SCUBA

[Goldpig]

I am curious if anyone has taken SCUBA certification classes in the Mpls, Twin Cities area? I would like to know of a good place to take the class, or any place that I should stay away from. Any help would be appreciated!

[Greg P.]

Goldpig,
I was certified several years ago at a place called The Scuba Center (I think that's the name) it was on Penn Avenue. They did a great job, and the instructor was excellent.

There are several outfits that can provide training for Scuba diving in the Twin Cities. I would check to be sure they have PADI affiliation. There is another divers' association, but PADI has always been the largest and most recognized.

Scuba diving is a blast. Suprisingly affordable, and not very difficult. I typically take a trip each winter to some warm destination and dive several times per trip. It is truly a wonderful experience.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, I'll answer what I can.

Good luck and have fun.
Greg P.

[Bert]

I got certified at (what used to be) Scuba Dive and Travel on Chicago and 48th, Mpls, 8 or 9 years ago. Great staff at the time. (I think they've changed management a few times since.)

Lately, I've been dealing with Scuba Center on Penn & 50th because I have Dacor/Seaquest gear and they service both. They seem pretty knowledgable.

Don't worry about it too much. In a large, competive market like the Twin Cities, dive masters are either good or gone after a few years. Just try to find a place that is conveniently located and has people you are comfortable with.

One thing to look for is an on-site pool. It's nice to be able to do confined water work right in the store instead of driving all over town and you can usually demo new gear too.

Good luck.

[RANGER]

It has been a LONG time ago that I got certified. Certification was from the YMCA and I think they still do that. I know my nephew and neice were certified at a "Y" about 4 years ago. They are very reasonably priced, too!


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[Bert]

One more thing,

If you plan to go somewhere warm, I strongly suggest timing it so you can do your classroom and confined water work up here and finish up your open water dives on vacation. It makes a big difference when you have warm water, good vis and you don't have all the hassles of gloves and a hood when you are still getting comfortable with life underwater. (I did the cold water/low vis thing for my certification dives and it wasn't fun.)
All dive destinations offer certification dives, they aren't much more expensive and you'll start out with an awesome experience.

[Joel B.]

I have always thought about getting certified also, but wonder where I would dive. I live in a suburb of Mpls. I would hate to get certified and have to travel to Mexico or the like to find good water every time I wanted to dive.

Thanks to all for any advice,

Joel B.

[Goldpig]

The reason I want to get certified partially in case I ever do go to Mexico or somewhere that I can dive. Mostly though I want to go to some of the old mine pits in northern MN which are apparently really clear. Square lake near Stillwater is also supposed to be decent.

[AquaMan]

Scuba Center
1571 Century Pt
Eagan, MN
(651) 681-8434

They are right off Lexington between HWY 13 and Pilot Knob.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"