Hello.....newbe in ST Pete Area

[mneal]

Hello,
My wife, myself and another couple are thinking of getting certified. (actually the other husband is already but said he would do course again for refresher). We all are avid boaters and enjoy snorkeling in the Keys etc. so SCUBA is attractive addition.

I talked to several of the local outdoor equipment places that do certification and a couple dive shops and seems most are SSI. I realize the actual instructor is paramount but since I know basically nothing about the sport hard to judge, not to mention the guy I talk to while window shopping may or may not be the actual instructor. Bottom line is that I am having difficult time choosing the spot to take the classes. I realize it is a not trivial thing and a quality education is required for both the enjoyment of the sport and safety. I suppose I am really looking for advice/referrals.

I am a 37 yr old slightly overweight pencil pusher i.e. , however I do enjoy wakeboarding and some watersports so I am typically in better shape in the summer , the winter I fatten up slightly. I am somewhat worried about my fittness level, any reason to be?

 

[johnny_bravo]

I'm sure others will chime in...I would PM Capt. Ty here on this board (he runs a great boat out of St. Pete's) to get certified.

You don't need to be a Triathlete to get certified but you should have a moderate amount of flexibility and cardiovascular fitness to get the most out of your certification and future diving experience.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[K Mejean]

I have never done anything with Capt. Ty but he has a great reputation. Depending on the area you live in will depend on where you want to do your classes. If you are on the Tampa side of the bay I will strongly recommend Burt at Tampa Adventure Sports. I am currently doing Rescue with him and he really knows his stuff. He is a NUAI dive shop. I did my other certifications through Scuba Quest in Brandon and they were very good as well. I have no complaints with either of them.

 

[K Mejean]

OH yeah. Welcome to the Board.

 

[Missdirected]

Heya welcome to the board We have a few good instructors around here. However, first and foremost, I too would have to recommend Capt. Ty.

A couple of reasons:
First; He teaches SSI in your area
Second; He has access to a very nice pool
Third and what I believe to be important; Unlike many who end up taking their final cert in a lake or at weeki wachee you can actually go out on his boat and get a real gulf dive in - meaning real conditions!

You can reach Capt. Ty here on the board by shooting a pm to "Capt. Ty". Good luck and happy diving to you and your friends. Oh and Capt. Ty will be able to speak to you personally about your fitness level.


Lastly, if things for some strange reason do not work out with Capt. Ty, shoot me a pm I have other recommendations.

 

[eandiver]

Welcome and I second the recommendations for Capt. Ty.

 

[frogman_5]

Welcome to the board!