Recommended certification place in LA?

[stanw]

Can anyone recommend a place for getting certified in or around the Los Angeles area? I am interested in quality instruction even if it costs a bit more and I have no idea what types of questions to ask of the different places to check on their quality so any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[ItsBruce]

There have been lots of threads about finding a good instructor, with lists of considerations and questions to ask. Personally, my experience has been that the best instructors are the ones who earn their livings outside of the dive industry and teach scuba because they love diving.

 

[diversteve]

It's not the place, it's the instructor. Having met the man once, here's one I'd recommend: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...-openwater-scuba-class-january-18-2009-a.html

 

[dwaters]

Stan, Welcome to the 'board.... almost missed your post here. Alot of great instructors here,
it's hard to narrow down... which area do you work/live as LA is big town would help, unless your'e
willing to drive anywhere.
As posted, Tom is has received alot of plus ratings here... try: L.A. Scuba
and Hollywoodivers Southern CA's best scuba center and dive training facility 323-969-9875 1-877-OK SCUBA both are also given great reatings... remember, the instructor is the the key not the agency.
When you get that c-card.... join in the fun and dive with us so your real learning will contine as you get wet and enjoy.

 

[ligersandtions]

Hey Stan, glad to see you made it over here! If I were you, I'd check out Hollywoodivers....I have not done any classes with them, but if/when I need to do classes in the future, they will by my choice. Go in and talk with the instructors and see if you click with them....if so, great! If not, find an instructor that you really like and trust and go from there.

BTW, where in LA are you located? That might help narrow it down, assuming you don't want to drive hours for training...

 

[stanw]

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for the responses!!!

I live in the San Fernando valley, specifically in Sherman Oaks, close to where the 405 and 101 meet.

 

[liuk3]

Another +1 for Tom Wetzel. He teaches out of the Glendale YMCA. He's not too far from you, and he spends a lot of time with his students. My wife and I were OW students with him. From the above poster (sjspeck), looks like he is starting another class this weekend. I would definitely get in contact wtih him as one of your choices.

 

[Thalassamania]

Tom is A-1. Frankly I'd look for anyone who is running an LA County program and I'd plan on taking the LA County Advanced program the next time it rolls around ... it's the best going by far.

 

[Hollywoodivers]

I haven't logged onto Sboard in a while.I usually do it to promote a boat trip or a long range trip. I stumbled on this post and wanted to thank the divers who said the nice things about us. I agree with the other statements as well. You will have a good time with us here but as I do with any service I buy I look for a recomendation from a close personal friend first. Thanks for your time. Hal 323 969 9875

 

[Walter]

You can't go wrong with an LA County class. It is one of the best programs in the world. I'd also recommend following it up with their Advanced Diver Program this summer.