KW Open Water Diver Certification

[renaudb]

Hi all,

I am a student at the University of Waterloo and I am considering doing my Open Water Diver certification. I went diving in the past with an instructor and I loved it. I am looking for a certification that is valid anywhere since I travel a lot.

I have to say I am a bit confused with all the different organization providing the certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.). After reading a bit on the forums, it seems like the general consensus is that the organization doesn't matter as long as you have a good instructor. I was wondering if you guys have any tips on instructors and diving schools in the KW area. The closer to a bus route the better. It also seems like PADI comes under a lot of criticism for being too easy. Should I look for a NAUI school?

Anyway, what are your suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Walter]

I am looking for a certification that is valid anywhere since I travel a lot.

That won't be an issue. Charters want to take you diving. That's how they make their money.

It also seems like PADI comes under a lot of criticism for being too easy. Should I look for a NAUI school?

Honestly, you can get an excellent education with either (and others) and you can get a poor education with either (and others). It's easier to find, what is in my opinion, a poor class than an excellent one.

To find that excellent class, do some research, ask the questions I suggest in this thread.

 

[acwest]

Hi all,

I am a student at the University of Waterloo and I am considering doing my Open Water Diver certification. I went diving in the past with an instructor and I loved it. I am looking for a certification that is valid anywhere since I travel a lot.

I have to say I am a bit confused with all the different organization providing the certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.). After reading a bit on the forums, it seems like the general consensus is that the organization doesn't matter as long as you have a good instructor. I was wondering if you guys have any tips on instructors and diving schools in the KW area. The closer to a bus route the better. It also seems like PADI comes under a lot of criticism for being too easy. Should I look for a NAUI school?

Anyway, what are your suggestions?

Thanks.

Generally any of the certifications will be accepted anywhere. I was certified with ACUC, which is less well known than many, but have never had a problem with having it recognized. I know there is a NAUI shop there called Dean's Dive, and there are a few other shops as well. It is also worth investigating whether the University has a diving club, that can often be a very good way to get trained. (I just did a quick search and found a scuba course offered by the University, and it appears that Dean's Dive is associated with that). Good luck, and happy diving...
-Craig

 

[ScubaSteve]

Dean's is definitely an option. As is http://www.allwetwatersports.com/ . I know Pat at AllWet and he is a really good guy. They are a newer shop so they are more likely to go a little further than perhaps some others.

My recommendation would be to research online some of the questions that you really should know before choosing an instructor and then start by going to talk to Andrew at Tri-City. They are over near Budd Park and I have a ton of respect for him as both an instructor and a shop owner.

Another option is Groundhog Divers also in Kitchener however, based on my experience, this is not where I would start the search.

Again, if you ask all the right questions before hand you will likely not leave the class feeling shorted.

 

[CDNScubaMoose]

+1 for Tri-City. I am just finishing up my DSAT Tec 50 with Andrew and he is definitely one of the best instructors that I've had through my lengthy dive education. They have a great group of instructors and can take your diving education in just about any direction you want and make sure you have the skills and knowledge that will make you a very proficient diver.

I have also participated in a couple of their training weekends and they are a great group of people to socialize with when not diving.

 

[CuNanoTube]

Hi all,

I am a student at the University of Waterloo and I am considering doing my Open Water Diver certification. I went diving in the past with an instructor and I loved it. I am looking for a certification that is valid anywhere since I travel a lot.

I have to say I am a bit confused with all the different organization providing the certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.). After reading a bit on the forums, it seems like the general consensus is that the organization doesn't matter as long as you have a good instructor. I was wondering if you guys have any tips on instructors and diving schools in the KW area. The closer to a bus route the better. It also seems like PADI comes under a lot of criticism for being too easy. Should I look for a NAUI school?

Anyway, what are your suggestions?

Thanks.

I am a UW student as well (1a Nano). I was certified last summer in Mississauga under NAUI. Unfortunately I don't know the LDS in town, but if you have questions about diving send me an email. If you can get to Mississauga, Aqua Systems does a good weekend course (I took the 4 week course).

 

[Groundhog246]

I'll give a thumbs up to doing at UW through Dean's. I've known Dean quite a while, good instructor, good diver and a great guy. I did my nitrox with him. Did my OW and AOW with Groundhog and they're also a good choice. They have their own pool and flexible hours. When I did it, I had more than one instructor, which means exposure to more than one teaching technique. All of them were terrific.

 

[shoredivr]

Another vote for Deans Deans Sport and Dive Kitcheners full service Scuba Store He dives for fun as well as teaching, and has more than 20 years experience. I really enjoyed the Rescue course I took with them.

I know that he teaches at the U of W pool, and also runs classes in Guelph. Give the shop a call, there's a class starting soon.

 

[Stoo]

Look up the boys at Tri-City. Tell 'em stoo sent you. They'll charge you double probably, but tell them anyway...