12 replies to this topic

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

My 2 OW proteges want to go to Miami to do their checkout dives, rather than diving the cold, murky waters of Missouri their first time out of the pool.

They are SSI trained, and I see that there are 2 SSI dealers in Miami who would do their checkouts, but their web sites were not very good. Does anybody know anything about Divers Den, or H20 Diver's operations? Any info would be appreciated.

Also, I may get them to Miami in April or May for their checkout dives. How are the water temps around that area in April and May? I may just have to come down with them! Can't let them have all the fun....

[scubaski]

Is MIA chiseled in stone? You should check out Ft. Laurderdale ops and WPB ops.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Not entirely etched in stone, just didn't know there was much reef around Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm Beach. Will check that....it probably depends on airfare! I will price each flight from MCI.

[pmarie]

Miami is a hop, skip and jump away from the Keys, Ft. Lauderdale, and WPB. Woman!! I think I would look at the Keys (Key Largo.) Just cause of atmospehere, I think Conch Republic Divers is SSI. They are a Great shop, I do 95% of my diving down there with them.

Seriously I would look at Ft. Lauderdale and Pompano. Tons of operators and instructors can be found!!!

[divzac]

OMG I keep needing more do-overs.... how many do I get??

Edited by divzac, 19 March 2009 - 07:44 PM.

[divzac]

West Palm Beach southward is pretty much world class. Of course I would like to see you and your peeps visit Palm Beach. I would be happy to facilitate any plans that you may have if needed. Click HERE for some info about the area. This just ha[[ens to be where I work but there are plenty of other operations as well. Whatever you do I'm sure it will be tons of fun...enjoy, Zach

[divzac]

Woops! I believe that I will need do-overs

[ScubaDadMiami]

I am familiar with H2O. However, the H2O shop, which used to be one of the best shops in the area, was sold fairly recently. I have not been in there since they were sold. I do not know the new owners. I have a friend that used to work for the old owner, and she still works in the shop on occasion.

I know where Divers' Den is located. However, I haven't been there in years. One thing I know about them is that they do their own Hydro testing on scuba tanks.

Anywhere in South Florida is ideal for doing check out dives. Palm Beach County has the nicest reefs in the area, but there will almost always be a strong current up there; drift diving is the norm. Broward has some nice reefs and plenty of wrecks. Miami has mostly wrecks though there are some nice reefs down south. The Keys are another great check out location but can be much more expensive.

I go back and forth to all of these areas frequently though much less to Palm Beach because it is so far to drive. I don't know anything about SSI shops except for one in Miami: Underwater Unlimited. UU has been around for a long time. They have a nice shop. I don't work directly with them, but I know them well. If you decide to go there, tell Gary I say hi.

[ASDmike]

Will check that....it probably depends on airfare! I will price each flight from MCI.

The MIA hassle factor has always made FLL a great choice when going to the keys. I would even pay a few bucks more to go into FLL (but FLL normally runs cheaper). Your travel time from gate to the gateway to the keys (Florida City) will be the same.

PBI is an even better (easier) option if you want to dive South Florida instead of the keys. The Blue Heron Bridge may be a fantastic option for their OW checkouts, but with so many great S. Florida divers and instructors on this site, I'll let them talk to you about that...

Lots of great choices, have fun!

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Yes, flying MCI into FLL runs $30-$40 per ticket cheaper than flying into MIA, and they both route through ATL. I stayed in FLL overnight on my way to & from Bimini....it's a fun & quirky town!

I am so appreciative of the feedback, and so are the protege's! I know at least one will become an SD member once certified, she's so impressed with the helpful answers.

[Lady Liz]

I will be in Fort Lauderdale may 2nd for 10 days and love to have a dive buddy...someone interested?Liz

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Liz:

Since I'm flying home at 4pm on 5/3, I can't dive past 4pm on Saturday 5/2. An early afternoon dive is possible! But better, I started another thread about a FLL happy hour for either 5/1 or 5/2. Maybe with 2 out-of-towners in FLL on 5/2, maybe more FLL locals will be interested. Find that thread and post something! I'd love to just find a venue & blast out a bunch of email invitations for a 5/2 HH!

[DiverBabs]

I will be in Fort Lauderdale may 2nd for 10 days and love to have a dive buddy...someone interested?Liz

Yes, please do pop over to the other thread. Several of us are up for a Saturday, 5/2 dive. :-)

http://www.singlediv...a...c=17931&hl=

Edited by DiverBabs, 02 April 2009 - 03:43 PM.