Should I take my PADI here or on holiday?

Question

The holiday is 2 weeks in the Red Sea

Answer 1

*****Definitely get the training prior to your holiday.  You need to be comfortable with your basic skills in order to fully enjoy your participation in recreational diving.  

Remember to start a log book right away.  I did not do that many years ago, and I wish I had now.  Try to get divemasters to sign each dive for verification.  Some places even have cool stamps they put in your log for you.  This establishes your credentials as an experienced diver, and allows you to get involved in more and more exciting opportunities.

THE POOL IS NOW OPEN!

Answer 2

you can split it,  do the class and the pool at home and then do your 4 check out dives while on holiday.

Answer 3

I agree totally with Doug ( I usually do since it seems we're both on the same page regarding diving). Do it at home. You won't be rushed during training and you'll be off and running (diving) the moment you arrive on your holiday since you're already certified. Also...chances are, where you live it's probably "cold" water. That is actually the best place to learn. It prepares you better for diving just about anywhere on the planet and your training is usually a better quality than that at a resort.

As an aside here, I'll always consider a cold water cert for a buddy. Warm water? Well, I have my solo cert and will probably use it. I've just had zero luck with warm water buddies. It's cost me two charter's so far, them bailing for no real reason. Two hundred  lost bucks is not something I'm happy about. You should think about your lost dollars too. Cert cold, dive warm and you'll be happy as well as everyone else on the boat. Matter of fact, you'll probably be tipping them off to a few things.

Answer 4

I always receommend doing your entire certification locally.  My rationale is why spend vacation days showing that you know how to do some skills when you can actually be diving.