Diving Certification...who is with me!!!

[krb]

Stroid;51681 wrote: ...but im sure ill blow that $60 I plan on upgrade some of the basic equipment (bag, snorkel, possibly fins)

Upgrade your mask and fins. Snorkel is something you won't use all that much unless you do a bunch of shore diving. Get split fins, they cost a bit more but are well worth it. They will reduce leg fatigue in a big way.

Enjoy it, it is an awesome experience that really can't be described. I am sure you will be hooked instantly.:up:

 

[washowi]

But they suck (split fins) in a current if ya have to go against it....man I was tired.

 

[krb]

washowi;52259 wrote: But they suck (split fins) in a current if ya have to go against it....man I was tired.

They can definitely be harder work against the current, that is why I got the Tusa Xpert Zoom fins in black. The black ones are made with a different mix of materials and are considerably stiffer than most split fins I tried. It ended up a good balance for me.

 

[stroid]

KRB;52362 wrote: They can definitely be harder work against the current, that is why I got the Tusa Xpert Zoom fins in black. The black ones are made with a different mix of materials and are considerably stiffer than most split fins I tried. It ended up a good balance for me.

I actually went with the Tusa Xpert Zoom fins also with Oceanic mask, some random "dry" snorkel, and Henderson boots. I paid $283 total for all my gear and I am very pleased with it. Can someone explain to me the difference between PADI and NAUI? Is it personal preference or is one really better then the other?

 

[washowi]

PADI - PAY ANOTHER DOLLAR IN.

NAUI - NOT ANOTHER UNEMPLOYED INSTRUCTOR


I say NAUI - They teach a lot more in their courses that PADI charges for. Others than that, Their dive tables are different....

Which ever you prefer. but stay with NAUI.

 

[stroid]

Ive read very good things about both and it made me nervous because well they both kinda sound the same. The cost isnt really very differnet so cost isnt an issue I just want to get the best instruction. Thanks as always Todd!

 

[kevin]

Doesn't matter which one you go with, they are both internationally recognized dive institutions. NAUI is non-profit and PADI is for profit, just to let you know. You should avoid other certification insitiutions in my opinion b/c of acceptability.

 

[washowi]

Plus PADI makes you put your picture on the c card. and issues a c number..Man, after doing all that stuff to get it, the last thing I want is to have my picture taken with my hair being pulled out after trying to remember who's theory of gas exchange is who's'.

NAUI in my opinion is just better. I have certifications from both.

 

[washowi]

Well How did ya do?

 

[stroid]

the course is next week so still waiting lol

 

[washowi]

Who's teaching it? Cause I will be in Bonaire next week WITH Scott and Diane..Mike teaching it?

 

[stroid]

washowi;54294 wrote: Who's teaching it? Cause I will be in Bonaire next week WITH Scott and Diane..Mike teaching it?

not sure who is teaching it I actually havent paid for the course yet due to timing me and my sister are deciding which place to get the certification at there is another shop right next to my house that may fit our scheduales better. But both classes are next weekend.

 

[corigan]

It's not the Agency, it's the instructor. Find a good instructor, ask a bunch of questions, and who cares what agency he/she is with. As for fins, I'm an old school jetfin frog kicker myself.

 

[jefft]

Anyone know who the guy is that cleans the Aquarium at BassPro in Macon is. I saw him in full dive equip vacuuming the tank Friday and the boss said he comes down from Atlanta every couple of weeks and cleans the tank. Is it one of our members or sponsors?

 

[kmitch]

Hey guys,

I don't usually jump into these conversations bc I am inside the line of SCUBA retail and this business, but I can't resist.....

PADI and NAUI are both regulated in what they teach by an international organization. What you learn in class is the same with just a few minor differences in the presentation and execution. Neither one will prepare you for diving better than the other.

PADI, however, is much larger than NAUI, holding about 70% of the SCUBA market. PADI is sometimes referred to as the "coke" of scuba organizations. This crap about one program being better than the other is just that, crap! You pay a little more for the international big name of PADI (coke) versus a smaller brand NAUI (wal-mart soda). The biggest difference is the instructor. Find a shop you feel comfortable with, that has good prices, and that has a knowledgable staff.

I have worked in dive retail for 5 years. I know the ins and outs and I am not here to bash other shops in the Atlanta area. Therefor I wont start about pricing etc..... However, Please Please PLEASE make sure you know what you are getting before the class. Some shops in the area ask you to sign a form saying you will buy ALL gear from them in exchange for discounted classes. Notice that their stuff is probably more.....

[Removed commercial post]

Thats my two cents, happy diving wherever you choose to go!

 

[stroid]

thanks Kmitch I decided to go with Padi because the training course scheduale worked better for me and I got to meet the instructor. I actually purchased my gear from Diver-supply in doraville and thats where I met Shannon the instructor. She made my sister feel extremly comfortable and it made my sister want to learn with her. Thanks for the advice

 

[kmitch]

Well if you take classes with Shannon chances are good you'll see me! They come use the marietta store pool for the classes and I tend to work all the weekends. If you find yourself at the marietta store, I am the only woman who works there, please introduce yourself!

 

[kevin]

KMITCH

Thank you for posting your opinions on the subject. Welcome to the ARC forums.... I am in and out of your store a lot and probably have seen you, and will need to be in there again soon.

 

[stroid]

kmitch;58026 wrote: Well if you take classes with Shannon chances are good you'll see me! They come use the marietta store pool for the classes and I tend to work all the weekends. If you find yourself at the marietta store, I am the only woman who works there, please introduce yourself!

i definitly will thanks for your input :up:

 

[washowi]

man....disappointed PADI too bad...... You would have had a great experience with Adventures in Diving....good luck.