AIDA Courses Early 2010?

[flying_spanner]

Hey there all.

I'm based in New Zealand and I'm begining to look into the possibility of traveling for a few months early next year.

I'd like to combine my OE with doing an AIDA certified course.

Here in NZ the freediving courses I've done don't give you the AIDA certification. Basically Aida certified training is not offered as there isn't the network or AIDA certified instructors necessary to run courses.

I'd like to get onto a training camp kind of course and check off as many AIDA quals as possible

Going by the guide on the AIDa international site I looked up the requirements for the AIDA *,**,***,**** divers and with my PB's I easily meet the requirements for a **** diver (provided I can perform during the course)

My question is, (and I know this is early but...) anyone got any idea of dates for courses in 2010? Any course and location will be considered.

I'm contemplating the possibility of traveling to Dahab and getting on one of the Desert Divers fast track courses and then going on to do a 4 star course also.

Or I'd also entertain the idea of doing a deeperblue course and fly into and out of London.

If I were to do a deeperblue course do they offer a course that will take me through all the certs (2 - 4 star)?

If it would work out I may be able to bring along a couple of travel companions to ensure there were atleast 3 students on a course. That way a personal course may be an option.

Any ideas suggestions input would be much appreciated.

 

[Mullins]

Why do you want AIDA certification? Just wondering.

 

[flying_spanner]

Hey there Dave,

I know AIDA cert is not really necessary.

But I think freediving in this country is looked upon by the wider scuba community (especially scuba instructors) as an activity "any cowboy" can have a go at.

If a group of us were to all get AIDA certified to a minimum of 4 Star Freedivers. Then the No Bubbles courses (or other freedive courses for that matter) could have the potential to be AIDA certified courses.

Something I feel NZ is lacking and would love to see kick into action.

 

[Mullins]

You mean to get freediving taken more seriously? Hmm, maybe.... Just putting a course together and didn't see too much value in going down the AIDA certification road. Could be useful for insurance etc though.

 

[samdive]

another option would be to ship an AIDA instructor/instructor trainer out to NZ for a few weeks to train you all up, I work full time so would probably struggle to get the time off to do it but I know a few people who might be keen! Possibly even keen enough not to charge much more than their flight and keep.....