Thoughts on Classes I am developing for PacificNalu Spearfishing

I would recommend that you start off with a pool session first.
This is the same format how beginning scuba and free diving classes normally start off.

Introducing a newb to the ocean before going over basics in a controlled environment can lead to a bad experience.

This will also allow you to gauge their comfort level and also have them build their self confidence.

Also you may want to check into any additional insurance you may need to carry to perform these classes. Not sure if any is needed but it doesn't hurt investigating into it if you haven't done so already.

I know when I took my classes I had to sign off on an extensive health document. Indicating that I was healthy enough to pursue this hobby.

Good luck with your endeavor

Have you ever seen the area im talking about? It is like a pool. With fish!

Have you ever seen the area im talking about? It is like a pool. With fish!

Yes, and I guarantee you that most of all the scuba divers and free divers taking classes there and at Break Water have gone through this same process.

Sonoma Coast Divers in Rohnert Park does an Intro to spearfishing class. I haven't taken it, but am interested. Might be worth talking to them about it...

http://www.sonomacoastdivers.com/#!spearfishing/c1p2i

Classes are awesome, I highly recommend them to anyone.  It got to a point where I had so many newbie friends that I felt obligated to teach them the basics of safety and what to do in an emergency.

Here is a clip of us at breakwater, 2-3 of them were brand new in the ocean.

Have you ever seen the area im talking about? It is like a pool. With fish!

Yes, and I guarantee you that most of all the scuba divers and free divers taking classes there and at Break Water have gone through this same process.

That a whole different ball game. Scuba divers are pussys.

I would recommend that you start off with a pool session first.
This is the same format how beginning scuba and free diving classes normally start off.

Introducing a newb to the ocean before going over basics in a controlled environment can lead to a bad experience.

This will also allow you to gauge their comfort level and also have them build their self confidence.

Also you may want to check into any additional insurance you may need to carry to perform these classes. Not sure if any is needed but it doesn't hurt investigating into it if you haven't done so already.

I know when I took my classes I had to sign off on an extensive health document. Indicating that I was healthy enough to pursue this hobby.

Good luck with your endeavor

You have to be licensed and insured to teach classes/ guide. All in the works!

To this day the singel best book I have ever purchased.read was called Kayak Diving by Mark Theobald.
I got it back in '99.
I've had some interaction with Mark in the past with his Disabled Adventures. VERY cool guy.
You can't get the paperback version anymore, but you can get it on disk.

http://www.kayakdiving.com/

I would recommend checking it out.
It'll give you a great idea of what to work on in your classes.
The hardest part for you is going to be seeing things through a total newbs eyes.
You've done everything so many times it's not even a thought process anymore. You just do it.
But for the total newb, walking on the sand in a wetsuit might be a challenge, not to even mention donning gear on the beach.
I think the book I mentioned will help reacquaint you with a newbs perspective and also give you some great topics to cover.

Joe I like the idea of a yak diving 101 that starts with the basic. here is how you secure your gear for the paddle out, how to put your gear on before you jump off the yak, ect, ect. the basics.

The class sounds great, Joe. It would have been cool to have had that opportunity when I started.

As you get it all together, you might, (IMO) consider recruiting Tote, he's got some sound ideas, and judging from his videos and posts, would be a solid teacher. Just sayin'.

John

I'd be interested.  I was just talking to the family about trying it out.

I think it's a great idea -- I think the beach dive class would be more accessible to newcomers due to the equipment requirements. I have a couple of friends who have expressed interest in diving for abs and it'd be great to point them to a class that they could take with licensed instructors.

What would the age limits be? It might also be a fun and safe way to introduce future generation of divers to the sport.

Sign me up! My goal for 2016 is to spend time IN the water out here. I've done scuba and snorkeling on the East coast but want to try spearfishing and ab diving.  I'd make the drive down for your class when it gets going.

Good ideas from Joe and everyone. Informed help is better than no help or poor instruction, and it could actually be the deciding factor in whether they have a successful experience or have it end in total failure. Keep up the great innovations Joe!

Thank You for your comments and suggestions guys. I really appreciate your feedback and suggestions.

Classes like these are already offered on the North Coast in Sonoma and Mendocino, it would be a first for the Monterey Area!

Things are moving forward and I am looking forward to the next move in the business.

Thanks Again,

Joe