National Geographic Diver Program?

[tiggy]

I tried using the search function, but didn't come up with anything recent and/or relevant.

Has anyone completed the National Geographic Diver Program with OW? If so, what was your opinion of it?

My husband and I are signed up for this in May. We chose to do the National Geographic program in addition to OW because we like the additional training/supervised dives. In our opinion, it's always better to have more education and experience.

Thanks!

 

[OWSI176288]

"Has anyone completed the National Geographic Diver Program with OW? If so, what was your opinion of it?"


You asked, so I'll give you my honest opinion. Personallly, I think it's a pretty lame program that's mainly designed to get more money out of new divers by teaching them basic dive skills they shoud of been taught during their Open Water course.

 

[drbill]

No knowledge of this new revenue center but if it included meeting Lisa Ling, I'd do it despite diving for 43 years!

Dr. Bill

 

[Derek S]

No knowledge of this new revenue center but if it included meeting Lisa Ling, I'd do it despite diving for 43 years!

Dr. Bill

I second that!!

 

[knotical]

Here’s the other thread.
http://www.scubaboard.com/t83138-.html

Like so many things, this program’s value depends on the individual.
Those who have taken advantage of it in our shop seemed pleased with the extra dives and additional experiences in buoyancy, navigation, photography, and environment.
It’s not for everyone, but if the extra cost is reasonable, it can be a good match for some folks.

 

[tiggy]

Thanks.

The cost of the National Geographic Diver Program we're taking (in Florida) is actually less than a regular OW class here. (No. Virginia is just expensive.) The extra dives were what really attracted us the the program. It's a bit reassuring to have the extra eyes on you while learning and the only way to learn is to practice.

And I hate to break the bubble, but the National Geographic stuff has the blond lady. (I can't tell you who she is.)

 

[divad]

What's "the blonde lady?"

 

[scubanimal]

I saw a few of those classes late last year, and video taped one. Taking the class right after open water did not show as much benefit as taking them after the advanced course. The focus on the one I saw and video'd was on bouyancy control and exploration. The classes were at Catalina, so that may have influenced it. I asked several of the folks in the class what they thought of it and if it was worthwhile. The best comment made was that even though they only had eleven dives (OW,ADV, + Geo) they looked better in the water then many of the divers with obviously more dives. They were working on their project when a bunch of divers came through stirring up the bottom (caught on tape). I asked the divemaster what his thoughts were of the students, his comments were that he had not seen such progress in students before. But he could not determine if it was the course, instructor or the students (probably a mix of all) that made them appear to have come so far so quickly.

Bottom line: It appeared to work for these folks, who were looking to do better at maintaining neutral bouyancy as well as a nice confidence builder.

 

[Diver Dennis]

LISA LING? Where...where... Yep, I'd pay extra....

 

[emtdan]

How were instrucotrs taught this additional material?