CindyMac
Contributor
I did my Open Water at Diver's Supply. The class was fine. I was fortunate that there was a divemaster in training with the instructor. The instructor got frustrated with me because I had problems clearing my mask. The dive master candidate was tasked with taking me aside for "remedial mask clearing." He had me clearing my mask within 2 minutes. Found what worked for me. I just wish that more attention was given to buoyancy.
The rest of my classes are with Sink or Swim in Gastonia. Brent has a some excellent guys helping (Barry & Mark) him now. I've learned a lot from these guys. Dove yesterday at the Lake Norman quarry and had a blast. My education is continuing there. I've done Nitrox and Deep Diver. Dry suit training is coming as soon as ours comes in. Peak Performance Buoyancy as well as Navigation is planned.
I've also been on dives with Lake Norman Scuba and found them to be a friendly bunch, too. They host "fun dives" occasionally. They were very helpful in my first dives post certification.
I'd just visit around and check each shop out and see who fits you best. At Diver's Supply, the instructors don't all work for the shop, so you probably won't meet the instructor prior to your class. It's all about what makes you comfortable.
I'm not a "grouponer" so I can't speak to that. I'd just read the fine print carefully on anything. I've seen several that are strictly "discover scuba," which is not a full course, just an abbreviated class to see if scuba is for you. I did one at Open Water Adventures (on 49 near Concord Mills) prior to a Discover Scuba in Grand Cayman just to see what scuba entailed. Now I'm a Scuba Addict.
The rest of my classes are with Sink or Swim in Gastonia. Brent has a some excellent guys helping (Barry & Mark) him now. I've learned a lot from these guys. Dove yesterday at the Lake Norman quarry and had a blast. My education is continuing there. I've done Nitrox and Deep Diver. Dry suit training is coming as soon as ours comes in. Peak Performance Buoyancy as well as Navigation is planned.
I've also been on dives with Lake Norman Scuba and found them to be a friendly bunch, too. They host "fun dives" occasionally. They were very helpful in my first dives post certification.
I'd just visit around and check each shop out and see who fits you best. At Diver's Supply, the instructors don't all work for the shop, so you probably won't meet the instructor prior to your class. It's all about what makes you comfortable.
I'm not a "grouponer" so I can't speak to that. I'd just read the fine print carefully on anything. I've seen several that are strictly "discover scuba," which is not a full course, just an abbreviated class to see if scuba is for you. I did one at Open Water Adventures (on 49 near Concord Mills) prior to a Discover Scuba in Grand Cayman just to see what scuba entailed. Now I'm a Scuba Addict.
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