Kid's Certification Experiences

[lderochi]

Hi, new member here. To make a long story short, while I did my certification last summer on vacation my 11-year old son did a Discover Scuba and loved it. He asked for OW lessons for Christmas so that we could dive together this summer. NOW I just have to find the right dive shop! Unfortunately, we're in lower Delaware and our one LDS gave me a bad vibe -- basically it's a 50/50 paintball and dive shop, and paintball seemed like the higher priority. I asked about lessons, the guy gave me a printed flyer and that was about it.

I'm looking for suggestions and experiences -- particularly with kids -- at shops within a few hours drive. That would pretty much be north to Philadelphia and west to Baltimore. I'm already talked to Annapolis Scuba, Atlantic Edge and Salty Dog -- pros and cons with both it appears.

It would also be helpful to find a place where I can continue with AOW, Refresher or at least play around in a pool with some equipment so I can get comfortable with the quarry diving in the area. As with most certifications, I was somewhat rushed and definitely need some more experience to get more comfortable.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, feel free to PM me as well.

Thanks!

 

[paddler3d]

One catch with Atlantic Edge that I'm aware of, is they don't do checkout dives. The do all the pool work and then refer you.

North East Scuba Supply is a great shop that is a bit West and North of Philly.

Off The Wall SCUBA in Middle River, MD.

Diver's Den in Baltimore, MD.

Aqua Ventures in Cockeysville, MD.

There used to be a couple of shops in Ocean City.

I believe three is the SCUBA Hut in Glenn Burnie, MD.

Mike at Aqua Ventures would be good with Kids. His daughter was diving as soon as she could swim. She's been certified a bit and probably has more dives than most on this board. He is an SSI shop.

Good luck.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I love diving with my 10 now (11 yr old). However, I am very experienced diver and do not expect any help from the kid. Diving with a kid this young is going to pretty much require all the attention of an experienced diver. If you don't have dozens of dives in the equipment and conditions that you expect to accompany the child in, then I don't think you should do it.

Maybe it will sound selfish, especually to your son, but in my opinion, you should spend another full year practicing diviing before you try to engage in this sport with that young of a child.

Teach the kid to freedive and snorkel and practice in the pool with skindiving gear for the next year.

 

[lderochi]

DumpsterDiver, sorry I should have been clearer when I said "dive together". I don't anticipate -- at all -- diving just with my son for some time. We would be doing diving together WITH an experienced diver or instructor. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[ChainSaw0069]

PM Sent.

 

[a22shady]

Its a bit of a drive but I promise it will be well worth it. Call The Scuba Connection in NJ

website is DIVESeekers.com Call us Toll Free 888-728-2247

 

[lderochi]

Thanks. It's not a terrible hike for me personally since I work in New Jersey every other week. Getting my son trained may be more of a challenge, but I'll definitely check them out.

 

[gypsyjim]

Trust your instincts, and keep searching for the right instructor. A really good instructor makes all the difference, and will introduce your child to a wonderful, and safe experience.

 

[cobradiver]

Talk to Atlantic Edge, I have heard good things about them. I am sure they do check out dives and I have seen that they do a scuba camp for kids in the summer. I wish I could have gone to scuba camp as a kid!

 

[gypsyjim]

Talk to Atlantic Edge, I have heard good things about them. I am sure they do check out dives and I have seen that they do a scuba camp for kids in the summer. I wish I could have gone to scuba camp as a kid!

No, I wish I had gone to scuba camp as a kid!

Don't we all!?