I had probably one of the strangest experiences in a LDS that you could ever imagine. It wasn't just opinionated, it was down right scary, aggressive. I had already become certified when it happened, but the salesperson (not the owner) of this particular store decided that I didn't know up from down.
When I decide to do something like take scuba lessons, buy a bicycle, or computer, or anything that requires a little research, that's exactly what I do. I read everything I can get my hands on before I make a decision. So when I go into a store, I say I'm interested in ___ (whatever). Sometimes, I get a guy who thinks that because I'm a woman who's short, gray haired, thick Texas accent, or whatever, that I couldn't possibly know what I'm talking about. WRONG!!
That's what happened in this LDS. The guy started asking me where I took my classes, then proceeded to bad mouth my instructor, his store, his merchandise, etc. He went so far as to say that someone had died in my instructors class, and that every certification agency had kicked hiim out. Yes! That's really what he did. It wasn't true of course, and I knew it wasn't, but I played along. He tried to convince me that I was going to die if I relied on my training from this guy, and I had to take his class because he was such a skilled instructor. I pinned him down and made him admit that no one in fact died in a class with my instructor, but he still insisted that someone almost did. If this is true, then I wonder why the police dept., fire dept., and sheriff's dept. all take classes from my instructor and not the guy telling me all the stories. When I was taking my classess, there were two paramedics taking an advanced class at the same time. Do you think they'd take from someone who was so dangerous? I don't think so. They dive with him on a regular basis. He is a licensed paramedic himself.
The other LDS salesperson also told me my guarantees wouldn't be any good because the guy only sells gray market stuff, and doesn't really represent the company he claims to. Well, why is he listed on the manufacturer's website as a dealer if that is so.
So, you see, there can be some really evil LDS people out there. I just encourage you to educate yourself before you ever go into a store. I told my LDS instructor about the incident, and he said he's already sued them in the past for the same thing, and that they continue to do it anyway. After writing this, I think I should report them to their certification agency. What do you all think?
