something not adding up

[diver51]

hey guys new to the site and new to scuba.  one of my old friends that  live  around me in park rapids got me thinking about it.  but the only thing is that the i found a shop one day driving around one day in detroit lakes.  so i went in and the shop owner was talking about the classes around $300 plus books and also need to buy a mask fins and snorkal befor the class started. Is that a good deal or not?   

Second question is that my friend and i was looking in the brosure and he spoted something that didnt add up. That the owner has had OVER 2000 dives in, but has only been diving since 1997.  it just didnt seem right to him.  he was telling me that there was now way that could be.  because if she did that in 9 years she would have to dive 222 times a year. and in minnesotat you only really get about 4 mounth to dive in witch would put the owner at 55 dives mounth.  my friend  just said that would be impossible while running a shop.  i dont know if my friend is corect or not but i kinda makes sence to me also.  but i might be wrong.

so i was just wondering if any one knew of any other dive shops in my area so that i might have the chance to ask around.