LDS and instruction in the Denver,CO area...

[RonFrank]

Hi,

I've looked at a number of LDS online in the Denver and Boulder area. Based on the websites, all are PADI certified, and pricing of the classes, and open water certification seem to be all in the same ballpark ($350-$400) for full certification OW including everything but personal gear.

So, anyone want to step up and tell me the good, bad, or ugly about places IN the Denver area? As most people may not have experience with more than the one they use, I'm not expecting to hear a comprehensive review from any one individual of more than a couple of shops.

Any advice, and experience +/- is appreciated. I'll be in the market for 1K+ of equipment after certification, so experience with LDS for that (yes, I'll DEFINATELY compare against the net) is helful as well.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[Oliver22]

Are you only interested in PADI shops?

 

[RonFrank]

Are you only interested in PADI shops?

Hmm,

Not really. I have zero bias on the various certification organizations. PADI seems to be BIG in the Denver area. I've contacted about 6 shops, and every one is PADI.

I'm looking to get certified so that when I go next to a tropical climate, I can DIVE! I've wanted to do it my entire life (I'm 42) so I've decided NOW is going to be IT.

I do NOT want to do one of those 2 hour, then dive uncertified Mexico deals, and I also do NOT want to spend precious vacation time in a pool learning.

PADI seems to be *the* course offered at many of the major tropical resport area's that I've looked at (Cozumel for example) and I do NOT want issues with referal if I choose to do OW somewhere warm.

Ron

 

[Oliver22]

Scuba Den has a good group of instructors. The staff is informative they spend their time helping you, not being stuck up. Scuba Den is an SSI store. I have never had any problems with having a SSI card anywhere in the world. The store you choose can also pre-contact your referal store, many of my friends have taken care of the dives this way. I would take a day and drive around and talk to the staff and see who you like. There are about 13 dive stores in the Denver Meto Area. It all depends on what you want out of a dive store. I have been to all of them except the new GOBE (sp?) dive shop.

 

[Wijbrandus]

Ron,

I certified through a shop in the Tech Center. After doing my AOW there, my wife decided to certify through Flatirons Scuba in Broomfield. She didn't like the Tech Center shop at all.

After observing her certifications, I'm a Flatirons Scuba customer for life as well. Her instructor was the owner. The owners do nearly all the instruction there, instead of contracting out their instructors.

Also, they are the only Halcyon dealer in Colorado. This was a major plus for me. One of the owners is a cave diver, and has nearly completed his GUE instructor certification for Fundamentals.

If you do go, tell them Robert and Lori Wijbrandus referred you. They'll treat you right, I promise. Talk to Greg or Rob. Rob is the "tech guy", but they both own the shop.

A1 Scuba is also very nice and friendly, and also has their own pool on site, but for my money I'd go to Flatirons Scuba.

They also offer NAUI, if you've got some reason to not go PADI, and are doing a GUE fundamentals course in September.

http://www.flatironsscuba.com/

 

[RonFrank]

Ron,

After observing her certifications, I'm a Flatirons Scuba customer for life as well. Her instructor was the owner. The owners do nearly all the instruction there, instead of contracting out their instructors.


If you do go, tell them Robert and Lori Wijbrandus referred you. They'll treat you right, I promise. Talk to Greg or Rob. Rob is the "tech guy", but they both own the shop.

A1 Scuba is also very nice and friendly, and also has their own pool on site, but for my money I'd go to Flatirons Scuba.

http://www.flatironsscuba.com/

Hi Robert,

Thanks for the advice. A1, and Flatirons are both Shops I was considering.

If I decide on Flatirons, I'll definatley let them know you talked well of them.

Ron

 

[jbichsel]

Ron,
As a newly certified PADI instructor with 15 years diving, 14 years as DM, I did a lot of searching around the Denver/Co Spgs area before I started my IDC (Instructor Developement Course). I wound up going back to Texas, where I started diving, and taking the IDC from my original instructor. After completing the IE (Instructor Examination) August 14 & 15, I know I made the right choice. I had two job offers, one at the end of the IE, the other the next day. Still thinking about them.

If I were to work as an instructor in the Denver area, it would be A-1 Scuba or Flatirons. I've had more contact with A-1 and they are a class act. Flatirons gave me a warm-fuzzy, but I've not been there but once. Living in Monument, that would be a bit far to drive.

However, due to other commitments of work and family, I will probably be an independant instructor. I will be able to provide quality instruction, quality equipment at affordable prices.

I agree with the posts above. Don't base your decision of certification on an agency. Meet with several staff of different shops, different agency affiliations, even multiple instructors of one shop. Make your decision based upon where and with whom you feel you will get the best education, most time and attention.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to talk more.

 

[OceanusDC]

Hey Ron,
I agree with Jerry. A-1 is a class act and the guys at Flatirons are also tops. I do have one more recomendation though. Scuba Joe in Boulder has a great staff, the instructors are some of the bast and they also have a pool. I have had extensive experience with all of the above shops, including working as an instructor for two of them, doing my IDC at one and furthering my education at another. There are all three great picks!

Pam

 

[michaelaz]

I myself would vouch for underwater phantaseas,303-220-8282,they are one of the bigger LDS in the denver area and have a great staff, ask for Brian or Mike the Owner