New Divers seeking training

[sacredflash]

Howdy ya'll,

A friend and myself are based in NYC and have decided it's time to go get certified. We both fell in love with diving on different dives. As far as I know she's only been on 1 dive, I've been on 4 while on family vacations years ago.

I finally have the money to undertake this task, time is a different story. Right now I'm in the early research stages about finding out what would be the best fit for diving instruction. I briefly glanced over the sticky thread about looking for dive instruction and I intend to give it more of a brush over later today/tomorrow.

I'm just curious if anyone has any recommends for good diving instruction in the city or out on Long Island.

Thanks!

 

[cannon fodder]

Hi Sacred,

I did my OW with Adventurescubany last September, they are between 90th and 91st on York Ave. The pool work was at the Asphalt Green, 91st and York on a Saturday and the check out dives were at Dutch Springs. There were 3 total students and one instructor for both the pool and check out dives. Both instructors were experienced divers who ran great classes. I have also heard good things about Empire Divers and Pan Aqua, but do not have any experience with them.

Have fun,

Derek

 

[iluvtheocean]

where ever you decide on for instruction, check with them about their equipment requirements - some of them require you to buy your gear thru them or else. Doesn't mean they are good or bad.. just their business policy. Personally i'd recommend renting before buying anything but mask/fin/snorkel.

 

[boulderjohn]

Welcome to ScubaBoard!

This is a big site with lots of subforums. We have a whole section related to regional issues, and there is a specific forum for New York: Dive NY

I suggest you go to that forum and look around. I will bet that if you use the search function there, you will find a bunch of people have asked your question about local dive operators, and you can read all the past responses. You can also post your question to get new responses. Your question about the area will more likely get a good response there than in the New Divers forum.

 

[TMHeimer]

I have heard very good things about Scuba New York on Central (Park) Ave. in Yonkers and have been very satisfied as a customer there. They have their own pool on site. It may be out of your way, but I believe they also have a shop in the city.

 

[beaverdivers]

Welcome to SCUBAboard!

I would consider doing your class ( online or classroom ) & pool locally, then finish your Open Water ( OW ) dives in a location similar to the conditions that you wish to dive.

If you care to do the local diving, then do your OW dives locally.

If you wish to dive in warm tropical water, then do your OW in the tropics.

Good luck & Good Diving.

 

[mselenaous]

First welcome to ScubaBoard! You'll be addicted to diving before you know it!

Second, at the top of this forum are several great "stickies" - discussions such as http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne...ng/287780-how-find-excellent-scuba-class.html
Lots of info there to ponder.

Third, mosey on over to the Dive New York group...always friendly and helpful and they are very active divers of ALL levels. Dive NY

Fourth, Yes, I've met Oly5050user (ScubaBoard name) from Scuba Yonkers....very experienced, nice. Send him a PM and maybe he'll answer some of your questions.

Please let us know how your training goes!

 

[G83]

I just completed my OW cert with Pan Aqua, and i have nothing but good things to say about them. They're at 43rd and 10th, just a couple blocks from the E. Poolwork is done at the health club next door, they also run trips to Dutch Springs for the checkout dives.

 

[sacredflash]

awesome thanks for all the info, will be looking into everything posted!

 

[LowDrag]

where ever you decide on for instruction, check with them about their equipment requirements - some of them require you to buy your gear thru them or else. Doesn't mean they are good or bad.. just their business policy. Personally i'd recommend renting before buying anything but mask/fin/snorkel.

Whatever you do DON'T buy a $45.00+ snorkel. I got suckered into that purchase and wish I had not been that dumb. Look for a snorkel (cheap) that you can roll up and put in a pocket for those occasions that a snorkel is needed i.e., classes. Asking about using a snorkel around here is like asking about split fins and blade fins and which is better...you'll start a huge argument...