| Scuba Diving Instructor |
I became a diver in 1985 and went to work for a scuba shop in 1987. By 1988 I was out of college, managing the store, and becoming a PADI instructor. In March of 1988 I went to work teaching for Desert Divers in Tucson, AZ and have been there ever since. We have recently added SSI certifications to our repetoire, the agency we presently feel offers the best certification material available.
I've had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of divers, from beginner up through assistant instructor. I've also had the chance to dive all over this end of the world, from Hawaii, the Sea of Cortez and Baja, and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica to all over the Caribbean.
Learning to dive and getting certified is really quite easy. If you are a reasonably good swimmer and comfortable in the water it will be effortless. Plan on six to eight hours of self-study, about eight hours in a swimming pool, and two full days of diving in the ocean. You can also figure on expenses for both travel and equipment that are similar to snow skiing. If you're not super comfortable in the water, but really want to learn, then you can do it with perhaps just a little more time.
How Much Does it Cost? As this is far and away the most frequently asked question, I'll try to answer it:
| Class & Pool Instruction | $125.00 |
| Course Materials | 60.00 |
| Basic Snorkeling Gear | 350.00 |
| 2-Day Certification Trip (4 boat dives and 2 nights hotel in San Carlos, Mexico) | 299.00 |
| Gear Rental for 2-Day Trip | 45.00 |
| Total | $879.00 |
| Package incl. all above | $ 849.00 |
| Above package incl. wetsuit purchase | $ 999.00 |
The above information is a starting point, and does not include transportation or meals for the weekend (it's about a 6-hour drive). If you and another share class materials, we adjust. If you already have scuba capable snorkeling gear then the up-front expense will be less. If you want to take a longer certification trip or go somewhere else, that changes things. Private lessons and group rates can also change things.
Beyond your first certification, there is an entire world of opportunity for more learning and experience, and a nearly infinite choice of diving adventures all around the world.
If you are interested in dive instruction, either private or through Desert Divers, please contact me.
Home | Bio | Contact
Copyright © 2001 - 2007, George Jenson, Jenson Consulting