Help getting certification

[Algae]

OK, to make a very long story short. As a birthday gift I paid to have my boyfriend certified. Because he works 6 days a week I had to find a place that could certify him just on Sundays. My needs were as follows:
1) The certification could be done on Sundays only
2) at least one of his dives was done as a beach dive (I do mostly beach diving so I wanted him to get trained right).

We got all but 2 skills done on a boat but not they keep making excuses why not to do the beach dive and keep pushing the boat (which BTW, their boat is $200 vs most which are about $150 +/1). Finally they schedule him for tomorrow and just now cancelled saying something about run off.

Are there any PADI instructors out there who can do is last 2 skills (controlled ascent and nav) for a small fee? My goal was to have him certified by lobster season (and I told them this) but ever time they keep cancelled. He has even offered to come in any morning of the week.

I"m SOO frustrated and am missing out on some good diving. I would appreciate any help.

 

[Dive California]

that's an awful story...unfortantly, I have a pool and class going tomorrow...otherwise, I'd be able to finish him off. I have 1 student next week that I'm taking beach diving in PV...if you don't find anything for tomorrow, let me know and he could join me.

 

[diver_doug]

You could try scuba.com. When I went down there a while ago (the actual store is located in Irvine) I was talking to the guy who runs the place (and also does certification) about AOW, and he seemed like a really flexible/reasonable guy. I can't remember his name, but whoever you talk to down there should be able to get you in touch with the right person. You could also try Laguna sea and sports (949-494-6965), I think I remember them being pretty flexible.

 

[Codyjp]

I would at least contact Steve and his team at www.lascubadiving.com and see if they can help you out.

I don't know about your specific agenda but I'm sure if there is a way he can get it done.

Best of luck, and don't get frustrated!

 

[pluckydks]

Do you have the paperwork saying everything but those two skills were completed?

 

[Algae]

Thanks for the feedback. I had a heart to heart with them and they promised assuming conditions are good he said it'll be done next week. Unfortunately they want some ideal conditions that I'm not sure actually exist.

If not, I'll go to plan B. I reached out to someone at SCUBA.com. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. He does have everything signed off so hopefully if necessary someone can just finish off those skills.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

[on_two_wheels]

What part of so cal? La Jolla Shores is ridiculously easy. Personally, I think at least one shore dive should be mandatory for OW. Divers on a budget will certainly end up shore diving and should learn to read the currents, wave cycles, etc. Not to mention getting tumbled with a professional nearby to assist if needed.

Stick to it and don't give up on the beach dive.

 

[fnfalman]

Call Sea D Sea Sea d Sea Scuba Diving Center -- 1911 Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 -- (310) 373-6355

Talk to Barry the owner. I'm sure that one of his several PADI instructors would be able to take the boyfriend down to Veterans Park at Redondo Beach for a beach entry and the last two skill sets.

 

[Dive California]

Algae...why are you not naming shop or instructor name...if your story is true...it's crazy, doesn't make any sense...????