Posted by Eric Frasco on May 22, 2003 at 09:55:07:
In Reply to: scuba certification from whom? posted by james on May 22, 2003 at 00:09:57:
James:
Many years ago, I taught for Anacapa Dive Center. Can't testify as to who is teaching there now but they were the best shop in Santa Barbara at the time (full sized pool on site, good instructors, good policies, etc.). Also, Santa Barbara Aquatics is good, and has an on site pool (but a little small) now that it has taken over the old Santa Barbara Divers Supply site.
What you really should do is attend a meeting of the Paradise Dive Club, and ask divers from the Santa Barbara community as to which shop to get certified with. PDC will have a new meeting place this month. Here is a portion of their latest communication:
"next club meeting at Rusty's Pizza 10 E. Cabrillo Blvd, down by Stearn's Wharf (pizza, sandwiches, salad bar, beer, wine, and soft drinks). It's the building with the Lighthouse, right across from the beach! They have a separate meeting room that we can use and we have it reserved for the May 27th meeting at 6:30 PM."
Interestingly enough, this meeting location is just around the corner from Anacapa Dive center.
If you can, talk to the instructor before signing up for his/her class. Find an instructor that you like, don't sign up for a class just because it conveniently fits into your schedule. Spend extra time and effort to get all that you can out of your class, you will be a safer and happier diver if you do.
-Eric-