New diver to Scubaboard finally

[scubadiver3]

Hi Everyone,

I signed up for scubaboard a long time ago, but never go going with it. I'm baaack!

I got certified from Scuba Sciences in Phoenix, AZ 8 years ago +. I've seen a lot of "bashing" about Scuba Sciences and wanted to explain my experience with them.

I took my classes in the summer of 1998 and had a great time. My Instructor for Class, Paul Wagonseller, and my Open Water Instructor, Tina (not sure of last name) were both very patient and concerned how I was doing. Paul worked with me before every pool session to help overcome my mask clearing issues. Every time I flooded my mask, I would suck water up the nose - not comfortable. He even postponed my trip for me until I was comfortable with my skills and ready to dive.

When I was in the open water with Tina, we had a small group of students and she took us on tours every dive after our skills were complete. She gave her personal underwater camera to the students and let them take pictures of each other and the cool bat rays we saw in the kelp.

I'm sure when people are upset, they vent their frustrations in any way they know how. But I wanted people to know Scuba Sciences is not the inconsiderate, non-customer service base that people make them out to be. No one is perfect, but I have always had great service when I take my BC in for it's annual servicing.

I'm getting ready to buy my regulator now. I know Scuba Sciences deals with Scuba Pro gear, does anyone suggest a certain Scuba Pro regulator for a person who dives maybe 3 times per year? I want Scuba Pro because of their lifetime warranty. I think that is a great warranty - too bad we can't get lifetime warranties on our cars, huh?

LeeAnn

 

[Dive-aholic]

Hi, LeeAnn, and welcome to the Board! You may have more exposure and a response from AZ divers by posting this in the thread you've been reading. I've been part of that discussion. I don't think anyone is bashing Paul or Tina. The issue is the policies of the shop. But I'm sure you've read all that in the thread. I've been in Scuba Sciences a few times myself. I haven't had horrible experiences. In fact, they haven't even been bad. But I can't say they've been great either. I've had better experiences in other shops. As for your BC servicing...what are they doing to it? BCDs shouldn't need annual servicing if they are properly taken care of. Unless you have an Air2 or something similar, you should be fine with regular rinses and proper storage, especially with diving 3 times per year. I can't say much about Scuba Pro regs. They are good regs and easy to work on. I have some older ones that I dive sometimes. My primary regs are a different model. After breathing several regs, I decided on the regs I dive because of how easy they breathe.

Again, welcome to the Board. You should come out to the lake with us some time. A bunch of us dive there on a regular basis and have had some pretty decent dives.

 

[Scuba Jerm]

Welcome back LeeAnn, I agree with Dive-aholic. I'd post something in the AZ thread.

Enjoy!

 

[Jason Ooi]

Welcome back to :sblogo:...LeeAnn
:wave-smil :wave-smil

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy!

Well good to see ya posting.

don

 

[k4man]

Welcome to ScubaBoard!!!

 

[Ocean One]

Welcome to the ScubaBoard! Hope the owners of the LDS take the issues , whatever they are to heart!

 

[scubadiver3]

Hi There,

My owners manual says I have to have it serviced annually to maintain the warranty. I want to protect my investment as long as I can. I know if something goes wrong, the warranty and Scuba Sciences will take care of it.

I called Scuba Sciences and asked what is done during the service. The technician said they check the internal bladder for any leaks, clean it with a cleaning solution to get the salt water, take the dump valves off and check them for salt deposits and make sure they work right, check the weight release system, overhaul the inflator, replace orings, check the overall condition of the material, check the d rings, buckles, etc., and replace the schraader valve (I don't know what that is). It sounds like a lot of service for about $25. It's so worth it to me to spend a measly $25 a year to protect a several hundred dollar BC down the road.

I wish I had enough money to go to a cool place like Fiji for some diving. I guess I have to start saving my pennies.

LeeAnn

 

[Dive-aholic]

The schraeder valve is the metal part you connect your LP hose to. It shouldn't need annual replacement. But if you feel better having it serviced, then by all means.