Looking for instructor/shop recommendation in N. Virginia

[sharkgeek]

I'm interested in getting my basic open water dive certification but have experienced "paralysis by analysis" trying to decide on an instructor, shop, and certifying agency. I live in Northern Virginia, and as recommended, I've visited some local shops but haven't been totally sold yet on any of them. I know the instructor is the most important piece to the puzzle, so can anyone recommend by name a truly outstanding dive instructor in the region? I'm forty-something, pretty athletic, like the water, and am excited to finally give this a try, but being new to the sport, I want to do it at my pace and within my comfort zone. Simply put, I really want to learn to dive correctly and safely with an emphasis on quality instruction, not on selling me lots of gear. You probably see similiar postings a lot, but I hope to get some feedback nevertheless. Thanks for your input and suggestions~Sharkgeek

 

[Ice9]

I'm a HUGE fan of Adventure Scuba Company. I've taken all my classes there so far and everyone there is extremely friendly and helpful. Give 'em a call!

http://www.scubava.com

 

[msmendel]

Both my wife and my son obtained OW certification through Splash. I got AOW and Nitrox certified through them. Very good instructors. Consider doing class and pool at home and your open water check out dives by referral while you are on vacation. Here is a link: http://www.splashdivecenter.com

 

[fergusonjlf]

My husband, son, and I used Splash Dive when they had a shop in Herndon. Clement was our instructor. I think that they did a good job.

We did our pool dives at the George Mason pool in Manassas. Very nice facility for learning to dive.

We did NOT do our open water dives in the quarry. The idea of cold and murky water was not appealing. Grand Cayman was lots nicer.

JoAn

 

[Hoyden]

Where in northern VA? That covers a lot of territory.

Jackie

 

[gafftape42]

This is a another vote for Splash Dive Center. I have done most of my training there from Rescue Diver to my Tech training and I am currently working on my Instructor ticket there.

I unlike the other posters however will suggest you do your open water dives locally. Otherwise you will be spending 2 days of your vacation training.

It is true the quarry can be cold, although I have been comfortable at some points in the summer in a 3mm with a hooded vest. The quarry is not the only option. Lake Rawlings is about 3 hours south of DC and is much warmer and clearer than the quarry. Splash typically does monthly trips down there during the spring and summer.

I currently work as an Assistant Instructor at Splash and will be there all weekend if you would like to discuss anything further.

 

[NSDiver]

Another vote here for Splash Dive Center - did AOW and Nitrox with them. Great instruction, and they have a VERY experienced and active staff. They were my shop of choice when I was living in Annapolis, and I wish there was a shop like that around here.

-Nick

 

[sharkgeek]

Thanks for responding. You've given me a few good leads. To Jackie--I'm in the Fairfax area and prefer something local and convenient but don't mind travelling if it means having a superior experience! ~sharkgeek

 

[Ice9]

We did NOT do our open water dives in the quarry. The idea of cold and murky water was not appealing.
JoAn

Doh! I love the quarry! Its really not that bad. Fun and convenient dive site...

 

[edparris]

Here's another vote for ASC. Good group of guys.