I opted for e-learning simply because I was in a time fix to get certified before a trip (not a good reason, I know, but I DIDNT know that then). I learned all the theory etc like anyone would. I then did pool dives with a local DC, and referral OW dives on the trip. I wish I had trained with a competent instructor instead for a few reasons:
1) elearning just seems WAY overpriced to me and you don't have any physical resources as a result of that investment
2) I think there are many things philosophically it in skills that are passed on by good instructors that aren't part of an OW curriculum per say
3) I learned how much I DIDN'T know from scubaboard
4) ongoing relationship/mentoring with the instructor
I don't think its always a matter of resort training being worse. The guy I did checkout dives with was great and I would have probably enjoyed doing the whole course with him. But I do think you can make a more educated choice with local instructors as you can research, and check out their reputation, methods, etc.
I would say that GENERALLY the attitude of instructors I have come across out here, and the attitude of those found in this forum are extremely different and the people that post here promote a much more in depth approach to diving as a recreational sport.
All that being said, I don't think its always the case that a new diver is clueless as to whether his/her instruction was decent or not. I knew right away that I could have got more out of a different approach, and that my AOW instructor fluffed some stuff. But I did meet the requirements for certification and its my job as a responsible adult to research, and do my best to adequately prepare myself to take part in this sport.
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1) elearning just seems WAY overpriced to me and you don't have any physical resources as a result of that investment
2) I think there are many things philosophically it in skills that are passed on by good instructors that aren't part of an OW curriculum per say
3) I learned how much I DIDN'T know from scubaboard
4) ongoing relationship/mentoring with the instructor
I don't think its always a matter of resort training being worse. The guy I did checkout dives with was great and I would have probably enjoyed doing the whole course with him. But I do think you can make a more educated choice with local instructors as you can research, and check out their reputation, methods, etc.
I would say that GENERALLY the attitude of instructors I have come across out here, and the attitude of those found in this forum are extremely different and the people that post here promote a much more in depth approach to diving as a recreational sport.
All that being said, I don't think its always the case that a new diver is clueless as to whether his/her instruction was decent or not. I knew right away that I could have got more out of a different approach, and that my AOW instructor fluffed some stuff. But I did meet the requirements for certification and its my job as a responsible adult to research, and do my best to adequately prepare myself to take part in this sport.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Tapatalk