Where's a good place to learn how to dive in CA?

[melionda]

I really want to get into diving.I'm studying marine biology currently.Not sure of where to get my certifications.Can anyone help? :06:

 

[CHUD]

I really want to get into diving.I'm studying marine biology currently.Not sure of where to get my certifications.Can anyone help? :06:

I see you're in Los Angeles. I certified at Aqua Adventures Unlimited in Burbank, which is just over the hill. I highly recommend them. Their web page is http://aquaadventuresunlimited.com/

 

[wrinkles]

Hi there.

There is a SoCal section on the board. I think it would be a good idea to post your interest there.We have many helpful people on the board that I am sure wouldnt mind giving you some advice.

We also try to dive once a month together so you are welcome to come along.

Ana

 

[saf_25]

Let's see if this works this time...I tried it before and I got booted off before it went through.

If you're in the LA area, I suggest Reef Seekers in Beverly Hills (http://www.reefseekers.com). I'm too far away to have taken any classes with them, or even been to their store for that matter, but I have dove on a number of their boats and been very impressed. Very responsible, safety-concious, but fun group.

 

[Scubadude76013]

Well good for you on learning to dive. I don't know the name of the shop, but it is on Catalina Island and is run by a man name Steve Maderias, I think he's PADI instructor # 17 or so.

Did two days of diving with him about 8 years ago there. A real pro from what I can remember.

 

[Nay]

I certified thru Pacific Wilderness and loved them. They keep their class sizes small so that you're not lost in a huge group of students. Our Instructor/Dive Master to student ratio on out beach dives was 6/7. Good group of people.
www.pacificwilderness.com

 

[saf_25]

Oops - I forgot to mention that, once you decide on a shop (or actually, better still, BEFORE you decide on a shop) to get certified with, make sure to meet and talk to the instructor before you sign up with them. There's a lot of advice on this board if you do a search on what questions to ask and what to look for in an instructor. Look them over and then do your research before you pay your $ (and don't let price dictate who you go with, either). ESpecially if you want to be a marine biologist, I'd imagine that you want a shop that will focus more on observing and preserving reefs rather than hunting, for example (maybe not, it's just a hypothetical, but you get the idea). So, make sure to ask what their focus is, etc... I know that what questions to ask has been covered a lot, but i'm at work and don't have time to do the search. Look through the advice given in the past - it's golden to have when you're starting out (which so many of us didn't - who knew?). Good luck!

 

[ChrisA]

I really want to get into diving.I'm studying marine biology currently.Not sure of where to get my certifications.Can anyone help? :06:

You know what the freeways are like here. Pick a dive shop that
really is local to you. You will be going there a lot both before
and after certification. I would not want a 45 minute commute to the shop. It's really good if you can buy equipment at the
same place you take the classes. So make sure you are comfortable with them. But being very close is a good thing -- renting equipment
means two tripds to the shop for every dive. Actually picking an
instructor is more importent then picking a shop but most places
here assign instructors at the last minute after a class is formed,
Most shops here have a dozen or so instructors on staff and it's luck
of the draw but most are good. The certification agency prescribes what they teach. There are so many shpos here in So. Cal that
"closseness" is not to limiting. Your choise of where to do the
ocean dives may determine which shop you select.

Ask where the ocean dives will be done at. You have a choise.
possibilities are The Beach (Vetran's park in Redondo) or
the Avalon Dive park at Catalina or a "class boat". I think doing
a combination of beach/boat gives you the best experiance.

Tell us where you are (cross streets or freway exit) and you might
get some recomendations. Ask me about shops near Redondo Beach
off line if you want.

 

[diverdann]

I would suggest Sport Chalet. I ahve had very good experiences with them. Also, this month (june) is Scuba Month and Sport Chalet has many scuba deals and some stores even give free scuba experiences. Good luck.

 

[Arnaud]

Do not pay much attention to the shops. It's the individual instructor who matters. Look for experience and references and do NOT factor in pricing when making your decision. A number of stores (led by Sport Chalet) couldn't care less about instruction but will subsidize their courses (loss leader, aka bait and switch) because their ultimate goal is to sell you gear.

There are some great instructors in LA. PM if you want more info. You may also want to start your search at your school. Most universities have some type of SCUBA program.