Newb and Virginia Scuba, Inc.

[astromattical]

Hello! I'm a total newb here...I've done some snorkeling in the past (including snorkeling with Manatees in FL), lots of swim team...but that's it. I LOVE the water, and I am really interested in getting into diving.

I live in Manassas, and live just a few minutes away from Virginia Scuba, Inc. They offer certs, so I consider myself lucky to have a place so close. Has anyone here had some experience with them? I'd like to hear your thoughts!

I'll probably have to wait until next year to get my cert - saving up money for a wedding is not friendly to hobbies. Until then, I'll be here doing tons of research and learning the most I can before I even get into a pool.

Seems like there are lots of NoVA members here which is awesome - good to see such an active community! Hopefully I'll see some of you in the water someday!

 

[DivingPrincessE]

Welcome to the board. There are a ton of NOVA divers out there, so I've never been lacking a buddy. If you ever want to go the millbrook, rawlings, dutch springs (and so on) after your cert just post here in the mid-atlantic botom feeders section and I'm sure you can find people to go with you.

 

[astromattical]

Thanks Emily.

Curious - perhaps someone here can answer this question. I have the option of getting my OW training at Virginia Scuba, but not the actual diving portion. Just class and pool time. It is possible to go somewhere else and get a referral. My honeymoon will be at the Sandals resort in Nassau, and they offer free scuba diving. Is it possible to complete my dives there and get a referral?

I would obviously take the class as close to the honeymoon as possible - but just doing the class and pool time is a lot easier on the wallet. I would *think* that diving at Nassau would be closely monitored by competent instructors, and I would be in good hands for my first real dives.

 

[emcbride81]

I have heard good things about VA Scuba, I have dealt with them over the phone several times and had a pleasant experience. Yes you can take all of your class/poolwork through them and then get referral dives somewhere else, it is a common practice. Though I do not understand why you would want to give up the opprotunity to dive in 50 degree water with 10 ft of vis! I mean warm water, crystal clear with beautiful fish and coral is soo overrated!

 

[DivingPrincessE]

It's def a personal preference...but not a choice I would make. I would say about 99% of PADI instructors will let you do the pool and class with them and give you the referral to do your OW check out dives somewhere else. (I only know PADI...so I can's speak for SSI or any of the others)

BUT...keep in mind the check out dives aren't exactly "fun" (at least I didn't think so). It's just "take off your mask, take off your BCD, floor your mask, fin pivot...." and on and on. There is little to no time to actually swim around and enjoy the dive...plus since its your first time you usually to nervous to enjoy it anyway.

I am going to the Caribbean in less than a month and I'm really happy that this will be a fun dive, not a "skills" dive (although you practice your skills each time you dive, bla bla bla). But seriously, when I am somewhere tropical I want the dive to be fun not a chore. But like I said...personal preference, and I'm almost certain that your shop will provide a referral if you want.

I know you said that money is tight because of the wedding...around here it seems that a total PADI cert costs about $500 (class, pool, OW check out dives). Well the VA/DC/MD scuba meet up group (http://scuba.meetup.com/26/) is offering the whole kit and caboodle for $250 (if I'm reading this right). Oct 6/7 for pool/class and Oct 13/14 for OW checkout at Lake Rawling. http://scuba.meetup.com/26/calendar/6250825/
They are starting one this weekend too, but that wouldn't give you enough time to do the knowledge reviews and stuff.

If you were considering the referral it was prob going to cost you $250 anyway, and if you do this you can do the whole thing for $250 and have a fun dive on your honeymoon.

The class is in Severn, MD so I'm not sure how far that is from you...but to save $250 it's prob worth the drive. The check out dive is in Lake Rawling (about 3 hours away)...but its good to have better viz during your first dive. I drove 3 1/2 hours to Dutch Springs to do my OW dive and it was worth it. Much better visibility than the local quarry (Millbrook). I am going to Lake Rawling for the first time next weekend, and I've heard good things about it.

 

[k8brandt]

Yes, welcome to the board! VA Scuba is great as is The Dive Shop in Merrifield. I ditto Eric's response on getting your OW pool stuff done, then fun dives at Sandals. Have fun!!

 

[DivingPrincessE]

My honeymoon will be at the Sandals resort in Nassau, and they offer free scuba diving. Is it possible to complete my dives there and get a referral?

If you decide to go this route, I would call and ask about this. They may offer free equipment to certified divers...and may even provide a DM. I'd be suprised if finishing an OW cert was free too...but who knows, I've never stayed at Sandals (only in my mind after seeing their commercials)

 

[astromattical]

Hmm...now if only I can convince the "boss"...$250 for everything is great!

 

[smokey braden]

astromattical,
welcome to this board.
which ever you choose, dive safe and have a good time.

 

[astromattical]

Thanks, braden!

I sent off an e-mail to Sandals asking about their certification costs and length of their class, just as another option. I really want to avoid that route - don't want to be in a class during my honeymoon... :\