Hey Scubabrandon,
Like some of the other posts, its really too bad that you didnt enjoy your dives and your experience at Chris Sawyer. As someone who used to work there (back in the mainland for a bit) I can say your description is not at all typical of the operation.
Also sorry to hear about your experience with Larry, I can also say thats not typically of him or the other Instructors, Captains and staff there. From experience, and its not an excuse for him at all, but the catch-22 of working in the tourism industry is that your one bad day is the divers only day with you so thats their take away. Again no excuse but another reminder to all dive professional reading this.
As far as the sites they do dive a variety of sites, weather, current, visability, guests experience, etc. often dictating where to go. However Tim is right in his earlier post that shallow diving is pretty standard for St. Thomas diving. (St. Croix does have spectacular wall diving thought). Yes there are wrecks on the South side (and one on the East) but its usually the Captain and Divemaster (Instructors) call on where to go based on the criteria above.
RichinNCs remark about the restaurant is a good one. If youre ever down there again, and willing, Id suggest giving them another try. I know all the staff there would be chomping at the bit to change your mind and show you what Chris Sawyer Dive Center is really all about.
As a last note, Wayne is on this board pretty frequently so hes may have already seen your post and I have sent it to Chris (Sawyer) for you. Chris always wants everyone to have the best experience and wants everything to be right so will be disheartened to hear about your experience.
But if youre willing and open minded, give them another chance and Im sure your experience will be a much different one.
Chris
Like some of the other posts, its really too bad that you didnt enjoy your dives and your experience at Chris Sawyer. As someone who used to work there (back in the mainland for a bit) I can say your description is not at all typical of the operation.
Also sorry to hear about your experience with Larry, I can also say thats not typically of him or the other Instructors, Captains and staff there. From experience, and its not an excuse for him at all, but the catch-22 of working in the tourism industry is that your one bad day is the divers only day with you so thats their take away. Again no excuse but another reminder to all dive professional reading this.
As far as the sites they do dive a variety of sites, weather, current, visability, guests experience, etc. often dictating where to go. However Tim is right in his earlier post that shallow diving is pretty standard for St. Thomas diving. (St. Croix does have spectacular wall diving thought). Yes there are wrecks on the South side (and one on the East) but its usually the Captain and Divemaster (Instructors) call on where to go based on the criteria above.
RichinNCs remark about the restaurant is a good one. If youre ever down there again, and willing, Id suggest giving them another try. I know all the staff there would be chomping at the bit to change your mind and show you what Chris Sawyer Dive Center is really all about.
As a last note, Wayne is on this board pretty frequently so hes may have already seen your post and I have sent it to Chris (Sawyer) for you. Chris always wants everyone to have the best experience and wants everything to be right so will be disheartened to hear about your experience.
But if youre willing and open minded, give them another chance and Im sure your experience will be a much different one.
Chris