Proud of My New 12 Yr Old PADI Diver

Reviewed by SeattleMom on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 21:09
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SeattleMom
Joined: Jan 26, 2011
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There are quite a few things you leave behind in your home country, but then you're also astounded at some opportunities available in Beijing that you'd never anticipated, and outstripped your expectations.

SinoScuba is one of those amazing experiences "only in Beijing". Who'd ever think that this was possible?

Last summer, we gave a 45 minute dive at the Blue Zoo to my 12 year old son for his birthday. He was thrilled. Steven, founder of SinoScuba, made it easy for him to borrow a suit his size, and after a few minutes of advice, guided him safely around the Blue Zoo's aquarium. They stopped and fluffed up sand to gather the fish and saw sharks and giant turtles up close. The fish ignored him, the Chinese tour groups gaped.

When we learned that we could extend this experience by my son doing a PADI course, same place, with Steven, We jumped at the chance. It was very reasonably priced, and a better option than doing it rushed at a tropical resort while on vacation, or in a chlorinated pool back home.

Steven gave him the offical PADI text and materials and patiently, make that PATIENTLY, reviewed the material with him one-on-one, and gave him a series of quizzes and tests to make sure he got it. A few more dives in the Blue Zoo to get the hang of the equipment, procedures and safety protocols.

The second half of the PADI certification was a thrill. The family accompanied my son and Steven and another PADI candidate 3.5 hours north to a reservoir at which the Great Wall dipped in and under. What an amazing site to complete the required 4 open water dives. It was a terrific weekend of diving and hiking - as memorable as any vacation - and now my son clutches his PADI certificate with a big grin of pride.

The whole experience was top notch. I trusted Steven 110% with my son and his PADI education, at the bottom of Blue Zoo and in the depths of a reservoir. He was a great teacher, and now we count him as a good family friend.

Best of luck to him, and all the future divers - recreational and PADI-wannabes.