taking open water course without partner

[ckjacques53198]

I'd love to take an open water certification course through a local dive shop. I can't find anybody to take the course with me. How common is it for someone to take a class without knowing anyone else? Will I be at a disadvantage? They offer private classes but I'd rather not be the only student.

 

[BrianS]

I joined up solo, had no problems with diving with strangers.

 

[cummings66]

I took the course by myself and had no problems diving with strangers. I think it's pretty common.

 

[Hank49]

I did my OW alone. You have the full attention of your instructor and should be able to get more for your money than taking it with a group.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.

There are plenty of people who take it without a friend along, I did years ago. I am working with a class of 9 right now, 5 of which are there by themselves. Actually, in some ways it may be better for you to take it without someone you know. You are more likely to become self sufficient and not depend on your known buddy to carry you. Not that you will but it does happen all too often.

 

[gfisher4792]

Go ahead and sign up. I can almost guarantee you that the majority of people who took their OW were by themselves. You'll just get paired up for the water stuff. No disadvantages. You may make some new friends/future dive buddies as well.

 

[pants!]

No one in my class signed up with a parter. It should be an issue at all

 

[MEL-DC Diver]

Only two people in my class new each other - they both flunked, everyone else did great.

 

[mossym]

Only two people in my class new each other - they both flunked, everyone else did great.

well that obviously means you shouldn't do the class with a friend..

take it alone..you'll be fine..it's not like you'll be talking much down there anyway.. and an OOA drill is pretty much the same whoever it is..

 

[Heffey]

I took my OW course alone. I didn't have any problems.

I think going solo is actually a better way to go. That way you can to focus on your own issues and skills without worrying about troubles your partner is having.