09-23-2002, 03:07 PM
I finally finished my divemaster certification this weekend! A number of people on the forum have asked me to share my impressions of the class.
I took the class through Scuba Center Eagan (padi). My instructor, Rob Leslie (RJ), was wonderful. He was a teacher, coach, and mentor. His teaching extended well beyond the classroom. I hope I have the privilege of working with RJ in the future.
The DM class is unlike any other prior diving class. It requires a higher level of academic and physical commitment. The time investment is more substantial -- both inside the class and outside the classroom.
Here are my "quick thoughts" about the program:
-- The primary focus of the DM program is to mold you into a proficient assistant. It won't turn you into some sort of "super diver". You will be able to help instructors make better divers.
-- The only way to become a better diver is to dive often -- and try to dive with more experienced divers.
-- Don't underestimate the time commitment - especially outside the class. I probably spent 2 hours for every hour in the classroom.
-- When you are reviewing the cost of the course take into consideration some of the additional training items you may need to purchase -- books, the wheel, instructor manual, etc. You could end up with another $150 worth of stuff to buy.
--The Wheel. This would be a pretty useful device if it were 1985. The guy that invested it was pretty smart though.
-- Equipment. The most challenging part of the dive training was having to use a snorkel and a standard lead weight belt.
Leave the backplate and long hose at home for this class.
-- The mapping project was a blast. We mapped the Golden Acres portion of Square Lake. We used a GPS system to map out some of the objects. I may be able to share a copy of the map if it is in digital format. Next time you are at Square Lake you may notice that the boat has been moved....
-- Take the opportunity to watch instructors during open water class sessions. This was an optional part of our DM program. I participated in some sessions taught by Dan Mack, another great instructor.
I took the class through Scuba Center Eagan (padi). My instructor, Rob Leslie (RJ), was wonderful. He was a teacher, coach, and mentor. His teaching extended well beyond the classroom. I hope I have the privilege of working with RJ in the future.
The DM class is unlike any other prior diving class. It requires a higher level of academic and physical commitment. The time investment is more substantial -- both inside the class and outside the classroom.
Here are my "quick thoughts" about the program:
-- The primary focus of the DM program is to mold you into a proficient assistant. It won't turn you into some sort of "super diver". You will be able to help instructors make better divers.
-- The only way to become a better diver is to dive often -- and try to dive with more experienced divers.
-- Don't underestimate the time commitment - especially outside the class. I probably spent 2 hours for every hour in the classroom.
-- When you are reviewing the cost of the course take into consideration some of the additional training items you may need to purchase -- books, the wheel, instructor manual, etc. You could end up with another $150 worth of stuff to buy.
--The Wheel. This would be a pretty useful device if it were 1985. The guy that invested it was pretty smart though.
-- Equipment. The most challenging part of the dive training was having to use a snorkel and a standard lead weight belt.
Leave the backplate and long hose at home for this class.
-- The mapping project was a blast. We mapped the Golden Acres portion of Square Lake. We used a GPS system to map out some of the objects. I may be able to share a copy of the map if it is in digital format. Next time you are at Square Lake you may notice that the boat has been moved....
-- Take the opportunity to watch instructors during open water class sessions. This was an optional part of our DM program. I participated in some sessions taught by Dan Mack, another great instructor.