Posted by Wayne on March 15, 2001 at 09:09:29:
In Reply to: Looking in L.A. for reputable dive shop that has affordable lessons... posted by Chris on March 14, 2001 at 17:02:34:
Places that sell every kind of sporting equipment might not have the organizational motivation to do diving really well. Sports Chalet gets its share of bashing and it is easy to say that this is kinda like the PADI bashing that is so popular, but the horror stories are real - and hopefully isolated. I know folks who have received decent Open Water training for $200 and I know some who have received decent training for $500. For example you might spend $275 plus 2 trips on the PEACE OR LIBERTY at $100 each (with food, air, and tips). It all depends on the shop.
The thing to remember is this: No matter how well you can perform the basic skills from your training, you still need experience to gain the comfort and safety level you should have. Open Water training teaches you how to operate the stuff so you can begin to learn to dive. Join a club and/or meet experienced diving friends. This is how you will learn to be a good diver.
Wayne