Padi certification courses in Hua Hin

[polojunk]

I'll be in Hua Hin in April. I was wondering if there were any Padi Open Dive certification courses offered in Hua Hin.

Thanks!

Mike

[Big Boy]

polojunk,

This link might answer your question http://www.huahinsport.com/others.htm

However, don't give up all hope, I've read others posting about diving, and I'm sure they'll advise where the action is (not in Hua Hin though), and whether its within easy commute distance.

[buksida]

Welcome to the board polojunk,
Firstly you'll be disappointed to hear that there is no diving in Hua Hin. The closest place you can get wet and actually see anything is Koh Talu two hours south.

As for doing your OW I did see a sign recently offering courses but on further investigation found out that it was a Thai instructor affiliated with the Chumphon Cabana, his courses are primarily for Thais and he does the pool and theory in Hua Hin and the open water in Chumphon (where the diving isnt bad).

You're much better off going to Koh Tao to get certified, there are hundreds of dive shops there!

[Heebio]

Not heard any feedback from anyone who's done it, but they are advertising PADI courses at the My Way hotel - behind the Panasonic shop at soi 106.

Here's a link:

http://www.mywayhuahin.com/index.php?la ... &Id=365083

The hotel certainly has large, and deep, swimming pool, and also offers monthly sports club rates for use of the facilities.

Looks a fairly professional set up there and maybe worth an enquiry.

[buksida]

This is the guy I was referring to above, his dive courses are aimed at Thais, but I'm sure he does westerners also - however language comprehension is pretty damn essential when learning to dive!

[B6PTW]

hello polojunk
I have used Absolut Wreck, a few hours South in Ban Krut, good People and there is a web site, as a novice I am not allowed to post it so just Google it.

[buksida]

Here is the site but it says their shop is closed:

http://www.absolutwreck.com/

Have been with them twice before with mixed experiences, first time wasn't bad and the second a complete disaster which may go to explain why they are now closed!

Its a shame there are no reliable dive shops along this coast line.

[crazy88]

Emma and Alan split up and sold Absolut wreck some time ago .May explain the breakdown in service . With in excess of 5000 dives on Koh Tao alone I can recommend the place as a destination for diver training and a good,fun holiday in general .I will not recommend any operation over another as most of the owners/managers/established instructors are personal friends .Also,having not dived there for 2 years I will be a little out of date .The Andaman coast should be good for another 3 months although a little challenging for novices on some trips .My personal favourite time on Koh Tao has always been around august/september just as the wind dies down .

H20 Dunc should know what conditions are like right now .January and February can be unpredictable but usually pretty good .

Crazy88

[polojunk]

I'm actually American-Born Thai, where i can speak the language, but can't read or write (I also won't understand big, not so often used words). I would still rather prefer an English Padi certification course. I'm going to be in Thailand for a month in April and staying with family mainly in Bangkok on weekends, Ratchaburi and Hua Hin during the weekdays.

I am planning to visit some of the beautiful islands in the south for a week (most likely Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui). I've been there before and loved it. Back in 2001, I went to Koh Phangan and experienced the full moon party and it was absolutely amazing. This time around, I wanted to try out scuba diving. Since I'm traveling to the Islands alone, I thought this would be the best time to do it.

buksida - Thanks for your input! I'm going to have a lot of free time in Hua Hin, so I wanted to do the PADI Certification there prior to going to the islands so that I can fully enjoy my time Island hopping.

Heebio - I will definitely give them a call and see if they offer their courses in English.

But, if they don't offer courses for westerners, I guess my only option is to get the cert in Koh Tao. Can anyone recommend good companies that are situated on Sairee Beach? I did a search and came across many dive shops but not sure which is better than the other. They also don't post their prices.


Thanks in advance!

[ADW]

Polojunk
You can do your open water on Koh Phangan. There are plenty of dive shops there also. May I recommend a company in Chaloklum, called Sail Rock Divers. There you can either have instruction in English or in Thai by fully qualified instructors.

Chaloklum is the north of Phangan, away from full moon craziness if you're learning to dive, however, its only a taxi journey away for the celebration of becoming an open water diver!

[splitlid]

With in excess of 5000 dives on Koh Tao alone I can recommend the place as a destination for diver training and a good,fun holiday in general .

Crazy88

sure you dont want to re-calculate that figure??

[crazy88]

Figure is correct splitlid .I have been a professional diver for the last 12 years or so . If you ever go to U-turn bar ask Craig how much he enjoyed his divemaster training .Must be 10 years ago and he still ribs me about it .Stole my manual as well the cheeky git .

crazy88 aka Chap

[splitlid]

Figure is correct splitlid .I have been a professional diver for the last 12 years or so . If you ever go to U-turn bar ask Craig how much he enjoyed his divemaster training .Must be 10 years ago and he still ribs me about it .Stole my manual as well the cheeky git .

crazy88 aka Chap

no disrespect meant crazy88,
just seemed alot of dives in one area.

[crazy88]

None taken Splitlid .

It has been a lot of dives .The vast majority working ones .I keep it as a hobby these days .






Crazy88

[polojunk]

Thanks everyone for their input. Would anyone know if you need your actual passport to get the PADI certification or would a copy of the passport be sufficient enough. I much rather leave my passport at my family's hometown rather than carrying it around everywhere with me.

Many Thanks once again!