jah@brunix.UUCP (Jim Hendler) (09/20/84)
My strongest recommendation for those folks looking for a dive shop is to find a NAUI Pro-shop, if none of those in your area look for a PADI 5-star facility. These things do not guarantee better instruction, but they encourage it. University courses do tend to be better, IF the U. sponsors the courses. Many universities allow independent instructors to use the facilities and teach their own styles (i.e. the same exact courses that you `would get in a shop). By a "university course" dive instructors would be referring to a course lasting a full term, meeting twice a week, etc. If you can take a course like this, DO IT! -Jim Hendler p.s. If anyone bridles at my suggestion of NAUI shops over PADI shops I suggest you get a copy of a PADI and a NAUI instructors manual, both printed within the past year. PADI has reduced their standards, at the same time that NAUI has raised theirs. NASDS is ok, but mostly in it for the money (SCUBAPRO/NASDS are at present fighting 7 law suits over business practices). Most YMCA's no longer offer YMCA certification, but some of the best instructors I know were those who did the old YMCA certification. If you see a course offering Y certification it is probably a good one.
waag@trwrb.UUCP (Timothy M. Waag) (09/24/84)
There are *definitely* good and bad dive shops, although some are good at some things and bad at others. Personally, I have had success in the Southern California area with the "New England Divers" chain, particularly in terms of equipment purchase and rental (CHEAP with DISCOUNTS for students! The shops that I have personally patronized are located in West Los Angeles (on Pico Blvd) and Laguna Beach (on sporadic dive trips to that area)... Tim Waag trwrb!waag