Goliath Grouper Specialty Course?

[TracyN]

I about spit out my coffee when I read the email I received from a dive shop advertising a PADI Goliath Grouper Specialty Class. For $179 you can go on a dive with goliath groupers and earn a PADI specialty that counts towards your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

[herbdb]

Sounds bogus.

 

[AfterDark]

I got the same email. I couldn't believe it. I haven't seen any of those critters here in RI. Does PADI supply the fish?

 

[Pelagicsal]

Does it include sneaking into the middle of a school of 20 or so and pretending I'm a Goliath Grouper, too? :daydreaming:
Wish someone had gotten or given me that picture...

 

[DevonDiver]

Probably a 'Distinctive Specialty' written by an instructor and approved (for that instructor to teach) by PADI.

For all you know, they instructor just finished Phd study on Goliath Groupers...and wanted to share his fascination.

Cynicism isn't pretty. Why not find out more, before casting your scorn publicly?

 

[DaleC]

How does diving with a grouper make you a "master scuba diver". What does that term mean?

 

[E8ArmyDiver]

This idea was probably a spin off from Shark Encounters & if you have ever been close to a full grown Jewfish you can understand the mentality behind offering this.A fish that can swallow a grown man whole can be a little intimidating,especially to new divers so an introduction by an experienced guide isn't such a bad idea.There was one on the wreck of the Eagle years ago that was at least as big as a VW Beetle(swear to Poseidon),just about swallowed my reg the first time I saw it lumbering out from the darkened cargo hold!Burrowed pic:

 

[TracyN]

This idea was probably a spin off from Shark Encounters & if you have ever been close to a full grown Jewfish you can understand the mentality behind offering this.A fish that can swallow a grown man whole can be a little intimidating,especially to new divers so an introduction by an experienced guide isn't such a bad idea.There was one on the wreck of the Eagle years ago that was at least as big as a VW Beetle(swear to Poseidon),just about swallowed my reg the first time I saw it lumbering out from the darkened cargo hold!Burrowed pic:

My God is that a big fish!

 

[E8ArmyDiver]

My God is that a big fish!

...
The thing is,Goliath Groupers have been on the Protected Species list in Fl.for the last 20+ years so with no fishing pressure they get REAL big!The resident of the Eagle could have probably swallowed the one pictured...I'm surprised,you living in Tampa aren't familiar.A few more burrowed pics for those not familiar:

 

[FuzzyNutz]

Now how in the hell am I supposed to fit THAT on my grill?!?