You haven't received training until you take this course (assuming you've just had basic OW and AOW certification). Seriously, it is in depth and valuable.
Opinions on LA County ADP dive instruction
- Thread starter Dash
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OP
Dash
Contributor
Wow, I guess I got my answer!
The only reason I mentioned the $ is because the website does not go into much detail about boat trips or things like that, although with 14 subjects, clearly it was not going to be a quick class.
Obviously the value is there.
Another question, are there any specific gear requirements? More specific, do they prohibit certain gear configurations like DIR does?
By the time I could take this class next year, Ill have 1 1/2 years of diving, which will probably equate to 50-60 dives. While I still consider that "noob" status, will the ADP course be full of things I already know or have accomplished?
And another question. Will subjects learned in ADP replace the need for PADI training in some specialties? FOr example, after ADP Navigation training, would I see any benefit in persuing PADI Nav specialty? I dont care about specialty cards, I just want to know that ive been trained as completely as I can. I dont wnat to waste my time with PADI if I dont have to.
Thanks again for all the responses, very helpful.
The only reason I mentioned the $ is because the website does not go into much detail about boat trips or things like that, although with 14 subjects, clearly it was not going to be a quick class.
Obviously the value is there.
Another question, are there any specific gear requirements? More specific, do they prohibit certain gear configurations like DIR does?
By the time I could take this class next year, Ill have 1 1/2 years of diving, which will probably equate to 50-60 dives. While I still consider that "noob" status, will the ADP course be full of things I already know or have accomplished?
And another question. Will subjects learned in ADP replace the need for PADI training in some specialties? FOr example, after ADP Navigation training, would I see any benefit in persuing PADI Nav specialty? I dont care about specialty cards, I just want to know that ive been trained as completely as I can. I dont wnat to waste my time with PADI if I dont have to.
Thanks again for all the responses, very helpful.
Dash Riprock:
Not really - it helps to have a weight belt. If you dive integrated, consider picking up a belt and moving a few pounds over to it for some of the ADP skills. They do require a few extra things like a slate, and encourage students to buy floats - especially if they're interested in becoming an instructor.
Dash Riprock:
I think I had about 250 dives when I took ADP, and I still learned a lot. Definitely worth it no matter your skill level.
Dash Riprock:
I think you'll learn a lot more in ADP than in random specialties like navigation or night diving... but I haven't taken any of those PADI courses, so I probably shouldn't comment.
ADP is basically NAUI Master Diver plus a whole lot more. Beach diving, search and recovery, rescue, freswhater/altitude diving, freediving skills, low visibility and night diving - it's just everything. And fun, too. 
People with 100s of dives take ADP, and all come away saying they learned something.Dash Riprock:
There are no specific gear requirements... anything from full-blown DIR to gear purchased at the PADI sponsored equipment store will do. Normal scuba gear, in other words.
You can quality for NAUI Rescue, and possibly Master Diver, after this course, which pretty much eliminates the need for the PADI versions of the same. I'm not sure about specialties, but I suspect you'll get more from this course than PADI's specialties.
I hope to see you there with me in class next year!
Firedive
Registered
Dash Riprock:
I'm in the program now. They go through all your gear at the start and make recommendations as to what you should replace or obtain, but they don't require it - though we've just been told we ARE required to have a dive float. Also, I am not generally a snorkel user but it's an absolute necessity for this class, given the emphasis on skin diving skills. Other than that, there's a variety of configurations and gear styles among the class and the staff.
Dash Riprock:
As Anastasia said, there are people in the program of all experience levels, and I'd be willing to bet they all learn quite a bit, mainly because the focus of the class is so different than any others I've seen.
Dash Riprock:
Having done PADI navigation and peak buoyancy specialties with a great instructor, I feel there's only time in those programs to touch the tip of the iceberg. But I'm glad I did them before ADP - that is allowing me to get more, I think, out of the ADP training by not having to focus so much on the basics in those particular areas. if I were you, I'd take the PADI courses while waiting for the next ADP session to start - it's quite a ways away. But then, I love taking courses - the more instruction I get, the more secure in my skills I feel! PM me if you want an instructor reference - I have a great one, small classes, sometimes one on one, for about the same cost as a regular class.
Empty V
Contributor
I think I'm going to go for this class next summer. I've been debating it for a while but from what I've been told, it's something that you can take with you on every dive.
Billy
Billy
somewhereinla
Contributor
Dash Riprock:
The first class will be a gear check. You'll get a list of everything you need for the class. An instructor or an assistant instructor will check you gear for you to make sure they are ok. Then you will suit up and do a gear check in the water, to make sure your reg and bcd work.
The problem with PADI classes is that there is a very limited amount of time, even the greatest PADI instructors have to stick to a time schedule and a budget. L.A County ADP is a "not for profit" organisation and has 14 weeks to teach, so the amount of knowledge you'll get is not only going to be much deeper, but by using that knowledge over and over for 14 weeks, you are very likely to remember it for life...
Mr Carcharodon
Contributor
MikeFerrara:
Air share technique is probably the biggest difference. ADP is using the standard NAUI/PADI approach, with donor and receiver grasping each other and vertical. IMHO that is setting you up for poor buoyancy and an uncontrolled ascent. I believe the long hose used in the s-drill type of air share is easier and safer. One of the ADP instructors actually did tell me that the long hose configuration was unsafe. He thought a long hose was too hard to deploy, which I did on the spot for him in about two seconds. But except for that one individual I think they are an open minded group.
ADP is passionate about skin diving and snorkeling. But I can not say they made me a convert. Skills are done kneeling in ADP. Even with the long course they have a limited amount of time for each skill so that may be the right approach but it has its downsides as has been endlessly debated.
But the class is very worthwhile. You do get a lot of time in the water. And probably get the best introduction to beach diving available anywhere.
OP
Dash
Contributor
It all sounds great. At this point, assuming I think I can set aside half the summer next year, Ill be there.
somewhereinla
Contributor
Mr Carcharodon:
I wouldn't say ADP passionate about skin diving and snorkeling, lol, I think the idea is to practice without the scuba gear first until you get the techniques right and then redoing it with scuba. They aslo want you to be strong swimmers. I do agree about the long hose, certainly something I can see myself adopting.
And yes, I do think ADP is an open minded group of people.
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