06-21-2008
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#1 (permalink) |
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sandflea
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4
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Discover Scuba Diving
I was wondering if anyone has ever tried or knows anything about the Discover Scuba Diving courses that are offered in Playa. I have always wanted to try scuba diving, but I don't want to spend the time for the full certification. I was wondering if this course was worthwhile or just a waste since it is only 40 ft deep. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
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06-22-2008
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#2 (permalink) |
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toe in water
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 41
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If you've never done it before, the discover classes are great. Two years ago, my husband took the class at a resort. It allowed him to learn how to use the equipment, the basic safety of diving and could he tolerate the ear pressure while diving. He loved it and decided to get certified. If you get certified within a year, the discover class counts toward your certification.
As to the 40 ft dive, I would prefer diving at that depth all of the time. You see a lot, its a good depth for pictures and you can stay down there longer. |
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06-22-2008
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#3 (permalink) |
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paradisiac
 Join Date: May 2003
Location: Q Roo
Posts: 10,890
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Hi SP... I was considering moving your thread to the general forum, so that more people who have tried this would see it and perhaps you might get more answers to your questions. However, I wasn't certain if you were specifically referring to the DS programs available thru All-Inclusive resorts or not. If you'd like a more comprehensive response, I'll be happy to move this for you... if not, we'll just leave it right here! Just let me know...
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06-22-2008
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#4 (permalink) | |
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beach geek
admin Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden
Posts: 9,723
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The shallower you are able to dive and see interesting environments, the better. Shallow diving is safer and brighter than deeper diving.
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06-22-2008
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#5 (permalink) | |
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Life=Playa (almost)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Connecticut for now but someday Mexico
Posts: 763
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06-22-2008
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#9 (permalink) |
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lost on fifth
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 23
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Dsd
I'm certified, but no one else in my family was last year. I set up a DSD thru Jason for three and it was great! We're going again this year(less than two weeks!) and I have 6 more family members trying it this year with Jason. Two from last year got certified.
Jason works with you in his pool, then takes you out to the ocean when you are comfortable. You'll see plenty, no need to worry about depth. A good DM knows the reefs and will take you to the best in shallow depth. Clint |
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06-22-2008
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#10 (permalink) | |
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life=playa
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Posts: 992
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Quote:
  ) Seriously, I can't recommend Paulo and Geofish highly enough. He is an outstanding divemaster who will always make your safety his first concern. PM Daddy B and he'll get you started. |
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06-23-2008
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#11 (permalink) |
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Brit basher
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 19,501
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It is definitely worth it, to see if you are going to like it enough to get certified if you are undecided. We did a Discover Dive with three dives in Playa in 2005 at Scuba Libre (not even sure they are still there?). In fact, we had planned to get certified in Cuba this year and couldn't, but still did another five 40 foot (ish
 ) dives at a great shop there. One year we will get around to getting certified.  I have been really happy with diving at that depth though, nice and lights and lots to see, and it's true you can stay down longer the shallower you are.We just booked when we got there but it might be a good idea to book ahead. I have also heard very good reviews of Geofish. |
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06-23-2008
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#12 (permalink) | |
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aņejo
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: 10 minutes walk from the Caribbean
Posts: 9,227
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Quote:
The successful participant is registered on PADI's website and receives a card stating they have successfully completed the program. This card is accepted by most scuba diving training organisations throughout the world and allows the holder to join any number of professionaly supervised dives down to 12 metres of depth within one year of completion. It can also be used as credit towards the Open Water Diver course's workload, meaning the student won't have to repeat the first of five confined water dives nor the first of four open water dives. As an incentive and to provide a useful try-out some Playa dive shops will discount the DSD cost from the Open Water's if the student enrols in the latter within one year of completing the DSD program. I used to work as a photojournalist in London but now I almost exclusively shoot underwater, mostly because the colour loss is less pronounced, there's more light and I consume less air. Please look at the pictures on this page: most were taken above 40ft. |
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06-24-2008
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#13 (permalink) | |
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Nutty Peep
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Posts: 4,752
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Quote:
If you don't feel like it's your thing, then you did try it in the safest way because you are being watched very closely by the instructor-divemaster. |
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06-24-2008
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#14 (permalink) | |
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Nutty Peep
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Posts: 4,752
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Quote:
 I didn't knew there are endemic to Cozumel until I did a Google search recently. |
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