Dive Certification

[Laverna]

I want to get my dive cert. ~ anyone use or heard of Aqua Dive Academy in Portland? If so, how were they? My next journey..............it's gonna be good.

 

[debdellac]

My boss (Roger) got his cert around here somewhere. I think Portland. Ill check for you.

xoxo
Debby

 

[ME2003]

Aqua Dive Academy is on Commercial St. in Portland. I have heard
good reviews for their dive program. I was certified at Johnsons
Sporting goods on Outer Congress St in Portland. I liked Johnsons program. They were very helpful. The cost was also very reasonable. They have a pool onsite.
I would recommend you look at both before deciding. Whichever course you take make sure it is NUAI or PADI. They are recognize
around the world. I think they also have services that help if you forget or lose your card.

 

[Laverna]

Thanks to the both of you! Do you happen to know what reasonable is?

 

[ME2003]

Here is their web page with prices
http://www.johnsonssportinggoods.com/subcat.php?cat=2&sub=13
You also have to buy a book and a couple other items.

 

[debdellac]

Dive Info

Dive Info

Hi Sissy,
From what i can find out. The top drive instructer in the Portland area is, Paul Rollins, 799-7990. He comes HIGHLY recommended with many years of experience. I don't want my lil cousin getting hurt.
xo
Debby

 

[Laverna]

Hey Deb,

Wanna do it with me? We can be the dive "bags".

 

[debdellac]

I think you are nuts!

I think you are nuts!

If you want to wait until warm weather to come back around...then I might consider. I know some of the stuff is in a pool. I have no desire to freeze my arse off...Roger finished his certs in Hawaii. Can you take me there? We can be hula bags!

We can talk about it
xo
Debby

 

[Laverna]

Why yes! Do you think you could write that off on Roger's business account? If so, I'll take you anywhere you want to go! I have a feeling he might look at us and laugh on that one!

I am not in a hurry ~

 

[ME2003]

It is not as cold in November as it is in March/april. Hawaii is expensive to get certified. The florida keys can be reasonable. A flight can be found that is inexpensive to Miami. Of course that is if you avoid shopping and going to restaurants/bars in Key West or Miami. There are severel places in Key Largo that do certifications.

 

[Laverna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8354825#post8354825 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ME2003
It is not as cold in November as it is in March/april. Hawaii is expensive to get certified. The florida keys can be reasonable. A flight can be found that is inexpensive to Miami. Of course that is if you avoid shopping and going to restaurants/bars in Key West or Miami. There are severel places in Key Largo that do certifications.

You're right, it would be much colder. Hmmmm? Family vacation in Key West sounds great about now ~ I am getting cold and it's only Fall!

I looked at Dry Suits from the link you sent me ~ holy @#%! I didn't have a clue they were $1,000.00 plus! Ouch!

Thanks,
Sissy

 

[Hedonist]

I took open water dive lessons here in Watervile.. ... will admitt that while my classmates took their first dive in the water for certification, they went in the coast of Maine in March... I headed south to Cozumel and Cancun.... very very nice! Guess I am a fair weather diver....
:fish2: :fish2:
Denise

 

[debdellac]

Oh yeah! the cost of the gear is A LOT..you were looking at just the suit...there is a lot more then that to it...so ive been told...lol

 

[Laverna]

Yeah however between Jim and Danny I would have the rest of the stuff. Good thing!!!!

 

[Laverna]

Before we went to Punta Cana, I was thinking about taking a class. I should have done it then and when I went on the trip, I could have taken the dive then!!! Dummy

 

[jessiesgrrl]

Wow, that would be so awesome... Wish I could go!

Can you rent the gear and suit? Seems to me I have heard of such... Especially from dive shops that give lessons??!!??


Laurie

 

[ME2003]

Can you rent the gear and suit?

For class they usually use a wet suit which is less expensive.
You have to get special training for a dry suit.
They rent all the equipment.
For diving here 7mm Henderson Hyperstrech is a good idea
Price: $349.99
It is a good idea to check on the prices for everything. Some places will allow you to time pay while you take the class.
The first item I would buy is a wetsuit. This is for comfort and cleanlyness. Ask a diver about this. It is also very useful for snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing and going swimming in april. A mask and snorkel are next. I have my own regulator setup. After I saw someone get sick through their regulator underwater, I always bring mine on diving trips. Even if you do not learn to dive,
snorkeling can be very good around here.

 

[Laverna]

I didn't know you need special training for a dry suit ~ I want to be warm!!!!! Wetsuit for their indoor pool, absolutely. Snorkel and mask, check. Regulator, will use my hubby's as after what you just mentioned I do not want to share with anyone that may as my kids like to call it "chunga". I do want to learn to dive. After seeing those reefs when I was in Punta Cana via snorkel and mask ~ I would rather dive and stay down as long as I want so I don't miss anything. Grrr.. to think I have to breath!