Hi everyone:
Several months ago, I posted asking some questions about open water classes and what was required to get certified. The board was great in answering a lot of questions and providing encouragement when needed.
After taking classes at home in San Francisco in December, I'm happy to report that I finished up my certification by referral in Honolulu, HI in late January. It was an entirely awesome experience. Finished up the skills with no problems, saw tons of turtles, fish, and on later dives, dolphins. I enjoyed the class so much that I took the AOW class immediately following, to get a first bit of experience with other diving activities, like a deep dive, a wreck dive, navigation, etc. (I know that a card doesn't make me advanced and that I need much more experience, but it gave me a way to structure more dives in a supervised setting at little additional cost.)
Definitely a fun sport. I'll definitely go again on vacation. (Whether I go in the cold Pacific, i.e. Monterey, is undecided...)
For those interested, I used Reeftrekkers in Honolulu. Dave and Andre were outstanding; took me to great spots every day, small groups each time, and went above and beyond in their service. Well worth the money and I'll definitely use them again.
In any case, thanks to everyone who helped when I asked questions. I'll probably be around with more questions soon. Thanks again!
Several months ago, I posted asking some questions about open water classes and what was required to get certified. The board was great in answering a lot of questions and providing encouragement when needed.
After taking classes at home in San Francisco in December, I'm happy to report that I finished up my certification by referral in Honolulu, HI in late January. It was an entirely awesome experience. Finished up the skills with no problems, saw tons of turtles, fish, and on later dives, dolphins. I enjoyed the class so much that I took the AOW class immediately following, to get a first bit of experience with other diving activities, like a deep dive, a wreck dive, navigation, etc. (I know that a card doesn't make me advanced and that I need much more experience, but it gave me a way to structure more dives in a supervised setting at little additional cost.)
Definitely a fun sport. I'll definitely go again on vacation. (Whether I go in the cold Pacific, i.e. Monterey, is undecided...)
For those interested, I used Reeftrekkers in Honolulu. Dave and Andre were outstanding; took me to great spots every day, small groups each time, and went above and beyond in their service. Well worth the money and I'll definitely use them again.
In any case, thanks to everyone who helped when I asked questions. I'll probably be around with more questions soon. Thanks again!
