Sometimes smaller is better.

In the world of scuba instruction, there are three varieties of instructional programs.

First, we have the MegaClasses. These classes are designed to push the maximum amount of students through a program in the least amount of time. There are limits imposed by certification agencies to number of students to instructors, but if you have more than 10 students in your class, it would fall into this category.

In the industry, these are lovingly referred to as “cattle boat operations”…whether or not there’s a boat involved. The idea is to offer lessons at a very low price to get people to try it out. While the price point is a plus, sometimes we need to look at value. It’s the reason there’s a Walmart and a Nordstroms…depending on your needs, you can shop at either place.

The second variety is the Small Classes. These are typically 4 – 6 students per class with the instructional facility offering more class times, rather than overfilling one session. You’ll pay a bit more for this instruction, however you’ll also receive more one on one attention by the instructor and dive staff. Studies show that students from these programs are more likely to continue diving after they finish their courses.

The third option is the Private Class. Ask any instructor, and they’ll tell you that if you’re able to do this, you’ll receive the best training for scuba in this fashion. As a private student, you’ll have the instructors undivided attention. You’ll progress at your own pace and won’t need to worry about holding the other students up…or waiting for the slowest one in the class. Often, if two people are looking to do a private course together, there is a discount for a semi-private class.

When learning to scuba dive, you are learning skills designed to help you survive in an environment not conducive to human life. These skills are essential for…well…keeping you alive. There are things in the world you should look for a bargain on…and then there are things you should look to a professional for.

Make sure your instructor is a full time professional instructor, not a hobby instructor. If you were going in for heart surgery, you’d want a surgeon who practiced full time, not a few times each year, right? Once again…this is your life support for underwater exploration. It’s ok to have a pizza delivery guy who is moonlighting from his retail job during the day…but do you really want a scuba instructor who just does it on the side?

Sometimes the “right way” is a little more money and a little more time. Scuba allows you to enter a world few will ever see. Thorough training is required to view it safely and confidently. Choose your training instructor wisely and you’ll have a splendid underwater experience.

1. All time really is beach time. When I was in the corporate world, I ran 15 minutes ahead of any appointment on my hectic schedule. Traffic backups created a tight feeling in my chest and impatience for retail lines churned in my stomach. I was never late, no matter what.

But living now in the water world, I realize that all things will come in time. I try to schedule my students on the "ish" time frame. "We'll meet at the site at noonish". If I get there ahead, I can relax and watch the waves. If I'm running a few minutes late, I know they are there....watching the waves.

I once believed that being late was showing another person disrespect for their time...and still do. So, I announce ahead of time, to enjoy the moment, and if I'm not there on the dot, well, we're on 'beach time'. Often, my students will use the same phrase, and rather than being irritated, I smile, knowing I took the churn out of their stomach.

2. People, regardless of gender, all want to be princesses. One of the trademarks of GirlDiver is our 'Princess Treatment'. On dive number one, designed to do no skills...simply introduce students to the underwater world on one exploratory dive, we give Princess Treatment. We have the students enter the water, and after walking to the shore with 80 lbs. of gear on their back, lie floating on their backs in 'Relaxation Pose #1', allowing the muscles to relax into the water. Our dive team then puts their fins on their feet, like a princess. I've had police officers, special forces soldiers, engineers and truck drivers all rave they enjoyed being treated like a princess.

Everyone, in any walk of life, wants to feel pampered. If we can make them feel taken care of and special, everyones day is a little better.

3. Go with the current. It's an undertaking to swim against a current, so you should pick the times carefully, with prior research, before going up against a strong force. Come prepared for the battle. But don't choose that battle everyday. Often, it's nice to just relax into the current, and even though you may not think you want to go with it, your mind can be opened up to new things by relaxing and becoming one with it.

In life, pick your battles. Is it really worth saying something? Are you going to change that person, issue or world? Or are you just going to create a rift? Sometimes silence is golden and if you simply go for the ride, with eyes wide open, knowing the pitfalls, you may be able to learn something new.