Really awesome! Able to go through
the Open Water course and be a qualified Open Water diver is quite a big
achievement for me as I have a phobia of going into the deep waters due
to some bad childhood experience. But Jochen and Hazel really made it so
comfortable and easy for me, that I felt confident and relaxed in the water.
It's a really wonderful feeling to be in the water, with the fishes
and corals and many other marine life, and all you can hear is the bubbles
you are blowing from the regulator and the occasional dive boats zooming
past above you. Words can't really describe the world in the big blue sea
unless you actually go diving and experience it for yourself. I'll definitely
take advanced course with Jochen and Hazel next time, cos they really make
me feel safe and secured. :-)
(Tan Ying Shi, purchasing executive, on
her Open Water course)
- - - - -
I shopped like a madwoman for just the right dive instructors–I didn’t want to make the same mistake I did before. I took an open water course years ago with a large student-to- teacher ratio and never felt comfortable with what I was taught–so much time was spent waiting for others to go through their exercises. That’s more than 75% of class time in which I could have been learning and practicing important skills! As a result, the few number of dives I did afterward were stressfull and scarey because I was never confident.
Fast-forward years later (don’t want to say how many),
I decided to try diving again. I
wanted to find the perfect teachers without breaking the bank account. First, I researched like crazy to find out which
certification...PADI? NAUI? BSAC? After loads of research I concluded it’s the quality
of the teacher and class size more than the certification agency. So then I researched like crazy to find the best
dive center for the value. And how do
I find a dive center I trust when I’m new to Singapore and... - Read the full story as a pdf file here.
(Annette Jannotta, interior designer, on her
Open Water and Advanced courses)
- - - - -
I think the course structure was great. Starting
off with providing text and videos for the theory part of the course which
was easy to absorb. The theory lessons were precise and catered to answering
any doubts we had from the text. The pool session gave a good introduction
to SCUBA and was very enjoyable. Jochen was interesting and made the session
concise and easy to understand. The highlight of the course was of course
the dive trip to Pulau Tioman. The choice of dive resort was good as the
service provided there was excellent, not to mention to the delicious food.
I guess what really made the trip so fantastic was the small group size.
This gave the students a chance to practise the exercises learnt quickly
and have more time to dive around and check out the sights. This is definitely
a plus point over courses that have larger groups. I would recommend divewerkz's
Open Water course to all who which to have loads of fun while they learn
diving as well as those who are concerned about safety - with a student
: instructor ratio of 3:1, the instructor can pay alot more attention to
you and any problems that may arise.
(Joshua Chong, NS-man, on his Open
Water course)
- - - - -
It was quite a tough course but the best
course I have ever taken. This course definitely offers most important things
to know for any diver! It is not only about how to rescue someone but in
order for you to rescue another person, you also need to learn and understand
your own body & capability first!! The course itself had 3 different
parts: First we had first aid course & theory classes in one go during
a whole day cession on a Saturday. Second part was the practice pool cession
on Sunday where we went through all the exercises mentioned during the theory
cession. It was quite important that we had a whole day to practice in the
pool. The final part was the actual dive trip to Malaysia where we practised
various real case scenarios!! It was fun but also a course where you
learnt a lot!! I would recommend every diver to consider this course! Of
course DiveWerks instructors were the key to make this whole course a fun
& great experience!
(Haruhito Imakoji, banker, on his Rescue Diver course)
- - - - -
On behalf of Juliana and myself, we will
love to thank you for the wonderful experience over in Tioman over the weekend.
It was fun filled and the customisations made the refresher and advanced
open watercourse a whole lot more interesting for us both respectively.
Thank you for accomodating our schedules and personal preferences and for
the extra care and consideration you awarded us throughout those couple
of days. We can hardly wait till our next dive with you guys.
(Joey
Koh, Elektronic Banking specialist, on his Advanced course)
- - - - -
It was by sheer chance that Weiling and I
took up our diving course with Hazel and Jochen, and we were really glad
with our choice. Given the fact that we were both first-timers, and we had
not even attempt snorkelling before, we were feeling a bit jittery about
the whole thing. But Hazel's and Jochen's warm personality soon put us at
ease and the theory lessons provided us with the foundation towards new
explorations. Hazel do provide sound advises when we purchased our gear,
and theory lessons continued beyond classroom setting as she patiently explains
the functions and the various types of some of the common diving gear to
us at the dive shops.
Oh, and one more thing. With Hazel and Jochen,
there is no such thing as course completion within a given time frame because
extra time is spent to impart every essential skills across to us and they
made sure that we were comfortable with what we are doing before moving
on.
The trip to Tioman was really great, as we met new friends and there
were plenty of laughter. It rounds up the whole first-time diving experience
for the both of us, and we are looking forward to more dive trips with them.
(Gene Tan and Ng Wei Ling on their Open Water course)
- - - - -
Wei Guang and I enjoyed our scuba diving
course immensely. I personally felt that we were in good hands right from
the start. The theory lessons seemed so simple after you explained everything
to us. Practical lessons were fun, even in the pool! Demonstrations were
clearly given, so it was easy when we were carrying out the exercises. And
because there were only the two of us taking the course, we could go at
out own pace, ensuring that we fully understood what we needed to do before
we moved on to the next exercise. I was initially a little afraid that I
would not be able to equalise properly or ascend too quickly before the
first open water dive. But after that dive, I realised that I did not have
to worry as I had been well taught and knew exactly what to do, like equalising
before I feel any discomfort in my ears. Thanks for making our first scuba
diving experience such an enjoyable one. :)
(John Foo, student, about
his Open Water course)
- - - - -
I would like to use this
opportunity to thank you for studying with you. It was so nice and interesting
and I am even still cannot believe that I have passed all exams and will
get my next certificate Advanced Open Water Diver in a few days. My previous
course, when I studied with another guys, was so bored. I have realized
only after few days, that instructor was not interesting in dive actually,
but he was interested in money. This attitude made course too much formal
without jokes, some funny stories, which are happening with you during dives
and as consequence without pleasure. Compare to your club it is absolutely
different. I think that Jochen and Hazel not only good dive instructors,
they are also very nice couple, and both of them are crazy about diving.
I like Jochen’s German accuracy and Hazel's cheerfulness. I like that none of you do not command
us what we have to do, but somehow manage to operate as and educate as too.
I just enjoyed that course very much. I am certainly will recommend you to all my friends
as a best dive club in Singapore.
(Yana Antipova, housewife, on her
Advanced course)
- - - - -
Thanks for Jochen's patience, if I not I
might never be able to enjoy the fascination that's in the underwaterworld.
Looking foward to my next dive and taking the advanced diver's license
in the near future.
(Veron Lai, bank officer, on her Open Water course)
On her Advanced course: Diving just get better as I go along. I
just passed my Advanced Diving Course under Hazel and Jochen. Never
thought i could go this far without encouragement and dedication from the
instructors. The deep dive at Sawadee, drift dive at Labas was great.
Looking forward to my next dive trip with Divewerkz. (on her Advanced
course)
- - - - -
I really enjoyed the course, even "dry"
theory was very interesting and presented in an entertaining way. The final
trip to Tioman was an absolute event and I see myself prepared very well
for all diving adventures to come. I will definitely do my advanced couse
with divewerkz in a short while.
(Andreas Kuehnle, banker, on his Open
Water course)
On his Advanced course: Advanced is just deeper, darker, better...I can only recommend to do the Advanced Diver's Course with Divewerkz. The course itself is good fun and makes you a complete diver and it was a perfect follow-up for my Open Water Course that I also did with Divewerkz. Be part of the community! (on his Advanced course)
And again it was a great experience; after completing Open Water-, Advanced- and finally the Rescue Diver Course, I think I got a very complete package and the courses tied in very nicely. I would recommend to everybody to go through all three of them with Divewerkz since they are giving you a complete skill-set that prepares you for all situations and enables you to enjoy your dives even at difficult divesites. (on his Rescue Diver course)
- - - - -
Scuba certification has been one of the things
on my personal "to do list." Being in Hong Kong, I never
had the time. However, since being temporarily stationed in Singapore,
I relented knowing so many amazing dive sites are in this area. A
friend recommended Hazel and Jochen. People say when learning new things,
a good teacher is everything. Hazel and Jochen are everything and more!
Patient, relaxed, down to earth, fun and keen on showing the students a
good time while emphasizing good technique and safety. Hazel and Jochen
made me feel comfortable and helped me develop confidence in my diving abilities. I
know I will know how to do mask clearing into eternity!! I am hooked
and look forward to more dives and courses with them!
(Emily Tein, supply
chain management director, on her Open Water course)
- - - - -
PADI Enriched Air Diver
The course sounds
daunting at first. But, actually, the concepts are quite easy to grasp and
understand. After all, as Jochen reminded me at the beginning of the course,
we breathe Nitrox every day. [Note: Nitrox is the abbreviation for a Nitrogen
and Oxygen mix, which normal air is, too]
(Juliana Tjandra, business-woman,
on her Nitrox course)
- - - - -
I can highly recommend the individual lessons
given by Hazel, as well as Tioman for a beginners diving location. It is
a great place to enjoy your first open water dives. After finalising the
course and spending another day with my first 2 leisure dives, I've already
seen one of the most exiting animals: a sleeping giant shark. However, there
is much more to be seen under water and it is also the very tiny, small
animals, that makes diving an adventure.
(Juergen Scheer, Client Manager,
on his Open Water course)
- - - - -
With Hazel, I got acquainted with the sea,
be friends with the underwater creatures and finally I think I am in love
with the oceanic world. It's truly an addiction that I don't want to be
cured. Thanks my Hazel One :)
(Chuah Khai Lin, copywriter, on her Open
Water course)
- - - - -
Hazel is a friend rather than an instructor
when she teaches me, She strongly believe i can be a diver despite of my
medical history, She does not give up on students that have diffculties,
she is also very approachable and concern about my progress. Learn diving
with her is a fun and happening experience. Thanks Hazel. Dive Wannabies
what are you waiting for? Kynneth :)
(Kynneth Chang, student,
on his Open Water course)
Been very blessed to have Jochen and Hazel
as my instrcutor.... would like to thank them for my Advanced Open Water
Course... I had a lot of serious fun and enjoyment during the Course at
Pulau Tioman... Throughout the whole course... they taught me a lot of things
and i felt very safe, relaxed and motivated during the training... they
even overlooked my weakness and assist me to overcome my weakness and i
made improvment in my weak areas... well learning from them is indeed a
meomorable experience... once again thanks to Jochen and Hazel
(on his
Advanced course)
- - - - -
Hazel is a dedicated instructor - she is
willing to coach even on a 1to1 basis and spend time with her students.
i really appreciate her emphasis on developing good safety habits. Still
Hazel is unconventional- unlike many instructors, she believes that light
interaction with marine life can enhance ones personal experience. So i
manage to have some responsible interaction with a sea turtle and anemone
in my first dive- an unforgetable experience. Thanks Hazel.
(Max Wong,
banker, on his Open Water course)
- - - - -
My husband Kian Peng and me have always wanted
to pick up scuba diving sport. However, we have some fear on going under
water, especially in a total unfamiliar environment. Choosing to learn open
water scuba diving with Hazel was definitely the right choice we have made.
Hazel was very patient with the slow learner and she would ensure that we
pick up the right skills through practising. The "teaching environment"
for the theory was cozy and relaxing, unlike typical classroom session.
The small group session also gave us more opportunities to interact and
practise the skills. It was definitely a great and fun experience to explore
the beauty and amazing underwater world. Guess what? We are beginning to
miss the marine life in the underwater world and we just can't wait to go
for another dive...
(Veronica Tan, teacher, on her and her husband's
Open Water course)
- - - - -
My decision to undertake the open water training
was due to an overwhelming curiosity rather than a genuine interest in the
sport as most of my other friends had made it seem as if I was missing out
on "the next big thing".
There were many fears within e.g.
the water pressure on the ears, claustrophobia, and of course going through
the final exam. However as I was lucky enough to discover divewerkz all
inhibitions associated with diving was overcome with ease due to the instructor’s
vast diving experience. As the group was small, it allowed for more personalised
tutorials with more of a 2 way dialogue rather than a student teacher environment.
The pace could also be tailor made to suit the individual with Hazel paying
special attention the weaknesses of each student.
When it was time for
my open water. The initial feeling of claustrophobia was quickly overcome
when you realise how well the dive was organised having 2 teachers looking
after the 3 students. They made sure we were competent in our basics and
checked our status constantly while underwater, which gave us more dive
time than we would have otherwise had if they had been the normal 10 to
the group. The first diving experience did turn out to be exactly the opposite
of my initial claustrophobic thought. Once you're competent with the buoyancy
it's a very free feeling similar to flying, enabling you go and see virtually
anything within the area. It’s also a very sociable sport, which gives you
a chance to meet people from different walks of life. On the whole, there
are probably very few other experiences that are more fulfilling than diving,
which opens a window to enable one to gaze unobtrusively at the aquatic
life below.
(Keith Loh, banker, on his Open Water course)
- - - - -
Reborn into the world.... Underwater world..."
With Hazel I acquire a passport. A passport which allows me to discover
the underwater like a newborn. Be like a child learning to walk and mummy
Hazel will guide you through your first few steps.... Thanks Hazel
(A.J.
Yusri, sales executive, on his Open Water course)
- - - - -
Before taking up classes with Hazel,
the only reason I was interested in diving is beauty -- beautiful
beaches, beautiful fishes and above all, beautiful people. Hazel did
much more than confirming my perception of diving; she also taught
me how to appreciate the beauties. She patiently taught me that, in order
to enjoy the beauties, you have to have strong foundations and understanding
of diving techniques. So she spent a lot of times (and I mean A LOT!) shaping
up my diving skills. Her knowledge of diving is second to none. Now
when I walk down the beautiful beach with the beautiful girl,
I'm able to tell her by names the beautiful fishes I have
seen, instead of "Yeah, saw lots of beautiful fishes, big fishes,
small fishes, fat fishes and skinny fishes."
(Xiong Xiong,
associate, on his Open Water course)
- - - - -
hi..my name is yomaan..hazel taught me how
to dive...and how not to drink and dive...she is good because she doesn't
just say say only, she demonstrates. like what happen when you drink and
dive..i tell you, she will gladly demonstrate this particular skill to you
even if you don't ask...she calls it the Hazy Specialty Skill..other instructors/instructress
don't have one.
(Phua Kok Hong, copywriter, on his Open Water course)
- - - - -
If you are wondering whether you should start
diving or not, JUST DO IT! If you are wondering which dive centers to take
the PADI open water course, JUST GO TO DIVEWERKZ.
I know it is difficult
for some Singaporeans to accept the fact that you get what you pay for and
that there aren’t really “good and cheap” deals out there. You pay
$199 for an open water course and then you get lousy instructors and courses.
You pay premium, and you get premium instructors, courses and skills.
Hazel and Jochen are really good instructors as a team. Dynamic teaching
from Hazel and detailed and precise teaching from Jochen. It is like
learning how to dive from a dolphin (Hazel) and whale (Jochen). We
took the open water and advanced class from them. Now we feel very confident
and comfortable diving and continue to dive at least once a month. Thanks
Divewerkz for helping me to experience something so amazing, beautiful and
exciting!
(Masatoshi Kasai, architect, on his Open Water and Advanced
courses)
- - - - -
The theory lessons were conducted at a
comfortable pace. Practical lessons are conducted in small groups so there
is lots of individual attention with an emphasis on getting the fundamentals
right. Hazel is a very experienced dive instructor who puts one at
ease immediately.
(J. John, lawyer, on his Open Water course)