Recommendations for instruction in San Jose or Santa Cruz area

[Ricky B]

I have an AOW certification but have only dived in Nor Cal for my initial open water check-out dives back in 1980. I am interested in hiring an instructor to get me up to speed in diving in Monterey Bay. Of course, I would prefer someone who is experienced, mature, and good at teaching. Any recommendations?

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

How much recent experience do you have? I'm trying to figure out whether you need a full refresher course, or just some local knowledge.

Also read http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/newmontereydiver.html

 

[griffon]

There are a couple good Local dive shops that could do a refresher, have clubs ect. Personally I like bothe Aqua Safari & Tropical Adventures in capitola. I have some issues with adventure sports in Santa Cruz (they have been known to take OW classes to Monastery and that dose not sit well with me) but lots of folks seem to like them too.

 

[Ben_ca]

I have a preference for Any Water Sports in San Jose. They've always been very helpful, warm and friendly. YMMV

 

[Ricky B]

My recent experience is eight dives to ~ 20 meters in the Bahamas this past Xmas week. Before that it was a few dives in the same location two years ago.

So I am looking to increase my training as well as have someone with local knowledge show me Monterey Bay.

Your link was very helpful, and I would recommend to anyone looking to get familiar with Monterey Bay that he or she check out Chuck Tribolet's link.

 

[griffon]

Yeah in San Jose area I like Any water sports too, also Diver Dan's. Dan's has a good size dive club for Santa clara area.

 

[Ben Prusinski]

Agree with votes for Any Water Sports and Diver Dan's in Santa Clara/San Jose area. Did my OW cert class with Any Water Sports.

 

[mpoberg]

ANY WATER SPORTS!!! Best Customer service in the bay!!

 

[Shasta_man]

OW at Monastery??!!

 

[Ricky B]

OW at Monastery??!!

That is where I did at least one of my checkout dives back in 1980.