Any scuba divers here? Need some advise, want to get into the sport.

[Locut0s]

Ever since snorkeling in Hawaii on the Big Island some years ago, and later in Belize, I've LOVED snorkeling. Sadly there isn't much to see here in Vancouver in terms of snorkeling. Diving is a different story though, there are a number of popular dive sites near Vancouver and along the BC coast with lots and lots of sea life to see, usually between 40-100ft from what I can tell. I've been thinking of taking up diving for some years now and the recent Kauai trip has only solidified my urge to do so. The question is where and how to get started. There are a couple of local dive shops near me that offer comprehensive dive certifications, beyond PADI certification for between $500 and $600. This seems awfully steep to me but then again safety lessons and proper practices aren't the kind of thing that I would want to skimp on either. Next thing after that is what should I be looking into in the way of gear? I already have OK flippers, mask and snorkel but of course no tank, wet suit, dive computer or the rest of the gear. How much of this should one purchase as a beginner and how much should one rent? Also any pointers to other online resources for beginners would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[MuseRider]

1. I would use your own BC,

and regulator. That way you can get that regulator serviced by someone you know rather than hoping the one you rent is good.

I have not been in a while. My favorite thing in the world is diving. On the Big Island is a place (or was) called Eco Divers in Kona. They showed us some of the most beautiful things. Other than that my favorite place is Tortola, BVI.

Do not skimp on your gear. I would learn to use the dive tables before you use a computer just in case. Learn right away to control your weight by breathing. You will likely always need a weight belt but controlling it with your breathing was such a help to me.

Kinda scattered but we have a storm coming in and I wanted to put this much down anyway. I would love to talk about diving. There are several who have posted about it before. There should be a lot of help for you.

I have a Master Diver card just so you know. Not that that card means much but have been diving between 1981 and 2003.

[Locut0s]

2. Cool thanks for the info :P

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. $500 to $600 sounds REALLY expensive but I guess I took my classes like 20 or 30 years ago.

Scuba diving is the most incredible thing you will ever do. It's like going to a different planet and it is different everywhere you go. I lived about an hour from Monterey Bay in California so mostly, I dove there but I have been diving from Peugeot sound to Catalina to Cozumel to Hawaii. The friends you meet in class Will probably be friends for life. I am still in touch with several of the folks I went through class with years and years ago.

I have no idea what equipment costs these days but when I was doing it, it took about $1,500 to set yourself up, then you keep improving things.

I now live in Tucson. Not much diving here and I'm getting too old to pursue it. I have a set of U.S. Divers regulator and Octopus along with a Dive computer and B.C. that I can sell you cheap as my diving days are done. If you are interested, PM me and I will send you pictures.

The nice thing about diving is that once you own your equipment, Diving expenses consist of money for gas, beer and Pizza.

Do this! You will never be the same person. It really is a life changing experience.

BTW, I still have my mask and snorkel. I use it in the pool.

[HarveyDarkey]

4. Don't forget your pets

[CabalPowered]

5. Sad truth

Diving in the pnw is painful without a dry suit. It can be done but it's cold out there, slip into a chilly thermocline and brrrrrr. Even with a 9mm full suit, hood and gloves. But it can be very rewarding. Night diving is amazing.

You need the basic and the advanced course to take any specialty courses. And then take the dry suit certification course. And then buy the dry suit. And owning a dry suit means owning a regulator. And so goes the gear cycle..

My advice is to do the quick-and-dirty basic cert course at a resort. And then just spend several years renting and going out with guided groups when you can.