SF Bay Area Newbie help?

[anathema]

OK, here's my situation:

I've signed up for a dive course at a local SSI school, and altogether it's costing me about $1000. This is with a (required by the school) $330 physical exam, and without the final dives, which I plan to do elsewhere because I don't want to deal with the cold water. Plus I don't think I'm that interested in seeing Monterey.

I did some pricing around and it's starting to look appealing to get my certification done elsewhere, maybe Hawaii. I work a 7 day on, 7 day off schedule, so I could fly somewhere and have 5 days to get certified and maybe have a fun dive or two. This is looking much more appealing than taking my schooling in SF, and then spending almost as much as the academic portion cost me to go do my dives elsewhere.

Also, the SF school is requiring that I provide my own mask/fins/snorkel and I am clueless about which ones I like. Split fins? Special Snorkel? I can only say if something looks cool or not, I've never been in the water with anything. It's much more appealing to spend money to travel somewhere and get certified than it is to buy gear I may not be happy with.

So, can anyone tell me where a good place for a week-long trip from SF would be this time of year? I'm thinking Kauai, but I've never even been to Hawaii so I'm throwing darts at a map essentially.

Also, what's the big deal with PADI shops being such snobs? Will I have trouble if I get an SSI cert or does that go away after you get the card?

 

[fppf]

WOW, I really hate to say this.....
Our shop charges $189 for a basics class, that includes everything but equipment for the open water dives. We also require your own mask fins and snorkle.

As far as split fins goes, yep there great, are they a must, nope. Its all up to you and your pocket book. Ask your self how much am I going to dive and use them and how much do I want to spend. If your diving a lot get them. If you dive 10 times a year and are a little shy on cash, its not the end of the world. Thats why they make all the different kinds.

Most important things with a mask is tempered glass, fit, and you want silicon seals. Don't get PVC.

For a snorkle we normally suggest a standard snorkle with a wave gaurd at most. If you get a dry snorkle it makes it hard to practice clearing it.

Snobs really don't have anything to do with agency. Its more of who is behind the counter. SSI would be ranked 3rd in my list but that is not bashing them in anyway. The most important thing is the instructor. That is what will affect the experiance the most. All the major agency's have almost the same course.

 

[anathema]

Thanks,

I decided to go ahead and cancel my local classes and fly to Hawaii to get certified. Should be a better experience, and I don't have to buy gear.

 

[fppf]

Where are you getting certified in Hawaii?
I would not suggest taking a "resort course". There goal is not really to teach you how to dive. Its more for someone that just wants to get wet once. Almost all the people that take those courses never dive again because they don't spend enough time to get comfortable. Your going to want about 30 hours of instruction.

 

[anathema]

I'm taking a 1 on 1 course with a dive shop, I'll be camping so no resort at all. I am going to be spending three days on the class so hopefully it's enough time to get comfortable.

I'm really excited!

 

[fppf]

3 days is a lite if that includes the open water dives. That only leaves 1 day for class and pool and 2 days for open water.

Good luck and have fun you will enjoy.

 

[anathema]

Thanks!