Scuba Instructor in Southern CA?

[merxlin]

What are the easiest shops to get to? Make that list, then look at the agencies they represent and look up online reviews and feedback for those shops that are the most convenient for you. You don't have to pick those, but it helps if the shop isn't an hour away. Then come back here and ask some specifics about who you are considering. I am sure some of our members have had contact with them.

 

[leabre]

I also recommend Unified Team Diving. You should give AG a call and discuss your options (855) 348-3883. They just certified hundreds of new Open Water divers this summer in SoCal. They are well-trained, beautiful in the water, and fun to be around. There is a UTD instructor in Orange County (Huntington Beach) and a couple in LA. That in addition to UTD HQ being located in San Diego with multiple instructors there. So someone should be local to you wherever you are.

 

[Thiad]

It personally doesn't matter to me who the shop is or who they're affiliated with (as long as it's a recognized dive group) - So Cal has many fantastic instructors/shops and many bad instructors/shops (just like every place else). Just take your time and find an instructor you're comfortable with. Remember - what might work for one person may not work for you. If you can, talk to their students and maybe watch them run a pool session. Try doing a Discovery Scuba with them (if it's offered) since that will go a long way in showing an instructor's personality and their teaching style. But spend time interviewing them and seeing if things click. In my world, the ideal instructor is someone that absolutely loves what they do and it shows - I was lucky enough to find that and spend a few years diving with them after I was trained.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

 

[diverrex]

Make sure you understand the course schedule and that it fits your needs. Courses can run as quick as two weekends, several weeks/months or something in between. Not saying any of those are better than the other just different and what might work for some doesn't for others. Assuming you are reasonably intelligent I wouldn't worry much about the structure of the classroom portion. It's all very easy and can be done in as little as a day session. But do make sure you understand the pool schedule session. I would favor classes that have at least the option for lots of pool time to get comfortable in the water and develop the basic skills. Also how are the checkout dives done, beach, boat or Casino Point. Personally after the instructor I think how the pool sessions are done and the amount of pool time are the most critical factors.

Also think through how you expect to go diving after certification. Do you know other divers you can buddy with? Some places have a more active "post certification diving" arrangement than others, possibly helpful if you don't know other divers.

Regardless of where you go please do seek out good instructors. If you stick with scuba you will find it's not inexpensive. Spending a few hundred $$ more upfront on good instruction is well worth it, definitely don't go for the lowest cost option.

 

[aceupmysleeve777]

If your still looking check out LA Dive and Ride - Scuba Diving Lessons | Scuba Certification | Los Angeles Real fun group of instructors and divers that teach in LA and do both local LA, OC, and SD dives as well as international travel. I've dove a few times with them they always have a good group of safe fun divers.

 

[Tunaman68]

About us « RC Scuba Center

Jeanne lives and teaches out of the IE - my daughter did her pool work with her in Rancho, and then went over to Catalina for the in water fun.

Have Fun!

 

[dwaters]

About us « RC Scuba Center

Jeanne lives and teaches out of the IE - my daughter did her pool work with her in Rancho, and then went over to Catalina for the in water fun.

Have Fun!

I greatly enjoyed Jeanne's teaching style when I took my AOW with her....made you work for it, but that's a good thing

Also, I have no problem recommending Sharky's : Welcome to Sharkys Eco Diving

There are both good and bad in any LDS and instructors....please do your homework before hand and you will have a great learning experience.

Dive on in and enjoy.

 

[Diamondeve21]

I greatly enjoyed Jeanne's teaching style when I took my AOW with her....made you work for it, but that's a good thing

Also, I have no problem recommending Sharky's : Welcome to Sharkys Eco Diving

There are both good and bad in any LDS and instructors....please do your homework before hand and you will have a great learning experience.

Dive on in and enjoy.

Thanks! I will contact her and see...

 

[Diamondeve21]

About us « RC Scuba Center

Jeanne lives and teaches out of the IE - my daughter did her pool work with her in Rancho, and then went over to Catalina for the in water fun.

Have Fun!

Thanks!

 

[Diamondeve21]

Thanks for all the replies!

I have another question... How many student would be "too much" for the diving session? I have heard the instructor should not have more than 4 students otherwise it would be hard to give each student individualized attention?

Thanks!