BM-> What dive shop might that be?  Are they still the pits?  If so, and
 BM-> you can give me some constructive feedback, I could inform Doug of
 BM-> the situation.  I don't know if he can/could/would/etc.
 BM-> do anything, but it would be a start.
The dive shop was Scuba West and they are still in business.  Don't know if 
you
caught my story of how I signed up for the advanced class with 2 others and
never finished.  The owner did ask if I was ready to take the Open Waters for
the advanced class 5 months later but by then I was already Rescue certified 
by
PADI.  My complaint is that the owner of the shop was just to slow.  After
being involved in NASDS and PADI I can honestly say that NASDS is a better
Institution.  The whole incident just left a bad taste in my mouth for that
shop.  It worked out for the best because I wouldn't trade the friend I made 
in
the owner of the PADI shop that I went to.  It is the best shop in this area.
 BM-> I'm a NASDS OW Instructor, and work for Doug's store.  For the most
 BM-> part, I have been extremely pleased in their program and style of
 BM-> teaching.  I can't compare it to anything else, except to say I feel
 BM-> extremely comfortable in the training I have received both as a
 BM-> student and on my way to the instructor rating. NASDS is big into
 BM-> sales, but that is half of their educational philosophy. They would
 BM-> prefer you buy equipment from them, but their biggest concern
 BM-> is that you dive with a complete and total diving system that is
 BM-> regularly serviced.  Myself, I would rather have something repaired
 BM-> before it fails, than to wait for it to fail while diving.
After taking the Advanced, Resue and Divemaster for PADI I can honestly say
that the training in NASDS is better, at least for Open Water.  Seemed like a
good Institution but the owner doesn't have his heart in the business I 
guess. 
He is still a friend but I don't regret leaving his shop.  The Open Water
training I received was more than adaquate. 
--- Ted's Castle 
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