Looking for good instructor and dive shop near Simi Valley/Thousand Oaks

[robstrash]

Hi everyone. I live in NJ but am trying to get my brother-in-law interested in scuba. He lives in Simi Valley so I'm looking for a PADI certified dive shop and the name of a good instructor in that area. I see on the PADI site that there appear to be 2 shops nearby: Sport Chalet (multiple locations) and Channel Islands Scuba. It appears that Sport Chalet might be a chain as I see multiple stores in the area.

My brother-in-law is in his low 30's and a working professional so not sure if weekend or weeknight classes would be best (he's a workaholic too). I know that opinions on instructors can differ but just let me know who you think is good. Also let me know if you like a certain dive shop or even what shops you suggest he avoid.

Thanks for the help!

 

[surfinusa555]

Easy answer. Tom Fujimoto over at the Thousand Oaks Sport Chalet. He goes way above and beyond to make sure you know your stuff. Channel Islands Scuba is nice, but everything seems to cost more than other places so I don't know much about them. Ye Ol' Dive shop in Simi is a good shop. James REALLY knows his stuff and they even teach rebreather and tech stuff. Overall however, I definitely recommend Tom. Also, I'm pretty sure I saw a poster that said all courses are 25% off at Sport Chalet right now.

 

[SoCalRich]

Contact: Mike Doyon
Ventura Dive & Sport
ive boat (The Raptor) Very nice (Dive Boat)
805/ 650-6500 located in the harbor


Mike is an excellent instructor. I have been dining with him in soCal. & Jamaica. He also was one of my son's instructors.

Good Divin
SoCalRich