Ventura/Malibu area OW cert classes?

[Hiba]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone happened to have some experiance with dive shops and classes in the Ventura county area. I live in Moorpark, and I see from Google that there is quite the abundance of shops to choose from between the San Fernando Valley and up to about Oxnard.

The average price I have received from these shops is in the area of $350 for a PADI or SSI OW certification. They are all about the same price for air and equipment rental too, so that makes it hard to narrow down the list of potential shops to use.

If any of you have had instruction from a shop in my area, or just any experiance in general with one, I would be very greatful for your insight and direction toward a good education and safe future in my diving.

 

[jerryn]

Malibu Divers has good programs and good instructors.
Jerry

 

[SeaDana]

Dave Carlson & Kathy White are great instructors through the Sport Chalet in West Hills. Thorough, knowledgeable, and nice!

 

[scottfiji]

Malibu Divers has good programs and good instructors.
Jerry

yes, I agree with Jerry

 

[Hiba]

I haven't called Malibu divers yet, so I will call them in the morning to see how much their packages are. I see that they do whole weekend excursions to Catalina for the dives, which is a bit different from the other shops I have contacted.

As for sport chalet, I had a psychology class last semester with an instructor there, I believe his name was Dave too. Is that the same person? Early 20's college student?

 

[Rickster]

Hi Hiba,

Welcome to ScubaBoard, and glad you found your way to the SoCal section of the Board.

There are numerous events and planned dives quite regular here. You are welcome to join in the fun.

Be sure to check out the events here:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=231

And also on the Calender.

Hope to meet you, and dive with you, soon.

Rick

 

[SeaDana]

No, not the same Dave... Dave and Kathy are in their 40's I think. If you call the West Hills Sport Chalet you could ask when Dave Carlson & Kathy White are teaching their next OW cert.

 

[Hiba]

Malibu Divers has a nice program it would seem, you stay in a hotel on Catalina and do beach dives Saturday and Sunday for their basic package. Though, it is an extra $100 for a boat dive that weekend.

I am going to get dates for Sport Chalet, since I have all good things about them in my search for a good class, and they are a bit easier on my wallet.

I can't wait to get out on the monthy dives with everyone here. There is just so much excitment to look forward to, isn't there?

 

[limeyx]

Malibu Divers has a nice program it would seem, you stay in a hotel on Catalina and do beach dives Saturday and Sunday for their basic package. Though, it is an extra $100 for a boat dive that weekend.

I am going to get dates for Sport Chalet, since I have all good things about them in my search for a good class, and they are a bit easier on my wallet.

I can't wait to get out on the monthy dives with everyone here. There is just so much excitment to look forward to, isn't there?

If you're going to go with sport chalet in west hills, I'd highly recommend taking the class with Susan Grant.

Sport chalet will give you the most minimal class possible, and I dont think they do a good job at all in general. Susan does an excellent job and will give you a good class, and I think she tries to keep her class sizes small which really helps.

Also, be very wary of buying gear from sport chalet (in my opinion). That's where they are going to try to make their money from you.

THe one good thing sport chalet does (at least for my class) was to require 2 beach dives. This really helps build your confidence on the entry/exit and will help you take advantage of the excellent beach diving in the area.