Diving Cert. Calgary

Red Coral Aquariums · #1 03-31-2010, 09:39 PM

Some suggestions and recommendations where in Calgary to get a scuba diving cert.

Thanks
Kevin

Delphinus · #2 03-31-2010, 09:50 PM

Speaking as only someone who's looked into it, and not done it .. the three big names that always come up are 1) The Dive Shop (www.diveshopscuba.com) 2) Adventures In SCUBA (www.adventuresinsuca.com) and 3) Aquasport (www.aquasportscuba.com)

I think all 3 have top rated reputations. For what it's worth though, the last time I looked into this, Aquasport had the best prices on courses and equipment hands-down.

Also Aquasport, being in Marda Loop, may be easier to get to from the NW than the other two, which are both on Macleod Trail.

andestang · #3 03-31-2010, 10:02 PM

My wife did her's through Aquasport when they did a coarse up at Jasper. I just sat in on it seeing I had my certificates and they seemed pretty decent. You headed somewhere Kevin

? I think you deserve it !

sitandwatch · #4 04-01-2010, 12:01 AM

I got certified at the Dive Shop and felt it was really well done.

The Dive Shop and Aquasport are owned by the same people.

Adventures in Scuba has the nicest facility.

If its for you Aquasport would be the closest and Adventures in Scuba the farthest.

Note, ask where they do there open water dives I prefer the ones done in lake minnewanka not lake sundance.

Have fun

Fishward · #5 04-01-2010, 12:10 AM

I did mine at The Dive Shop too. Great staff, good pool, and great deals for WJ staff! If you have a choice do your course with Bill (id he's still teaching)- extremely experienced diver. Also, this may just be a personal preference, but doing your "open water" dives on location is the way to go. I won't dive in any water you need something more than a 3mm suit, so doing certification at lake minnewanka was not an option haha.

Zoaelite · #6 04-01-2010, 12:30 AM

I did mine @ the Dive shop, my in class instructor was Al Romer I recommend him to anyone that wants to certify (He's pretty much worth the money just for the laughs).

Treebeard · #7 04-01-2010, 01:41 AM

I did my classroom and pool training compliments of my wife who is a certified Naui instructor. I did one open water qualifying dive in Waterton, two off Vancouver Island and two in Akumal. I agree with you about not diving in the cold mud in Alberta, as my wife calls it, but the diving around Vancouver Island is awesome! We dove in 7mm suits and although my wife was cold near the end, I was comfy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishward

I did mine at The Dive Shop too. Great staff, good pool, and great deals for WJ staff! If you have a choice do your course with Bill (id he's still teaching)- extremely experienced diver. Also, this may just be a personal preference, but doing your "open water" dives on location is the way to go. I won't dive in any water you need something more than a 3mm suit, so doing certification at lake minnewanka was not an option haha.

Argentiner · #8 04-01-2010, 04:56 AM

I know Darrin at the Dive Shop and he is a fantastic instructor. I think they are the best priced in the city as well, but don't quote me on that.

BCOrchidGuy · #9 04-07-2010, 07:10 PM

Not sure about Naui but if you take your course through a Padi shop you can do your class room and pool work locally and then go somewhere warm to do your open water dives. Somewhere warmm... warm water.... but honestly as someone else said the diving around Vancouver Island is some of the best in the world.

Doug