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#1352
Scuba Training near Gainesville, FL
mangoman1 - 6/01/2013 10:01 AM
Category: New Diver Q&A
Replies: 18

I’m looking into getting my kids certified scuba and want to see if there are any suggested dive shops near Gainesville,Fl to get them certified. They’re 15 and 13 years old, so I would like to find an instructor who has some experience in training kids/teens. I will also be in the St. Pete area in the end of June so maybe we could have more options down there. I work weekends, so the training would have to be on like Thursdays and Fridays. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
#4115
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littlestar1157 - 6/01/2013 12:32 PM
I dunno what kind of sched. she has but Marissa from Cave Country in High Springs certified my best friends daughter last summer. She was only 11 and Marissa did an awesome job with her. Great teacher :) We had a hard time finding anyone in the area who was willing to certify under 16. If you don’t mind the drive, American Pro Dive in Crystal River was willing to do it and was our plan B.
#1352
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mangoman1 - 6/01/2013 3:05 PM
Thanks for the info. I’ll give her a call. Gainesville seems to be dying out when it comes to dive shops. Not sure why. I had my reg/comp serviced at Waterworld a couple years ago and I think they’re out of business. Lloyd Bailey’s web site hasn’t been updates for about 4 years. I live northeast of G’ville so I was even thinking about a dive shop in Jacksonville. I had a trip to St. Petersburg set up for their cert training, but the operator made great claims and promises and just cancelled everything last Thursday.
#4115
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littlestar1157 - 6/01/2013 3:20 PM
Ouch, that sucks. Waterworld went out of business in Dec. last year I think. Never used them. I use Lloyd and love it there but he wouldn’t even discuss certifying one as young as 11. Maybe with their ages he would consider? I’ve never had him as a teacher but I’ve dove with him. About to find out though. Starting cavern class with him this Weds :)
#1352
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mangoman1 - 6/02/2013 10:12 AM
Another option was just presented to me that was similar to my original plan. I’ll still call Marissa to see what she might have available. Too bad about Waterworld as I have Zeagle regs and they were a dealer/service shop where parts are free for life. I’ve tried the cavern diving as I’ve been in most of the springs here in North Fl, but I love coral reefs and the ever-changing life around them. My thought on springs/caverns is once you dove it, it doesn’t change much. They’re good to build some experience though. Be safe and have a great time!
#4355
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caves4me - 6/02/2013 12:43 PM
Marissa is great! I always enjoy talking to her when I’m in cave country. Good luck littlestar1157, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your cavern class, lots of neat places to dive in your area.
#4115
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littlestar1157 - 6/02/2013 12:50 PM
Thanks to the both of you :) I’m sure it’ll be a blast. Would love to be a cave diver someday :)
#4355
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caves4me - 6/02/2013 1:19 PM
Just takes a little time and dedication.
#1352
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mangoman1 - 6/11/2013 8:44 AM
Well it’s been over a week since I called Cave Country as well as left a message on Marissa’s cell phone. I haven’t heard anything back. I was told she was busy teaching someone from Australia(at first the guy at the dive shop said she was IN Australia). Beginning to think he was right though. I know it’s a very busy time of year for instructors, but I would have thought a returned phone call would be easy enough. I’m still chasing down other leads and hoping for the best.
#4115
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littlestar1157 - 6/13/2013 1:41 PM
That sucks, hope you figured something out. I’m officially a cavern diver and Lloyd is an awesome teacher :)
#4355
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caves4me - 6/13/2013 1:44 PM
Congratulation on your Cavern Cert!
#4115
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littlestar1157 - 6/13/2013 1:48 PM
Thanks! :) def need some more practice but I feel like celebrating right now :)
#4355
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caves4me - 6/13/2013 1:56 PM
Cavern is a good start!
#65
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SeaLionScuba - 6/19/2013 2:01 PM
Mangoman, I am an experienced instructor, both PADI & NAUI. No prob with Juniors, certified numerous in my 25 yrs teaching. I don’t have a dive shop but I’m based in Williston, FL, not far from Gvl. I have extra gear for students. I can also work with your weekday schedule.


If you have not already sorted this out shoot me a note, I’ll send you my number to talk about options. I’m gone to W. Palm this weekend (June 22-23) and leaving July 4 for islands. Can teach them before, or after return July 14. I have books, etc in stock.
#1352
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mangoman1 - 6/21/2013 7:33 AM
Sorry for not updating sooner, but I have found another instructor who sounds like a great fit for my teens and can work within my wacky schedule. I’ve received numerous messages and suggestions from this forum and greatly appreciate them all. Excellent responses and tremendous help from fellow divers! I’ll post another update when they’ve completed their training. Might even post a few pics from our upcoming Key Largo dive vacation in August. Happy diving everyone!
#1352
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mangoman1 - 8/06/2013 8:13 AM
Gino, Mike showed me some pics from his PR trip and it looks great. Sadly, the only time I’ve been there was to fly in and get on a cruise ship. Congratulations to you and your son on his certification. I haven’t been diving much lately prior to last year, but now that my kids are certified too I hope to go more often. Enjoy your family diving!
#167
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jerry8389 - 11/05/2017 9:34 AM
If your still looking Keys Scuba just opened up here in Gainesville, FL. We offer padi open water classes for $300 all inclusive courses from open water thru rescue diver. If you want please find us on Facebook at
Keys Huka Dive
or the website www. Keysscuba.business.site/
305-609-7725 thanks Jerry Williams