Gotham Divers — Local services in New York

I completed my Open Water certification this past summer, and it was a remarkable experience. As a seasoned teacher, I can immediately identify the folks at Gotham Divers as people with an emphasis on strong pedagogy and safety all wrapped up in a personalized experience. It simply does not get much better. They communicate well, and often focus on a conversation to better understand one's goals as well as comfort level. By understanding goals, they are better aimed with recommending the proper equipment. This is always a delicate balance because Scuba has many safety considerations, and as mentioned Gotham Divers has a strong emphasis on safety; however, the shop sells Scuba equipment that is a necessity for class or continued diving. Through understanding of goals, the folks at Gotham Divers do not push unnecessary equipment. As a matter of fact, they are very frank when some equipment is not needed for either a beginner or for a specific diving environment. For example, if you plan on diving exclusively in tropical waters, then they are not going to recommend a thick wetsuit.

One of my goals for completing the Open Water certification was to prepare and develop a program for my high school students where they will be working with a research scientist on a reef restoration project. I recently had the Gotham Divers certify several of my students, and again, the experience was second-to-none. My students had a range of abilities and comfort with water, and with patience and a personalized touch, all students finished with their certification. They had a great sense of accomplishment and they cannot wait for the next part of...

After booking a trip to Belize, I decided to take up SCUBA. I was a bit skittish to do so, since I'm hardly a "mermaid," but I am SO very glad that I did. I went with Gotham Divers based on location and schedule. The pool session consisted of practicing and familiarizing yourself with a series of skills. I had difficulty getting past the mask-clearing portion, which apparently is a common challenge for many new divers. We practiced that part a bit more and then went to on other skills like buddy breathing and establishing neutral buoyancy and emergency ascension. I was personally frustrated with not being able to complete the mask skills, but John and Edwin encouraged me to come back and to continue to work on it the following week. On my second visit, Edwin gave me one-on-one training on how to work through the skills. We focused step-by-step and worked through the mental blocks, and as a result, the physical challenges of the skill. I was so excited to have been able to work through it and to gain a calmer disposition underwater. I successfully completed the class with all skills, and left with much more confidence about choosing to take on this rewarding sport. A HUGE thank you to Edwin, John and Tim for their encouragement, expertise and support! I'm so stoked to check out the real-life aquarium on my upcoming vacation, and for a new and exciting...

I tell all my friends that my favorite thing to do on a Friday night is to hang out at this shop with Tim, Alex, Peter and co. I came in here once upon a time looking to be open water certified, and I stayed for the great stories and even better company.

The open water certification course took me three non-consecutive days to complete, but they can the same week if you want. I got the Monday evening classroom and Thursday evening pool sessions done together so I could stay with my "class". John and Peter were my instructors. I recommend that you clear your entire evening for the pool portion because it can run late into the night. Also, bring bottled water and grab dinner beforehand because you'll be learning skills without a break.

I finished my certification in Belize through SSI, and though John teased me for that and for getting my all-pink outfit online, I don't regret it because I saw wild dolphins and I look awesome. I can say that my Belizean instructor was really impressed by how solidly I had my skills (mask clearing, etc.), thanks to John and Peter, so getting through my first four real dives was a total breeze.

I also recommend this shop if you're a working chump, like me, who prefers 7:30 pm classes. Alex, who taught me Nitrox, is willing to meet later. Really accommodating folks. Check this place out for any and all...