Posted by Jack Skates on June 01, 2000 at 12:21:32:
In Reply to: how to choose a local shop posted by Claudia Hoag on May 28, 2000 at 13:45:27:
This is my list of stuff...
First, check out more than one shop before you make a decision.
You want to meet the instructor that will be teaching your class... It's really important that you feel comfortable with the instructor since there's a lot to learn and if you feel uncomfortable or intimidated... you may tend to shy away from asking what could be important questions.
Check the prices and selection of equipment. You will most likely end up buying a lot of your equipment from the dive shop you get your instruction from, so you want to make sure they have a good selection and good pricing. Also remember that a lot of times you can negotiate with the shop if you're taking your lessons and buying your equipment from the same shop... they will tend to offer you good package deals.
Try and get a referral. This is a good place to start... you may want to post the same question to New Diver and Scubadiving.com's Message Boards:
New Diver - http://www.newdiver.com/forum/
Scubadiving.com - http://www.scubadiving.com/talk/list.php3?num=3
You might also go where there is a lot of diving taking place where you live and ask around.
All that combined with common sense... should help you find the right place. But the main thing is go and check out several shops... if anything, even if you go back to the first place you checked out... you will have piece of mind and confidence in your decision.
Oh yeah... and have fun. Good luck.
Jack Skates