Refresher in L.A. - recommendations on instructor?

[CompuDude]

I am wondering if anyone could give me a recommendation of a good (cheap but fun) instructor, which could give me refresher?

I dont have any gear - not even fins or a mask... any recommendations?

I don't know where in the SFV you are located, but depending on which end of the valley you are in, for the sheer convenience factor, I can recommend either Sport Chalet in West Hills or Aloha Dive in Woodland Hills. Both have their own pools, and both have some good instructors.

For the more central parts of the valley, Hollywoodivers (across the street from Universal Studios) is a fantastic shop with very good instructors, and I have heard good things about Danny at West Coast Divers Supply in Van Nuys, but neither of these shops has their own pool.

Reefseekers is an excellent shop, but not as convenient to the valley as the other locations. YMMV, depending on your precise location.

 

[famous58]

I have just completed a NAUI course and highly recomend my instructor. He is in the SCV, name is Jim Pearson. Been diving for over 30/40 years I think. ex-Navy diver, started LAPD dive team and does a lot of movie stuff (G.I. Jane, Italian Job, etc.). His course is extreemly thurough, not like a quicky PADI Sport Chalet course though. PM me if you want his info.

 

[sk8rpj]

Did anyone hear about http://www.ecodivecenter.com in Culver City, L.A.?

I have been on boats with Eco dive center before. The owner isn't any better of a diver than his open water students. I have never seen such a weak group of divers.

 

[JWOLF]

I have been on boats with Eco dive center before. The owner isn't any better of a diver than his open water students. I have never seen such a weak group of divers.

Just curious what your basis is for this statement. Thanks!

 

[Epinephelus]

I have been on boats with Eco dive center before. The owner isn't any better of a diver than his open water students. I have never seen such a weak group of divers.

Boats? Why boats? Seems to me that if they're so horrible you're only indicting yourself by going with them more than once...
How many other groups have you seen, by the way?
And what do you mean, "weak?"
If you're going to paint an outfit with that broad a brush I for one would like a bit more substantiation.
As a common courtesy...
Oohhhh.... I see from your profile you're a "Dive shop owner/employee"
Do I sense a little "dissing the competition to make me look good" here???
E

 

[Mo2vation]

I have been on boats with Eco dive center before. The owner isn't any better of a diver than his open water students. I have never seen such a weak group of divers.

Dude

Its easy to sit in the sidelines, lob rocks into the pool, pimp your new dive boat operation and just crap on nearly everything in the majority of your 40-some posts. If that's all you have to offer, if you're really that one dimensional, fine. You're off to a fine career here on ScubaBoard.

How about contributing to the community, and offering something constructive to the original poster - like recommendations for a refresher in the LA area.

Seeing as you're not in the LA area (judging by the boat you're pimping in Ventura) why are you even responding? Crushing one dive op is not the same as offering a suggestion for a dive op.

Get a grip, or go away.

---
Ken

 

[David Watson]

I agree with Ken completely!

Also, if you haven't yet, I would look into Hollywood Divers, just down off the 101 and Lankershim. I dive with them all the time and they've got great instructors.

 

[bruintennis]

Hi. I know this is an old thread, but I'm bringing it back to life. I was certified over 10 years ago in Ventura county and after going snorkeling in Hawaii last week I've been thinking of getting back into scuba diving. I would like to do a refresher course, so I was wondering if anyone knew of a good place in the San Gabriel Valley. I'm in Monterey Park. Any suggestions please? Thank you in advance.

 

[jdubdiver]

you can basically go to any sport chalet or dive shop and they offer scuba refresher courses, just bring in your c-card and your good to go, I would recomend any sport chalet or dive shop WITH THEIR OWN POOL, that makes it easy, some will do work with you in the pool and give you the option of doing an ocean dive as well. I know that Laguna Sea Sports in Laguna Beach offers this class, has a pool on there premises, and is 1 block from the most popular dive spot in Orange County.

 

[Teamcasa]

Dolphin Dive Center --- Arcadia, They is close to you and have some good instructors.
Sharkys Eco Diving --- La Verne, Great people and instructors as well.
Ocean Safari Scuba -- San Gabriel, I have not had any classes with them but they are a very active group.