Kissimmee (one private and one with Kissimme Pro Diving - i think), again a drive, but not too far if they offer good courses.
So, does anyone have any experience doing their AOW training with any of those mentioned (or just individual specialities) or can you enlighten me on further on other teachers in the area? Everyone says its the instructor, not the agency, so now i am asking for good references to get a good instructor having already had one sour experience of an LDS and not wishing to rely on luck and chance to find a good instructor for the next level.
Thanks again,
Simon