Looking for a SDI Solo Diver Instructor

[TNTdive]

Can anyone recommend a Instructor/Dive Center to get the SDI Solo Diver Certification? I am trying to get Solo Diver Certified for trips to Lake Rawlings, I have missed a few too many opportunities to get up that way and was told that with the Solo Diver Cert you can dive their without a buddy (hence the solo). However, when I contacted the local dive shop (that is SDI certified) they did not have any information about class dates, costs, etc.

So looking for any experience or recommendation or any instructors that would be able to instruct in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Chesapeake/Suffolk area.

Thanks,
Ted

 

[lowviz]

PM sent.

 

[TNTdive]

lowviz,

Thanks for the information...

Still looking for something within the Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News area. If there isn't anything there then will be opening the search out to the Richmond area.

Thanks,
Ted

 

[BrittneyA]

These are the LDS's in your state that offer the Solo Diver Course, I am in Texas and really have no clue if any of these are close enough to you but I hope this helps.

Deep Dream Diving
Newport News
757-713-0168

Lynnhaven Dive Center
Virginia Beach
757 481-7949

The Dive Shop
Fairfax
703 698-7220

Virginia Scuba, Inc.
Manassas
703-369-0098

Virginia Scuba, Inc.
Manassas
703-369-0098

Adventure Scuba Company, VA
Chantilly
703-263-0427

 

[TNTdive]

Brittney,

Thanks for the information, I have calls/e-mails in to the two LDS. I had not heard of this course till a friend told me about it, but he did not have contact information for his instructor.

Great website for your LDS, Tiger Shark Scuba.

Thanks,
Ted

 

[pelsung]

Lynnhave Dive Center in Va Bch has two SDI Solo instructors:
Dave Hinkle and Mike Scammon

 

[TNTdive]

Thanks. I had gotten Mike Scammon's name from another friend and took the course with him. Mike is a good instructor and gives good advice with practical hands on training. I definitely learned a few things from it. I have been using my solo cert at Lake Rawlings. Went twice this weekend with a backplate and wing configuration that we had covered during the course. I am glad that I took the course with him. That and what I learned carries over to being a better dive buddy.

TNT

 

[Randy g]

This is something I have been wanting to do as well. I phoned Dave Hinkle (We are on the Virginia Aquarium Dive Team) and found out its $85 plus books. He teaches out of the Lynnhaven Dive shop and its only a matter of scheduling the class, paying for materials and taking the solo diver specialty test to get certified.:cool2:

 

[TNTdive]

It is simple for the most part and I did do mine with LDC (with Mike Scammon). One thing...I ordered/paid for the SDI Solo diver book (course material) on June 17 and still have not gotten the book. Everytime that I have called they have said they will check on it and call me back..then no call back. When I ask for them to check and I'll wait, it is that it should be coming but has not arrived. Thankfully, I had a friend who went through the class recently and I borrowed his book. However, I want to have my own book to review and future reference.

I dive with the Virginia Aquarium Dive team as well and Dave Hinkle is a good person. I don't think that you would go wrong with Mike or Dave (and you can not beat $85 for the course)...it's just getting the book that might be the issue.

TNT