Bubblesong
Contributor
Aside from the quality of the instruction is the concern about already being freinds. Would a non-friend be more or less likely to really make you learn every detail or let things slide in order to not lose a dive buddy?
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I'd probably be more of a hardass as my friends would expect that from me!Aside from the quality of the instruction is the concern about already being freinds. Would a non-friend be more or less likely to really make you learn every detail or let things slide in order to not lose a dive buddy?
I'd probably be more of a hardass as my friends would expect that from me!
If he's an instructor, is insured, teaches you to perform all the underwater skills while neutrally buoyant, then go for it. If you don't like the course in the end, you can pay someone for a course, but you'll know a bit more. Still get Lapenta's book.He is a certified instructor but I can't remember which agency. I'm just not sure if his teaching would be adequate. He doesn't really teach but was just gonna do it as a favor. He would most likely be teaching me on Sam rayburn lake here in jasper but I want to dive the Gulf and I was told it's a whole different monster.
I don't think it is a high horse situation, it is a matter of questions that need to be asked and answered before taking up this endeavor. But at my age I have learned that some axioms are true, and one of those that have been true over the years is "you get what you pay for."
You guys are literally too much, it is always the same mantra "The instructor is the most important thing!!!" Then when the guy says he has a friend that is an instructor that will do him a "square" and train him for free, all the red flags go up and righteous indignation comes out. I tell ya what, what if my really good friend Brian Kakuk offered to cave train me for free? Would all of you be, NO get a GOOD PAID instructor?!?!?!?!"
This guy asked a basic question and said his friend is an instructor, at that point how is this instructor any different from any other instructor? He isn't. If he does the training for free or not has nothing to do with the quality of the training. Now if he does not "click" with his friend as his instructor, then even free training is not worth the cost.
Every now and then hop off your high horses and look at what you are saying.
You could end up much better trained with your local diver friend than in a course - jam packed - hurring you through reaching the basic level of compencity.
Talk to your friend about it. The free part may be because he wants a reason to go diving and loves to teach people and likes you and wants you as another possible buddy. So your level of training with him could end up much better!
Good luck
I Don't think I mentions PAID at any time. I said get a good INSTRUCTOR.
The OP said a his friend was a Rescue Diver, I am not aware of any agency where Rescue Diver is an Instructor qualification. It may be that his friend is an instructor, if so nor problems, go for it.
The UK model is different that the USA model. You can pay a commercial school to teach you to dive, as per the USA model. OR, you can join a BSAC (or SSA) branch (club), as part of the membership, volunteer instructors train you to dive.
A BSAC instructor has the same training and examinations, irrespective of teaching commercially or as a volunteer.
Gareth