In Reply to: Certification posted by Marta on July 17, 2006 at 08:21:43:

I have known and dove with Dahlia for many years. She is a good diver, a patient open-water instructor. Her students whom I have met have all been very satisfied. She works in Canoga Park.

You should talk with Dahlia and some of the other suggested instructors and then trust your own intuition about which one will be best for you.

I would recommend a course that includes both beach and boat dives, not just beach dives.
I have no idea what Dahlia or the of the other suggested instructors charge. But that should only be a secondary consideration since your life depends on learning these basic diving skills well. Because of that sometimes longer classes with more in-water time may be advantageous over getting it done quickly.

• Upper Class Scuba