liuk3
Contributor
Can you please recommend a good place or shop to get certified? I live in Brentwood.
Getting Certified in Los Angeles?
- Thread starter liuk3
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LA County has the best program anywhere.
Blackwood
Contributor
I didn't get my original (OW) cert there, but I like Ocean Adventures Dive Co in Venice.
BrianS
Contributor
May want to try the So Cal forums, http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=88
The Los Angeles County Program is one of the first certifying agencies and from what I have read of their program and talking to those who have been through it it offers one of the best programs anywhere. http://www.lascuba.com/ Their program is very intensive and a little longer than most, but you get so much more out of it.
After that there is Reefseekers http://www.reefseekers.com, or Sport Chalet at 100 La Ciengia http://www.sportchalet.com/corp/index.jsp
Drop down and visit us local divers in the Travel and Club section under North America/United States/California Kelp Divers/SoCal section of this forum. You might also visit the http://www.sandeaters.org for a description of local dive sites and to help you get wet once you have been certified.
Sandeaters has a forum on SCUBABOARD as well. SAMDEATERS is NOT a club, just an internet site with a schedule of dives every week where other divers. Divers will say they are coming and if you go there will be other divers there.
After that there is Reefseekers http://www.reefseekers.com, or Sport Chalet at 100 La Ciengia http://www.sportchalet.com/corp/index.jsp
Drop down and visit us local divers in the Travel and Club section under North America/United States/California Kelp Divers/SoCal section of this forum. You might also visit the http://www.sandeaters.org for a description of local dive sites and to help you get wet once you have been certified.
Sandeaters has a forum on SCUBABOARD as well. SAMDEATERS is NOT a club, just an internet site with a schedule of dives every week where other divers. Divers will say they are coming and if you go there will be other divers there.
OP
liuk3
Contributor
Thanks for the input. I went diving for the first time in hawaii this past week and had an awesome time. I am looking forward to getting formal training and officially certified. Seems like there are a good number of people in SoCal.
Thanks,
Ken
Thanks,
Ken
OP
liuk3
Contributor
Another question, how important is it to go with PADI or some of the other organizations when getting certified? Is LA county affiliated with any of these organizations as well?
I was certified by LA County in the late 60's years after I had already been diving for a number of years. It certainly is one of, if not the best, open water programs in the States.
The only problem I have with that certification is when I travel. Although everyone recognizes PADI (for better or for worse), few recognized my LAC c-card (and one that did felt it belonged in a museum). I eventually got a PADI advanced, which did little for me other than to give me a c-card that allowed me to do everything my LAC card already did, was one that people recognized, and avoided the issue of having to do a check out dive with them first. Funny.
The only problem I have with that certification is when I travel. Although everyone recognizes PADI (for better or for worse), few recognized my LAC c-card (and one that did felt it belonged in a museum). I eventually got a PADI advanced, which did little for me other than to give me a c-card that allowed me to do everything my LAC card already did, was one that people recognized, and avoided the issue of having to do a check out dive with them first. Funny.
I have a Cert with LA County from a long time ago. But, I use my NAUI cert when I need air.
I do feel LA County is one of the best. However, like most are saying it is not recognized like PADI or NAUI. Outside of Los Angeles, not many have heard of them.
Apparently, many LA County Instructors are now affiliated with other Training Agencies and will give you dual certifications.
If you are interested in going that route, give them a call... I'm sure they can tell you more: http://www.lascuba.com/
I do feel LA County is one of the best. However, like most are saying it is not recognized like PADI or NAUI. Outside of Los Angeles, not many have heard of them.
Apparently, many LA County Instructors are now affiliated with other Training Agencies and will give you dual certifications.
If you are interested in going that route, give them a call... I'm sure they can tell you more: http://www.lascuba.com/
OP
liuk3
Contributor
Another question, is it worth it to bother trying to get certified this late in the year in socal or should I just wait until next year?
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