I might not like this after all

[IslandHopper]

In any case, If you feel you start neglecting the RV, I'll take it up and wring it out for you !

My wife felt the same way (dead-tired) after her first and second day in the pool ... but is SO glad she stuck it out ... once you get out and start diving, it's actually fairly low-impact and relaxing (unless you WANT to make it more strenuous)

 

[cineprep]

FWIW... as much as people like to slag PADI....

My Padi course (an *intensive* three weekend course) consisted of 6 X 1.5 to 2 hour pool sessions, 6 X 1.5 -> 2 hour classroom sessions and four open water dives where we had to redo most of the skills in open water. It was grueling... and I was exhausted every day (cold water so lots of neoprene and lots of weight) but... when I finished I felt that I knew my skills well enough to go diving and enjoy it. I went into that course with a fear of deep water and then found myself in 80' of water checking out turtles feeding on my first "fun dive" in Mexico.

It was very worthwhile...

Also.. as an added note... my instructor took his job very seriously.. if you flunked or panicked in the open water you could keep going back to the pool to practice your skills until either you passed or gave up...

Frankly, it sounds like you're being ripped off. How much did they charge you for that course?

 

[MikeFerrara]

In most cases the agency doesn't dictate the amount of pool time but rather what has to be done. It's up to the instructor (and the student) when it's done.

Around here 6 hours in the pool is about all you're going to get and some shops get it done quicker.

The first class I ever taught for a local shop got me balled out by the shop owner because it took me six hours to get through the pool work with 6 students and no help. I gradually increased the pool time in my classes until it seemed to work. Now we do a minimum of 15 hours. Some very small classes could get done sooner maybe and some people need longer but this is what I plan on.

I had an instructor of a very successful shop as me what we did in the pool for 15 hours.

It's a matter of economics and of course most people are in a hurry.
But I better stop cuz I'm gonna get in more trouble for critisizing recreational training. LOL

 

[LUBOLD8431]

cdiver2, the merits of quick certs has been debated all over this board, and I don't think the debate needs to rage on here.
Rachel

Why not Rachel? This is exactly what the thread originator is talking about...

I think its absolutely appalling that an OW class has only 6 hours of pool work, and in only one session.

Also, what cdiver2 said about the guy getting certified in a weekend is ridiculous...

Entry level students coming into scuba diving need to ask for MORE in their OW class, not want to get quick, cheap certifications.

 

[RV6Pilot]

Thanks to all the gave comments on my post. I spoke to the LDS yesterday about the class and we discussed my opinions and concerns. The owner was honest in saying they were evaluating this course and may make adjustments based on mine and others feedback. I was offered additional time to practice any of the skills I felt uncomfortable with.

At this time I am happy with the response of the LDS and will probably give it another try.

Thanks again to all....

 

[voop]

Seems that your LDS is responsive to your considerations. That's a good start. If you air your concirns, they can react -- if you just keep it to yourself, then how can they know that they should improve?

You did good in telling them, and they did good in remedying your immediate concern (more pratice time) and addressing the general problem (adjusting future courses). In truth, that sounds like a shop worth giving a chance...

Good luck -- and let's know how it all turns out.

 

[Wijbrandus]

RV6Pilot,

I too am curious how it works out. My pool sessions were split up into 2 hour sessions over 6 days at 3 days a week. Not only did this give plenty of time to practice the basics, but when we went to our open water sessions I was far more comfortable and prepared.

Of course, I'm half fish anyway. I was swimming almost before I could walk. It's one of those crazy Dutch traditions.

The only thing I had to worry about in my open water was the two usual ones: absolutely no bouyancy control, and my air mysteriously vanishing before my eyes!

Good luck, I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the story.

 

[JRScuba]

Sounds like you need to be comsumer educated about " LDS's " and instructors. All the comments above are right on. You are right to question it, but it should be directed at the LDS and/or instructor. THis is a wonderful exciting sport and needs to be taught properly with Saftey being the main objective.

There a a lot of great LDS's out there and unfortunately a few bad ones. " TELL" your LDS and instructor that your class is to excellerated for you and prefer the slower one. If they give you and problems " Demand" your money back and go to a another LDS. Tell them your experience with the last one and hopefully they will train you accordingly.

Dive Safely and Dive often.

Joel

 

[crpntr133]

Glad to hear that the situation was setled and you will get more pool time. I as well as others in my class had the same problem. Our classes were 6 hours long for 2 days in the pool plus our OW. We had an more mature (elderly) couple in the class and they were both so frustrated that they almost gave up. Luckily they, as well as myself, talked to the owner about the instructor. The owner is also an instructor and took the couple into a "private" class at no charge. I went in one class to weight myself properly for a wet suit and I really liked what I say with his class.I went on to OW dives but had problems with my ears and had surgery. The LDS is working with me VERY nicely at getting me back into the water and certified. Point being, if your not happy tell them, if you are happy tell them and a friend. Remember your LDS!!!!

 

[Scubaguy62]

If you learned 30 skills, that means you had an average of 12 minutes for each. That includes your instructor explaining the skill, then demonstrating the skill, then you learning it and practicing. While some skills can be taught quite easily in 12 minutes, most require more practice time than this.

Right on Walter, and that's not considering the other students in the class and the time it took them to do the skill. I'd love to see how many were able to remove and replace the scuba unit in that time.

Conclusion: Don't give up on SCUBA, instead fire your instructor.

That's it! Go elsewhere! You've displayed the basis of good sound judgment in questioning practices that seemed unsafe to you, and believe me, it won't be the last time. Good for you!! Whether it is now or later, the best way to avoid getting in trouble in scuba diving is to go elsewhere if there is something about the operation (school, LDS, boat, whatever) that makes you uncomfortable.

Semper safe

Rick