Seeking an Advanced Instructor

[Ready4Launch]

Will be hitting my 75 dive target next month. For whatever reason -- I really don't know why -- I think it was just a solid number to attain a base of diving before progressing -- I chose 75 dives to have done before getting my advanced cert. Most of my friends have told me that I'm already advanced having done the number of dives I've done so far and the types of dives completed. Regardless of that, I am looking to not just merely get my advanced, but I want to complete it in good standing with a good instructor. Looking back, my OW instructor was okay, but there are moments where I think, "hmm..."

Someone want to recommend a good instructor? I'd be willing to drive as far as Santa Monica from Ventura. SSI, NAUI, PADI ... I don't really care, but someone that can challenge me and is detailed.

Thanks.

 

[Tom_Ivan]

The advanced course (I did PADI) is a joke. It’s just another 5 dives that you pay extra for. Don’t expect it to be any great learning curve. With 75 dives you’ll be so far above everyone else on the class it won’t even be funny!

My advice is just to tack it onto your next dive trip, get the box ticked so you can move onto things like notrox, wreck etc.

 

[oly5050user]

Done correctly a PADI advance open water course is NOT a joke. Navigation should not just be square pattern or rectangle or triangle courses. Should also show how to measure distances u/w using different methods. Should also go over natural navigation techniques. Deep should include plan on how much air you may use and how drastically buoyancy can change, not just observe a color change at depth. Whatever the 3 electives done should have objectives stated and completed during the dives. Good luck on your quest.

 

[boulderjohn]

To be honest, the AOW courses for almost all agencies are designed to be taken before a diver has as many dives as you have. The more experience they have when they take it, the less value MOST PEOPLE will get from it. The course has minimum standards that must be met, but it also allows the instructor the freedom to look at the skills a diver brings to the table and then expand upon them as needed. A good instructor will adapt the course content to meet the needs of the student. I advise you to shop around for an instructor who understands your situation and will be sure to take you beyond the minimums. Don't take a group AOW class, where the course will of necessity be aimed more to the needs of the less experienced divers.

Here is something I do as an example. One of the options for students is the altitude dive. Since I live in Colorado, I encourage students to choose it. They can learn from both the course materials and the extensive additional materials I give them. The real reason I like it, though, is that once you have done all the academic stuff and the dive planning, there is really nothing to do during the dive itself. That gives me as the instructor the complete freedom to design a dive that will most thoroughly match the needs of the student.