Recommendations for beginner certification in SE Michigan?

[Sora]

Hi everyone. I hope this is the right place for this message as it's specific to a location. I live in Japan right now but I'm moving back to Michigan next month, and I'm interested in getting my PADI open water certification. I've found a lot of promising-looking places on the Internet, but there's nothing like the advice of actual people who have been there. So can any of you recommend a good place? I'll be in Northville and then Ann Arbor (starting grad school at U of M!) so anything in that area would be great.


Obviously I'm looking for the best value for the price -- anyone know a place with a good deal? Though quality instruction is obviously important to me too!


I'm almost a total beginner; I've done two Discover Scuba Diving experiences (2008 in the Great Barrier Reef and 2009 in Malaysia) and I really want to make this part of my life!


Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[PvtStash]

at Divers Incorporated near Ann Arbor

[gNats]

Absolutely. Go see Rich S. at Divers Inc.

There are a lot of dive shops and I hate to pit one against the other. However, like PVT Stash, I know Rich personally and he is a great instructor, has a great team of instructors, and has a great dive career of his own.

He is in North Ann Arbor, easy to get to and has a location in Novi.

[PTAaron]

I had a great experience with Mike at Advanced Aquatics in St. Clair Shores... but thats a bit of a hike from Ann Arbor.

[gNats]

Originally Posted by PTAaron

I had a great experience with Mike at Advanced Aquatics in St. Clair Shores... but thats a bit of a hike from Ann Arbor.

Mike is another great dive shop. About a 60 minute (easily) drive from Northville. His shop is a hop/skip from my house and I practically work in Northville.

While I would recommend him, the traffic getting to his place is not the greatest from Northville after work.

[Sora]

Hi everyone,

Thank you all so much for your advice. I understand not wanting to pit different dive shops against each other; I'm sure there are lots of really good ones out there. That being said it definitely counts for something to have multiple people speak highly of someone. I will definitely look into both Rich's and Mike's dive shops.

Thank you all again, and I hope to have more to talk about with you guys someday before long!

[BusDiver]

Are you wanting a PADI dive shop? Diver's Inc is a good shop with good instructors. You cannot go wrong with that outfit. There is also Sea the World. An excellent shop over in that area.