LDS – specialty training in New England

[PFF]

Do certain LDS in MA, RI and southern NH specialize in any particular training area in which you consider superior to other LDS? I am not looking for tech training but more to the recreational side.

My wife is an avid photographer and I was wondering which LDS is at the forefront in training divers in either photography and or video?

I’ll probably take a road trip to Ocean State Scuba to learn more about their scuba/kayak program.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[RIOceanographer]

Do certain LDS in MA, RI and southern NH specialize in any particular training area in which you consider superior to other LDS? I am not looking for tech training but more to the recreational side.

In addition to the Scuyak class at OSS you mentioned the other unusual specialty they are doing at OSS is underwater hunter. From what Dan was telling me he'll tailor it to whatever you want to do. Anything from hunting for lobsters or clams on scuba to freediving and spearfishing. I am not into hunting myself, but I know Dan knows his stuff when it comes to spearfishing.

 

[Soggy]

I would stay away from most LDSs for technical training. A lot of so-called technical instructors aren't out there doing the dives every weekend. If you want to go down that route, I'd suggest training with the people that are really out there doing it, finding the wrecks, diving them, etc.

Heather & Dave from Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions are NAUI Technical instructors and I would highly recommend them and their boat, R/V Gauntlet. They have found, identified, and offer charters to a number of the wrecks in the area.

I would talk to different instructors and ask them what skills they require, and how they are to be performed. If they suggest that skills can or should be done on your knees at the bottom at any time, leave and talk to someone else.

EDIT: Nevermind my whole post....I missed the "NOT" in "not looking for technical training"

 

[Damselfish]

the question was specifically about rec, not tech training

 

[Soggy]

Yeah, I edited my post because I'm an idiot.

the question was specifically about rec, not tech training

 

[PeaceDog]

Soggy, you're not an idiot. We just need to make a distinction between "tech diver" and "idiot." Just kidding.

I agree completely with Soggy that the best tech trainers - other than Tom Huff at Northeast Scuba - are really not working out of dive shops at all. They're running charters and getting out there routinely. I was hoping to make the jump into technical training this summer, maybe get in some Advanced Nitrox and wreck training. I'll get it in at some point next year, and my first choice will always be Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions.

In terms of recreational specialty training, I can personally vouch for the courses and instruction offered at East Coast Divers. I teach most of them. Additionally, I'll be teaching u/w video classes and seminars there in the new year.

Another great shop for rec training on the advanced end is The Dive Locker in Hyannis, MA. Mike Walls definitely knows his onions and has been doing it right for quite a while.

 

[fishb0y]

Discover Diving in Atkinson, NH was featured in Dive Training a while ago for Ice Diving.

 

[Diesel298]

fishboy..
you following me?

anyway i know its a little off topic. but im gonna add my .02

as everyone said if IF you where lookin for tech training the place to go is the places doin it...
so heres my shameless plug
www.underseaexploration.com
how can ya go wrong

 

[fishb0y]

What do you mean Diesel? I was here first.

 

[Diesel298]

yeah i guess you where.....
but i live here...lol