Just waiting for my course to start

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C

CraigE

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Location
Somerset, NJ
# of dives
0 - 24
Hi all

Just saying hello :)

Live in Central New Jersey, I am all signed up for my Open Water Cert class that starts on Jan 17th and can't wait for it to start!!

I have read the training manual already, now just waiting for my class to begin(but going back and reading it again). Also found out that I am the only one signed up for my class, looks like I will be getting private lessons? Does anyone think that NOT having anyone in my class with me is a bad idea? I could switch to a day that has other new divers in it?

Happy New Year
-Craig
 
Hi There and Welcome to the Board!!
Good to see great enthusiasm...sometimes a Dive Centre may delay your course until there's at least a few students enrolled. I see nothing wrong with being the only student. Best of luck for your Cert.
Take Care & Dive Safe
 
welcome aboard
 
CraigE:
Hi all

Just saying hello :)

Live in Central New Jersey, I am all signed up for my Open Water Cert class that starts on Jan 17th and can't wait for it to start!!

I have read the training manual already, now just waiting for my class to begin(but going back and reading it again). Also found out that I am the only one signed up for my class, looks like I will be getting private lessons? Does anyone think that NOT having anyone in my class with me is a bad idea? I could switch to a day that has other new divers in it?

Happy New Year
-Craig
Click to expand...

If you are the only one signed up , the dive facility will most likely delay class start up untll more students sign on..Or they will will give you an option to pay for a private class.Not cost efficient,even if they own their own pool, to run class for 1.If they rent a pool it will cost them $$ to teach you by the time they pay pool fees(which are more than what your tuition could be) and pay instr.
I charge $400. for a private ow course and pay a minimal fee for pool,much less than what a facility would and make about only $16. per hr doing it.Out of that $16. I still have to pay for my insurance,transportation,gear depreciation,etc...if a class runs for you ,especially if they do not charge you a private fee,AND you are happy with the results,do not forget to offer some form of APPRECIATION to the instructor ,and when purchasing gear do not forget that the dive center went all out for you to get you trained.
 
I personally had more fun taking my class with other people. I didn't get as frustrated thinking I was the only with maybe a few issues. I got to see others learning right along with me and I felt comfortable and not under so much pressure to learn quickly and maybe even giving up because of it and had it not been for others in the class I may have done just that...but above all that I just had more fun...you get to laugh with others as they are get "skilled up"!

Go with more of a group if possible.......BUT above all have fun and don't get frustrated and give up you won't regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Thanks for the warm welcome :)

I was at the shop the other day, and they said they won't cancel the class and my cost won't change. They have their own heated pool in the store where all the training is done.

I may just ask them if it would help them out if I switched to a different day, that has other students signed up? I wouldn't mind helping out the LDS if I can.

-Craig
 
CraigE:
Thanks for the warm welcome :)

I may just ask them if it would help them out if I switched to a different day, that has other students signed up? I wouldn't mind helping out the LDS if I can.

-Craig
Click to expand...

Welcome to ScubaBoard from a fellow Central NJ diver!

When I did my OW I started with three other students, but after the first week the instructor opted to have me do my pool work seperately from the other students. Not because I needed individualized help, but rather because it was pretty clear that I was much more comfortable in the water and with the skills than the others were, and the instructor didn't want them to be holding me back. The result was a private class at the cost of a group class. And I didn't need to spend 3/4 of the time in the pool waiting for three other people to attempt each skill over, and over, and over...

I'd go for the one-on-one if it's available. If you need "individualized attention" to help you through difficulties, you'll get it. And on the other end, if you're a natural and take to skills easily you'll be able to spend that much more of the pool time with your instructor refining and enhancing your skills instead of just hovering in the pool waiting for other students to do their thing.

Even if the other students are comfortable/capable there's also the logistical inneficiencies of having others in your class. Need to wait for everyone to arrive (most people are late for everything) then everyone has to get their stuff together (who left their stuff in the car, or has a mask that doesn't fit right?) then to assemble their stuff (which end of this hose goes where? how much weight does each person need? this BCD doesn't fit, should I get another one from the rack?) then to get in pool and get stuff done in a time efficient fashion (who has to get out to use bathroom? how often? oops I left my mask on the bench!)

Given the choice, I'd go for your currently scheduled class. Maybe some students will get added to yours, but if not I think you're ahead of the game.

Trust me, if the shop really wanted you to fall in with a group on another night they would have suggested it already. The fact that they offer the course "on demand" regardless of number of students is a good thing, and tells you something about their commitment to providing quality training to their students.

Enjoy - and I look forward to diving with you someday!
 
Hi
I did my certificate in London and was the only one - I thought it was great - I could ask lots of questions and had the undivided attention of my instructor all day. I went out to do my open water dives off south coast of Colombia in Novemberand despite being a nervous diver had a brilliant time (first day again the only one but second day with a lovely girl from Japan and then it was good to practise being buddies) - diving in he open water is such a wondeful experience and much easier than in a tank - I hope you, too, have a great experience,
Carol.
 
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