danman132x
Registered
Hello all, this is my first post here. Me and a work buddy want to take our basic open water course in April. We live in Florida, and will be taking the course in Pensacola.
Just have a couple of questions. The course we want to take is a 2 weekend program. Fridays are course days, and the first sat/sun are pool days and the following are open water. They certify us through NASE. I did some research and it while it is legit, it doesn't seem as well known in places. The dive instructor at the shop is also PADI certified, but we must pay the price difference. What I'm wondering is if it's worth it to pay the 120ish extra price to have a PADI card over the NASE card. It's 219 for the course, but PADI would be over 300. I have to get the exact price once we call to schedule. Our first diving would just be locally, at various springs in the area before we move onto true open water such as the ocean, to get experience. Morrison springs in ponce de leon is where we go freediving at, and would plan to take it slow from there to get comfortable.
Even if I get the NASE, could I use that card to later get the PADI advanced without taking PADI basic?
Last question is a medical one. I have mild mitral valve prolapse. Anyone else here dive with it? My doctor said its okay in the past and doesn't hinder my life. I do need to work on a little more cardio, but I can do the basic physical requirements required. I would also get a doctors permission before I dive to be safe on the medical release sheets. I take propranolol, a beta blocker. Mild dose, 20mg 3x a day. Helps with blood pressure, but it is normal with the medication.
Thanks for looking, i'll be frequenting here more often.
Just have a couple of questions. The course we want to take is a 2 weekend program. Fridays are course days, and the first sat/sun are pool days and the following are open water. They certify us through NASE. I did some research and it while it is legit, it doesn't seem as well known in places. The dive instructor at the shop is also PADI certified, but we must pay the price difference. What I'm wondering is if it's worth it to pay the 120ish extra price to have a PADI card over the NASE card. It's 219 for the course, but PADI would be over 300. I have to get the exact price once we call to schedule. Our first diving would just be locally, at various springs in the area before we move onto true open water such as the ocean, to get experience. Morrison springs in ponce de leon is where we go freediving at, and would plan to take it slow from there to get comfortable.
Even if I get the NASE, could I use that card to later get the PADI advanced without taking PADI basic?
Last question is a medical one. I have mild mitral valve prolapse. Anyone else here dive with it? My doctor said its okay in the past and doesn't hinder my life. I do need to work on a little more cardio, but I can do the basic physical requirements required. I would also get a doctors permission before I dive to be safe on the medical release sheets. I take propranolol, a beta blocker. Mild dose, 20mg 3x a day. Helps with blood pressure, but it is normal with the medication.
Thanks for looking, i'll be frequenting here more often.