tddfleming
Contributor
I know of a LDS in the Richmond area that will not teach you OW if you have equipment bought from elsewhere. We've had several customers come by and state that (deleted) wouldn't teach them how to dive because they already have their own equipment not purchased from them. More power to 'em (that dive shop, that is)! We'll teach the students...and make good customers of them them in the process.
I think I know which LDS you are referring to. When I was looking around at getting started I went into this stop and it is clearly stated on their advertisments for the classes.
The LDS that we have been using has been very nice and helpful. We have bought 3 complete set-ups since Sept. The LDS has beat all the internet prices by a bit. And without any push by us. Plus we get help from them. I really like the owner, but I have had an issue with one of the inst. My husbands experience was completely different than mine, as we got cert. seperately. Now that he is cert. I cannot keep him out of the water. As he is going to still be diving in mid Dec. in VA in his 5mm. Thankfully he likes the cold. I am wimping out then. This upcoming weekend is my last for the season. At least in this area.