Beach Cities Scuba

I purchased a groupon from beach cities scuba. The groupon doesn’t expire until November. The scheduler, Rika, tried to get me to purchase a full price certification and told me that I couldn’t use the groupon.

My girlfriend and I decided to go on a Caribbean Cruise this last fall. I, being an certified advance diver, wanted to dive in the Caribbeans. The only problem was that my girlfriend wasn’t certified to dive! As such, I turned to Chob at Beach Cities Scuba. I told him my problem, and he immediately enrolled my girlfriend in an open water course at Beach Cities Scuba (arranging the classes to fit around her busy schedule as a nurse). Being an advanced diver, I understand the benefits of owning your own equipment vs. renting equipment. As such, I decided to buy my girlfriend most of her diving gear, including a Top of the line Scubapro BCD ($ 600+). I figured that if I gave my girlfriend a really expensive BCD, she was more likely to succeed.
During the course, my girlfriend passed the written test with flying colors. However, at the pool session, my girlfriend freaked out in the water, and didn’t pass several of the pool tests, including taking off her mask, bcd, and weights in the pool. After the pool session, my girlfriend was understandably frustrated, disappointed, and upset; she told me that she did not want to finish the course, and she didn’t want to dive ever again!
I turned to Chob and told him my problems. Immediately Chob offered solutions. First, he put my girlfriend back in the pool, and realized that the BCD that I chose for her didn’t fit right, thereby making it hard for my girlfriend to move around in the water. Without hesitation, Chob changed my girlfriend’s expensive Scubapro BCD to a less expensive Zeagle BCD, as he knew it would fit better (the lesson being expensive equipment doesn’t necessarily mean a good fit). After putting on the Zeagle BCD, my girlfriend told us that she felt more comfortable in the water, and that she was better able to move around (Chob knew what BCD she needed just by looking at her!) After the BCD exchange, Chob helped arrange one-​on-​one sessions with an instructor, which is what my girlfriend truly needed. After several days in the pool with a private instructor, and multiple pool sessions at our own pool, my girlfriend was so comfortable in the water that she was easily able to perform every single test in the pool and the ocean. Chob helped my girlfriend pass her open water certification by easing her concerns and fears by (1) making sure she was comfortable in her gear; (2) making sure she was comfortable in the water by having her practice in the pool at Beach Cities Scuba and at home; and (3) providing her with the knowledge she needed to pass her open water test.
After getting certified with Beach Cities Scuba, my girlfriend loves diving just as much as I do. My girlfriend and I ended up diving multiple times in the Caribbean. I was able to dive into two sunken ship wrecks, and my girlfriend saw several baby Caribbean sharks and a sea turtle!
Thank you Chob and Beach Cities Scuba; you saved our Caribbean trip! I would definitely come back to Beach Cities Scuba to take another diving course, or purchase dive equipment.

Chob and Christina are both knowledgable and helpful! Love this store. Small enough for personalized service and best prices like a large store. Highly recommend.
Ask them for what you want they most likely have it in stock. If your shopping on line you don’t get personalized service and they may match the price.
They have provided great service. Remember your gear is what takes care of you under water use a great shop.

I got the groupon for their open water course. Its a really good deal; as you will find out by pricing around. Every person I met who worked for Beach Cities Scuba was very knowledgeable and helpful. Over the course I had to go to several of their locations. Each store is well stocked, and has a great staff. All of my water sessions (Pool and open water) I had Brian as my instructor. He did an outstanding job. He really has teaching down to a science. He gives very clear communication, and explains things thoroughly. I felt very comfortable under his care.
One thing I would highly suggest to anyone considering training (and this goes for any place you choose to do it through), is to understand what the costs are for your personal equipment. There will likely be a sticker shock when you find out how much it is. The stuff they sell at Beach Cities Scuba is all very good gear that should last a decade of more. I saw a couple of people using cheap personal equipment, and it became very clear why you should buy good gear up front. The package deals they offer cannot be beat. Its good gear at the best price you will ever find it.

Meet a lot of cool people. Riviera boat trip was awesome! Definitely recommending this place to friends and family.

Easily accessible to the 405 freeway on brookhurst. First time I came here was to purchase a new free dive wet suit. The Asian guy who’s normally there is totally cool and always willing to help out with any of the gear. He gave me a good deal on the wet suit and will definitely be back.

I started with the Open Water, and obtained the Peak Performance Buoyancy and Advanced Open Water certifications through Beach Cities. Their staff was welcoming and had pretty cool stories about what got them into scuba. Would recommend to anyone looking to pick up Scuba in LA/​OC.

Our journey with beach cities scuba started back in early April when I purchased a living social ad for a scuba certification. I’m Unilocaling late because I wanted to enjoy our first official dive and have the dive master kind of grad us on how we did for «first timers». My GF and I had been talking about getting certified for some time but never took the leap, so we did. After doing plenty of research on what was needed when doing one of these courses. The deal we got surpassed any other scuba shop that we had talked to between San Diego and Murrieta, since we were coming from Palm Springs I needed to make sure that the instructors would be just as committed as we are. You buy the course and they give you options and discounts for purchasing your own «starter» gear with them, I was a little hesitant as I know people have been certified and never had to buy anything, we are sure glad we did. Since day one the communication has been great. The only thing that was not mentioned from the beginning was the additional costs of doing a boat dive for certification, but it’s well worth it if you do it. We had some scheduling issues one of the days and This amazing crew of people found a solution that worked with our busy schedule on the spot. This crew of individuals from Christina who helped us pick out our gear and signed us up for our first class, to Lisa, DJ, and the guys at the cypress location (sorry forgot your names) who helped us through the learning experience were nothing short of amazing. They are all patient and willing to answer any question you have, believe me, I ask A LOT of questions. They really want you to feel comfortable and know the most about their hobby as you get started. When we did our boat dives, we went with Riviera Charters out of Dana point. These folks were also amazIng and did a great job of walking you through every step you need to know when on a boat. As a whole I have to say that we are very impressed with Beach cities Scuba at all locations, Dana point, Huntington Beach and Cypress (these are the ones we visited) and they have found themselves loyal customers for years to come. Thanks for everything, Mike and Lindsay.

Beach City Scuba is one of the best places!
Chob and his staff are very knowledgeable and Chob went out
of his way to accommodate our whole family of 11 to learn to dive
together. He even played Santa at Christmas, which was a memory we will
cherish! We have been back many times and would recommend Beach City
Scuba to anyone wanting to learn to dive. Chob you rock!

I’ve been diving on and off for years now at resorts accompanied by instructors. I’ve always wanted to get certified. So I took advantage of the offer that Beach Cities Scuba (BCS) had on Groupon. Prior to finding BCS on Groupon, I had never heard of them, however, my experience from start to finish, was awesome, so much so, that if I were to continue taking advance open water diving courses, I would definitely take them there. The management is very professional, knowledgeable and very friendly. The instructors were fantastic, especially «Rob». He is 10 levels of cool, but strict. If you can, ask for him when you take your confined and open water courses.
I took my courses in February, shortly thereafter, I went to Belize for my birthday so that I could dive there. I did an advance dive of over 130′ at the Blue Hole. Thanks to the excellent training that I got from the BCS, I knew my limits in terms of the time I could safely stay at the deepest level. That day, I was to do multiple dives. I was the only diver on the tour using my dive table and calculating our surface intervals. My training kept me safe on a day that unfortunately ended with the tragic death of another diver.
Diving is fun, but can be dangerous if you are not properly trained. Get certified and doing here in the US where I believe the regulations are strict.

I was ecstatically referred to Beach Cities Scuba HB for my open water by a best friend of mine, and i must say my experienced has been a wonderful one. Prior to my arrival, i had absolutely no idea of what gear to buy nor what i was getting myself into. However, I was happily and enthusiastically greeted by Chob, whom is very pleasant and honest with answering any amateur questions that i had regarding to the gear and course accommodations.
I wanted to be open water certified for a vacationing purpose. I had 5 weeks prior to my Fiji/​Australia trip. With my crazy work schedule and the little time i had before my vacation, Chob was kind enough to accommodate and made it possible for me to take the course. Once we got the course schedule rolling, my next big task were the gear. Keep in mind, the course fee is separate from the gear. You are required to purchase a mask, snorkel, boots, gloves and fins. Debating on what gear to get, with finances in mind, i was contemplating between quality and it prices. Unlike other places I’ve been to, Chob and his staff was not pushy at all and was very supportive of whatever choices i made personally. With knowledgable, supportive staff i felt at ease and walked out excited to start my certification.
Here i am six months later, open water certified with 25 dives completed, i couldn’t be happier! Getting certified was one of the best thing i could’ve done. It definitely has become a passion and lifestyle. More importantly, I am glad that i did my certification through Beach Cities Scuba. I am so pleased with the level of customer service Beach Cities Scuba provided that i chose to continue my advance certification with this company. With well knowledgeable and friendly staff readily to answer any diving inquiries, Beach Cities Scuba has definitely become my resources for anything diving related.

I can’t begin to express how wonderful the staff at Beach Citites Scuba HB has been toward me. When I signed up for my first Open Water class, I had no idea what I was getting into. Luckily, I had the support of the staff to guide me through it. Without reading the print on my online voucher that listed the steps to take to sign up for the classes, I had I hurriedly walked into the store before they closed hoping to get the ball rolling. Bad move on my part, I know, but was helpful and walked me through the process until it was sorted out.
The course fee is separate from the gear, and as a beginner turned avid diver, I understand why. Masks, snorkel, booties, gloves, fins are items that are personal and specific and should be purchased for each individual. If you’re going to get certified, then your in it for life. It’s a lifetime certification. Of course I am going to invest in these items that are for my personal use only and that I plan to use until they give out. It was so helpful of Chob and his colleague to help me understand the differences in styles, etc of the gear, so that I could find the right gear for me.
As for the classroom portion, it was at this location in the evening on a weekday. Chob was a trooper in scheduling with me and finding a balance between my work sched and dive sched. After all, this is a class where you are earning a certification. As with any class that you choose to take and pay for and want to attend, you have to fit it in your schedule. You wouldn’t want to purchase a course and not know if it works with your work schedule. So, I recommend researching the course dates, etc, to ensure you can actually attend these classes. Regarding the classroom part, Lisa was incredible and answered all of our questions, and provided ample examples from the text. Also had a great group of people in my class!
Following the classroom portion of the certification, I spent the next course dates in the pool and ocean at Laguna Beach! Chob helped a ton in this transition and has been such a great resource for all things diving!

Good times. Picking up a new hobby with the bf and wanted to get scuba certified. Everyone is super friendly and willing to share their experiences and recommendations.
Class is pretty casual and good way to meet other people and make connections for future dives. I’m looking forward to everything!

This location, Huntington Beach, has surpassed the highest level of customer service I could have ever hoped for.
Both Chob and Jordan have do everything possible to ensure you are in the right gear for fit and to met your diving goals within your budget and will tell you when you do not need something… They take the time to explain things to your level and need of understanding and answer any questions you have.
With my Refresher Course out of the way with Jordan and having updated most of my 20 year old equipment and personalizing my new equipment, I am looking forward to Adventure Diving through Beach Cities and diving my way towards Master Scuba Diver and perhaps professional certs in time.
For those who bought Groupon Deals and later found out there was more expense involved and/​or water/​atmospheric conditions that could affect schedule, or other limitations, your fault!!! Do your homework first always. Learn all you can before you buy anything, even discounts by asking questions. Much like pre-​dive planning, proper preparation will make the purchasing/​instructional/​dive experience much more pleasant and you will understand better what you are getting yourself into.
Lisa
Design Engineer, Commercial Pilot, Surfer, Photographer, Open Water Diver

I love this place! I bought the Groupon through them for my scuba cert. Yes, you have to purchase additional stuff but scuba is expensive & it’s expected. I do think i got my money’s worth, the instructors you’re getting are awesome, friendly & helpful. So if you understand that you are paying for the classes, all-​day pool practice, & the great instructors for FOUR ocean dives then you’ll realize it’s totally worth it. Yes gear is extra… You need gear to dive. Everytime i needed something exchanged or had a question, the people are always happy to help. Make sure you do your homework before your first class or they will ask you to leave the first day.
–loved it!

DO NOT get groupon!!! I luckily refunded mine in time. All classes were filled up for most of summer already and you have to jump through a bunch of hoops. Horrible customer service as well (I’m not needy either) the customer service alone made walk away. I even spoked to the rude female manager. This is my first Unilocal review, I made it just to review this place because I disliked my experience so much.
After this Unilocal review they privately told me I should have called right away, however I did. They offered to get me into summer classes for additional fees as well. This was because the regular classes were filled so it would have to be for more advanced classes I guess. I declined (my trip had passed by this time I was offered this).

Yup, another disgruntled customer after an ordeal that was dealing with beach cities scuba (BCS). After weeks of grappling with this place, I finally got justice. I will never ever step foot near this store. Ever.
Sorry for the long-​winded review, but in scuba, you’re entrusting your life to someone, and it’s not to be taken lightly.
Basically, I have created a small website link below that is the email thread between myself and their employee, and for the most part it explains everything from why I was upset, and to how it was handled and resolved (see below).
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But if I had to summarize, I should first say that the people writing reviews negative reviews here are correct. They make NO MONEY from selling Groupons, but they get you into the store and gouge you on scuba gear and other random fees/​expenses (if you even get that far).
Thankfully I was stopped short of getting to class, because I had to miss my first scheduled appointment due to work… with more than 3 months advance scheduling, it’s almost impossible for a working professional to not have to reschedule.
They tried to charge me a $ 95 for rescheduling my $ 195 Groupon. I almost died.
I complained, and they said no way they can waive the fee. Then they said yea they can waive the fee if I buy a minimum of $ 395 worth of snorkeling gear at their store. Then I said, you guys suck, and I’m want my refund. Groupon refunded me my money.
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The only way I can see someone making it out of here alive and happy is if 1) You already have your own «approved» scuba gear and 2) You don’t have a job and have absolutely no commitments so that you definitely won’t have to reschedule your appointment, 3) you somehow manage to never deal with anybody that works at this store.
Also, note that they contract out all of their instructors, so they have nothing to do with the actual store. Most of the positive reviews for this place is for the instructors, and this means simply the instructors are good, but dealing with all the other employees and logistics with the store is a whole separate issue.
Hope this sheds some light onto what you might go through.
Can’t wait for the half-​intelligible and rambling response from the owner of this store! :D

I just finished my pool dive for my PADI certification and to this point I couldn’t be happier. My first experience with scuba was with the charming and energetic Chob. He’ll be the handsome Thai man with Crystal Gayle hair. He was professional, courteous and funny.
Next we got into the classroom section of the certification and were fortunate to have Jen and Chance as our instructors. Over the years I’ve had so many teachers that just go through the motion in the relaying of information, that it was refreshing to be taught by these two wonderful and passionate people.
The pool portion, by far the most fun, was exhausting but rewarding. I was lucky enough to again work with Jen and with Adam. Their calm supportive professionalism was helpful when realizing «Oh my god! I’m breathing underwater! Holy $h*t!!»
I would absolutely recommend Beach Cities Scuba when decided that life on land is just not enough.

I’m pretty worried right now that my Groupon deal that I bought for the Open Water PADI Certification is a gyp and I’m gonna try like hell to get a refund and go elsewhere. Here’s why:
The fine print on the deal does indicate that you’ll need some diving equipment like fins and etc, but it’s misleading. If I had known that it was going to be $ 200 for the gear, which some of it is unnecessary (like gloves and booties), I would have never bought this deal. I’m not sure I’m even going LIKE Scuba — I don’t want to spend $ 200 on gear I might not ever use. Why can’t I borrow or rent the gear for cheaper?
They also charged me $ 50 for the text book, dvd and etc. I can return the dvd and get a $ 10 dollar refund though — big woop.
The deal includes a 3 hour classroom instruction night, 2 days of pool dives and instruction, and 2 days of diving in the ocean (beach dives).
But low and behold, they cancel their beach dives if the waves are 2 feet or above and they already warned me that my scheduled beach dives will most likely be cancelled since the surf has been over 2′ all month. I’d like to know when the waves in Huntington beach are below 2′. So, if the beach dives are canceled, they OFFER you boat dives, but you have to pay $ 115 per day for that, and if you reserve your spot on the boat ahead of time (you HAVE TO because the boat fills up fast) you do NOT get a refund if the beach dive isn’t cancelled. I feel like I’m jumping through hoops here!
I have a very small window of time in order to get my certification because of my work schedule and going out of town — which are out of my control — and I HAVE to get certified by mid july. If they cancel my beach dives, then I’m outta luck. I asked if I could possibly do my beach dives in October since that’s the next time I’ll be in the area. They told me Yes, BUT I’ll have to take another pool dive for a refresher which will cost me $ 100! AND my Groupon voucher expires in October, so if the beach dives are canceled in October, I’m screwed.
This is a bummer of a deal. It’s a lot of studying, a HUGE investment financially, and a lot of time to dedicate to a course that I most likely will never complete because of all the hassle they create.
If they cancel their beach dives because of 2′ waves, why don’t they just dive from the beach at the bay side where there ARE no waves?
So a $ 200 «deal» has turned into potentially a $ 680 deal:
$ 200 for the Groupon
$ 200 for the gear
$ 50 for the study guides and etc
$ 115 for a boat dive
$ 115 for another boat dive (you have to do 2 days of dives to get certified)
The people in the shop seem nice, but it’s hard for me to notice anything positive when I feel like I’m getting gyped. It’s clearly impossible to get certified for only $ 200.
How am I supposed to feel safe and secure when I’m breathing underwater if I don’t even trust this company? Scuba is supposed to be fun if you can get past the «scary» part. They don’t really make it that easy to dive right in.

Like all the other recent reviews for BCS, I got PADI certified via LivingSocial! Reviewing this location since it’s where we started our classes; but we bounced around to Cypress for our pool day.
Instructors were fun and friendly, and went through information quickly since they know it’s not the most interesting part of scuba. They’re pretty good at not wanting to waste our time.
Pool day at Cypress was super exhausting — we started around 11am and finished around 6pm, with two short breaks. In our class of seven, one slow person was all it took to delay every exercise. It’s not difficult to keep up with instructors as long as you pay attention. By the end of the day we all wanted to punch that guy in the face.
My group chose to do a boat dive for open water dives 1&2, and beach for 3&4. The boat dive costs an extra $ 115 per day, so heads up! I’m glad we experienced both, because although the boat dives were easier/​more convenient, it’s definitely pricier and not as realistic. The beach dives were much more challenging, so be prepared.
Boat day lasted from 6am-​noon, beach day lasted from 8am-​1pm.