Discover the kelp forests of Monterey with a former paramedic and 25-year NAUI instructor who trains you to thrive in real California conditions — not just pass a test.
Original Oaktown Divers is a one-instructor operation run by Aaron Potash out of Oakland, California. Aaron has over 25 years of experience as a NAUI-certified instructor and brings a background as a licensed California State Paramedic and professional safety practitioner to every lesson. His courses are built around Monterey and Carmel diving conditions — cold water, kelp, surge — and are deliberately paced to ensure students become genuinely capable open-water divers rather than simply clearing a checklist. Classes are offered in private (1-on-1) or semi-private (2–4 student) formats, with a modular structure that provides built-in flexibility for extra pool or ocean time if a student needs it. The full Open Water certification path includes online academics and a certification card, multiple pool sessions (typically 8–9 hours), gear rental throughout the course, and two ocean days at Monterey with four dives total. Skin gear (mask, fins, gloves, booties, snorkel) must be owned by the student. What sets Original Oaktown Divers apart is Aaron's commitment to his students well beyond the certification card. Certified graduates are routinely invited to join Aaron on local and destination dives, skill refreshers, and group camping/diving weekends at sites like the Monterey coast — building a lasting community of dive buddies and giving new divers the real-world practice they need to grow comfortable in the water.
Oakland, United States
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