New Guy Here From Fort Lauderdale ....

[Scuba_Jenny]

Ok then. My mistake. That is what I have been told by a bunch of people.

---------- Post added December 21st, 2013 at 11:44 PM ----------

Ok.. more of towing the PADI line...
From their website:
PADI Five Star Dive Center Membership is awarded to progressive PADI Dive Shops that excel in providing scuba divers with a full range of scuba certification programs, scuba gear selection, and scuba experience opportunities. To qualify as PADI Five Star Dive Center, a dive shop must meet elevated service and business standards and both promote and offer only PADI scuba diving lessons as their recreational scuba diver training. These dive shops also actively promote underwater environmental awareness and embrace the PADI System of diver education, with a commitment to providing quality training, products, services and experiences.

Trying not to bash agencies.. enough of that going around... PADI probably certifies more divers than other agencies. But that is not necessarily a good thing. Again, it's the instructor not the agency.

 

[Chugwhump]

OK Jenny,
I understand your point, and I also understand John's.
So just for kicks, I went to PADI.com and looked at ALL of the PADI 5 Star Training facilities in Broward County.
With the exception of ONE, I can personally recommend them all.
I certainly have favorites, but again, all but one of them is a good choice.
The Instructor is everything.
I could not agree more.

Chug
Whoever wants to, can PM me for my opinion on the bad one if that is needed.
I will not post my opinion on this matter in public.

 

[Diver_Ray]

Since I'm new to South Florida. I've lived here 3 years by choice. I'm from Volusia County. I don't find So. Florida the most courteous of places, but it's a large city, so maybe that's expected? I've learned over many years a lot of pushy people moved here from NY/NJ/CT. A lot of strange bummish types, and lot of rude immigrants live here. There seems to be a lacking sense of community in So. Florida and this makes me feel sad. Well, sorry for the rant. Anyway, I don't mind spending the extra $ for private classes. That said, please feel free to name your favorite Instructor and Shop. I don't mind driving to Pompano. I've heard good things about Pompano Dive Center. Out of all the shops I visited, two seemed very good. The nice folks at Lauderdale Diver on 17th street and Underseas Sports/Divers Down Inc on 1 between OP and Sunrise ( underseasports.com - Instructor Hugh Hare is vary passionate about Diving ).

Thanks Again.

 

[Chugwhump]

PM sent.

Chug
Local since 1968.

 

[sportxlh]

Ray: I did my Rescue Diver course with Gold Coast Scuba, in Lauderdale by the Sea, a couple of years ago and was very happy with the instruction. My sister did a refresher course with Force-E in Palm Beach County a few years ago and was very pleased: while that's not the Broward location, I'd imagine the instructors will also be capable in Pompano.

All of my other training has been in the northern end of Palm Beach County and wouldn't really be helpful to you. (Scuba Club, Jupiter Dive Center, etc.).

The scuba shop next to Bass Pro is Diver's Direct, that's the place to pick up inexpensive wetsuits. I don't know much about their instruction though I did my initial Nitrox class in their Palm Beach Gardens location and was happy. I've dove with Pompano Dive Center a number of times and had a good experience on their boat, but don't know anything about their instruction.

I think if you walk in Gold Coast or Force-E, you'd like the vibe of the shops: at least I did and the people always seemed really nice and helpful. Take a stop by Pompano Dive Ctr and Diver's Direct as well, maybe you'll like those better.

 

[Diver_Ray]

Thanks so much sportxlh.

---------- Post added December 23rd, 2013 at 03:20 AM ----------

The following Vid inspired me to finally take the Course ....

USNS Generl Hoyt S Vandenberg - YouTube

 

[MAISY]

Welcome! I live in Ft Lauderdale. I happen to like Force-E. They are always wanting to help newbies with equipment questions. No matter how menial you feel the question may be they are enthusiastic to help. I have found 1 or 2 dive shops down here that won't take any time out of their day to help a newbie. Force-E also has alot of group dives and classes. Gold Coast is good too.

 

[iluvtheocean]

Ray: I did my Rescue Diver course with Gold Coast Scuba, in Lauderdale by the Sea, a couple of years ago and was very happy with the instruction. My sister did a refresher course with Force-E in Palm Beach County a few years ago and was very pleased: while that's not the Broward location, I'd imagine the instructors will also be capable in Pompano.

All of my other training has been in the northern end of Palm Beach County and wouldn't really be helpful to you. (Scuba Club, Jupiter Dive Center, etc.).

The scuba shop next to Bass Pro is Diver's Direct, that's the place to pick up inexpensive wetsuits. I don't know much about their instruction though I did my initial Nitrox class in their Palm Beach Gardens location and was happy. I've dove with Pompano Dive Center a number of times and had a good experience on their boat, but don't know anything about their instruction.

I think if you walk in Gold Coast or Force-E, you'd like the vibe of the shops: at least I did and the people always seemed really nice and helpful. Take a stop by Pompano Dive Ctr and Diver's Direct as well, maybe you'll like those better.

my vote is with Gold Coast -- I've had both Brian & Dave for instruction -- both are very knowledgeable, friendly, and want to help you become a good diver. One reason? Cause they dive regularly with the dive club and want to be able to dive with you....
there are 11 dives scheduled for this week alone not counting classes on Gold Coast's meetup... and unlike some places -- they like you to suggest a meeting as well if there is some place & time you want to dive.

---------- Post added December 23rd, 2013 at 05:02 PM ----------

my vote is with Gold Coast -- I've had both Brian & Dave for instruction -- both are very knowledgeable, friendly, and want to help you become a good diver. One reason? Cause they dive regularly with the dive club and want to be able to dive with you....
there are 11 dives scheduled for this week alone not counting classes on Gold Coast's meetup... and unlike some places -- they like you to suggest a meeting as well if there is some place & time you want to dive.

I would wait until have a few dives under the belt for the Vandenberg though due to the depth.. nitrox is recommended and most boats want AOW at least

 

[Diver_Ray]

Ok.... I'll check out FORCE-E and Gold Coast.

Thx Again.

 

[croquetdiver]

Ray, Give Underseas Sports a call or stop by. Matt has been around along time for a reason. Good luck and welcome to the greatest sport!