I got SCUBA certified this weekend!

[MercutioATC]

Great pastime! Only got to 58', but it's incredible, feeling like a fish (O.K., a bulky, clumsy fish).

[Hubert Flottz]

1. Good For You!

I got my PADI certification in 1973! It's cool down there!

[oneighty]

2. Have fun!

Keep your self in good shape, obey the rules.

A great sport!

180

[MuseRider]

3. Welcome to the underwater wonderland!

Been diving for about 25 years. Go on one trip per year and dive until I can't move anymore, sometimes get 2 trips in. Do you live close to a good place to dive? I am in Kansas so we have to travel to go. Good fun. As the zen-eco divers say, "Meet you above the reef!"

[lilbub]

4. Awesome

I would like to go scuba diving soon one day. Where do you go to scuba dive? Is it expensive to get the gear and a liscence(sp) or is it affordable?

[ForrestGump]

11. Unfortunately,

Yes, SCUBA gear is very expensive. It's a niche marketplace and they basically charge what they like, with (sometimes) huge mark-ups. You can minimize the excessive cost but, even buying used gear, it's still going to be a chunk of change. The good thing is that, if you look after your gear and you're like most people and don't dive constantly, the stuff should last a good while. It can last decades, even with very heavy use.

as for learning, there ar eno shortage of places that'll teach you. As is true for any teacher, it's the instructor who can make or break the experience. PADI, the world's biggest and most aggressively-marketed agency, has been pushing weekend 'crash courses' that are an immoral travesty - very dangerous. Whatever you do, make sure that you get decent pool time during your training, if nothing else. The best way to learn, short of military, is through a university. If you're a student or university staff/faculty, or can sign up for university extracurricular classes, you'll get a course that lasts all semester or quarter and you'll be that much more prepared. Failing that, look around, ask around, and watch out for the arrogant SCUBA instructor - they're everywhere and they will NOT be the kind of teacher that you need.

[MercutioATC]

26. Although I was in a PADI weekend course,

the shop I'm with gave me free unlimited pool time (which I used). I didn't take my open water 'till this past weekend (about 5 weeks later) and was very comfortable with my skills. The shop has also never tried to sell me anything (I did buy my BC and reg from them, but well after the classes) and has been great about inviting me to dive with them whenever I choose (they dive OW 3 times a week).

[lilbub]

27. ooh, it lasts a long time too!

Thanks for the info and tips. In the future I'll be cautious of those scuba instructors.

I figure that renting the equipment is not a cheap thing to do. There is a scuba diving retail store near the school i go to but i dont think that my University offers any extracurricular courses in diving. I'll have to look into that though 'cause i would definately take that class if offered.
Until then I'll just dream of making my first million, and after that I'll invest in diving lessons and a trip to Australia to see the coral reefs up close.

[MercutioATC]

28. Naah...it's not that bad...

I'd recommend the Mares X-Vision mask ($55), Mares Avantiquattro fins ($90) and ANY generic snorkel. You'll grow to HATE that lump of plastic whapping your left cheek...

Once you are comfortable, buy a reg and a BC...it's only as expensive as you make it (granted, it's great to have the upfront money to buy all of your own gear, but it isn't necessary).

[MercutioATC]

5. I'm in one of Cleveland's west suburbs,

so the cert dives were at White Star quarry near Toledo (1 1/2 hours away). There's also Gilboa quarry (2 hours+) and Lake Erie (10 minutes). I realize it's not the optimum dive situation, but I'm scheduled for a cruise in January that does full-day stops at Key West, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman, so I'm looking forward to diving in warm water.

[Moosenose]

6. Buy some good gear....

you'll find that if you own the gear, you'll dive a LOT more than if you rent it. It may not all be in the keys, et cetera, but there's lots of water all over the place to go play in.

[MercutioATC]

10. Gear...

Aqualung Legend LX Supreme reg
Aqualung octo
Cressi-Sub J-115 BC
Henderson Hyperstretch 3mm full wetsuit & boots
Suunto Vytec dive comp
Mares X-Vision mask
Mares Avantiquattro fins
SOG Seal Pup knife

I'm just getting the hang of bouyancy control with the BC and I absolutely love how the reg breathes. I had heard how much better the learning curve was using decent equipment that you owned, so I outfitted myself before the open water dives.

[Superfly]

18. You actually dive that stuff?

I'm suprised you're still alive! (just kidding)

Halcyon Pioneer 27# lift wing with SS back plate and 120 steel HP tank
Poseidon Cyclon Reg and Octopus (almost always use DIN fitting, but will use the yoke when travelling via plane)
USIA Tri-laminate self-donning dry suit
Suunto Cobra dive computer
Scubapro Mask
Force Fin Pros (If you've never tried Forcefins, you are missing out)
PrincetonTec Shockwave light

I got the Poseidon because it breathes better at depth in cold water (I used to dive in the Puget Sound)

[MercutioATC]

21. Ahhh..a DIR diver...

Seriously, I have no problem with the philosophy. It makes a lot of sense, actually. I'm just a recreatonal diver for now, though. I may feel differently if I choose to do technical dives.

I did look at the Poseidon X-Stream, but I heard that the cracking pressure was set high and the breathing was not as "friendly" as the Aqualung. (actually, my first choice was the Atomic M1, but I had one hell of a time finding it in stock)

How do you like the Shockwave light? I'm only missing a compass (buying a Suunto SK-7) and a light. I'm looking for advice on the light.

(on edit)

By the way, nice rig! :)

[Superfly]

23. Zank you, zank you very much!

I love the shockwave and I love the PrincetonTec customer service even better.

On one dive (Sund Rock, Hoodsport, WA) I noticed my light getting dimmer and dimmer. When I go to the surface to change what I thought were dead batteries, I had discovered that the O-ring binded when I closed the lens, seawater got in and corroded the battery terminals most riki-tik.

I told PrincetonTec that I goofed and they said send the light out (at their expense) for repairs. I got a box from them about 2 weeks later with a Brand New light inside and a note thanking me for my business. I will always recommend these products.

I'm serious about the fins. If you haven't tried the Force Fin Pros, try them. At a normal kick beat, I outswim my friends easily without exerting myself. The result is, I can just leisurly kick and kick up to people who are really kicking hard. Plus, the full-size foot pocket really eliminates calf cramping.

A lot of Poseidon rigs are designed for tech and wreck diving using mixed gas, nitrox, etc at depth and so are set to breathe a little harder at most recreational depths. Those regulators really excel at depths where you would be feeling a definite lung-draw fatigue with other diaphragm type regs.

I've found that the Cyklon and the Odin/Jetstream regs breathe very well at recreational depths and beyond.

If you want to ugrade your reg, I would suggest Poseidon or the Mares Abyss. Don't get the Ruby, it's just an ineffective marketing tool.

I love this sport.

Brian

[MercutioATC]

24. Thanks for the advice

I was lookimg at the Surge, but I'll look at the Shockwave now. I've heard good things about Princeton's customer service.

I'm happy with my fins, but I will try the Force Fins. I'm always open to suggestions.

Again, I'm a total newbie at this, but the Legend LX breathes great at the depths I'm at now. If I notice a deterioration at increased depths, I'm all but sold on Poseidon.

Thanks again for the input. It's great to be able to get advice from more experienced divers.

[MuseRider]

7. You will be amazed

when you get into the ocean if all you have done so far is quarry diving. Some like that but you will just be wiped out by all the color. Do try to get some of your own equipment. It may be expensive but it will be trustworthy, you can and should have it checked out at your local dive shop after each trip. I would suggest at least a regulator and your own BC, it isn't a big deal to rent a wet suit or skins. We have had bad some bad luck with regulators that we had to rent when our bags got lost. Also learn to care for your equipment, it is bad when something happens and you can't at least watch someone check it and know what is going on. Most places are honest and not a problem but occasionally... Have a great time and write about it when you get back. I am jealous. After so many dives (it is my most favorite thing) we missed last year and will not be going this year either. Can't afford it anymore, (thanks gov. Bush*).

[MercutioATC]

25. I AM amazed already

I really had a great time, even in a quarry, I can't wait to get to the ocean. I do have my own equipment, and I'm really looking forward to diving someplace more interesting.

[stanwyck]

8. Here are some place we like to dive

Bonaire, The Caymans, Cozumel, Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), Parguera (Puerto Rico), and the Bahamas. We're going to St. Thomas and St. John in October.
Have also heard good things about Roitan and Dominique(sp?).
We generally go in the fall. We've been lucky so far with the weather but the autumn can be tricky for hurricanes. Usually the rates are lower. Occasionally, some of the restaurants are closed...it's quieter. But if that doesn't bother you, fall is a good time for diving. I wear skins and sometimes a "shortie" wetsuit as I tend to get cold. You might want to plan ahead and find out the water temp. (getting cold is no fun). We love night diving but not all people do...it's a little freaky at first. You might want to do your first night dive as a shore dive as we did. Have fun.

[ForrestGump]

9. Once you've got some dives under your weight belt,

and are experienced with current diving and otherwise able to be totally responsible for yourself under the waves, you might want to think about going Pacific. It may require more saving up than locales that are both nearer and inherently cheaper (because of US traffic), but some of the more far-flung of the Pacific's jewels will absolutely blow you away. To name some (to which I hope to add more !), among the best are Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. Fiji and parts of Malaysia, too. The Philippines - I haven't been there - have a whole lot of trashed reefs but even there you'll still find good dive sites, apparently.

If you're aiming for those kinds of gnarly Pacific locales (and you're not loaded with cash to throw away), build up your 'resumé' with dives that are closer to home. Then you'll be able to make the most of an experience that requires a long and, often, expensive journey.

Closer to home, particularly great places (if, like me, you only care about diving and don't want to party or hang out with tourists) include the Dry Tortugas (basically, and sadly, the only Florida Keys reefs still in decent shape), the Bahamas (lots of islands to choose from....the fewer tourists, the better), the Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico (especially the southwest area), Saba, Bonaire (not for big fishes, though - much of the Caribbean is depleted of them), Honduras, and Belize (especially the atolls). And you can get great deals on Cost Rica - the Pacific side is very intense....I believe that the Caribbean side is less adrenaline-producing.

It's a big world, and most of it's ocean, so the extent of your diving adventures is limited only by available time and funds. The truth is, though, that even diving in a pool is magic. it's just that it gets better from there.....

[MercutioATC]

15. I spent 9 days on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica last year...

Incredible vacation! No phones, TV, radio, or air conditioning. I did have my own cabina 70' from the water and a lodge with incredible service and gourmet meals ( www.iguanalodge.com ). I wasn't diving then, but I understand that there are a few good sites there. I'm looking at retiring in CR in about 13 years, so I'll be going back semi-regularly and I can't wait to try the diving there.

[ForrestGump]

17. Sounds like a plan!

If you need someone to carry your tanks.........

[MercutioATC]

20. Hell, I plan to LIVE there in 13 years or so...

I'll keep a sat link to the internet (which I'll only access every week or so). If you start an ecolodge, you get your residency expedited, so I plan to have an additional cabina or two built. Come down and dive!

[stanwyck]

31. I'll be there!

Sounds wonderful.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

12. It is one of the most fascinating experiences!

I'm lucky...great diving all over California and Mexico and Catalina Island which has some incredible underwater gardens is only a 90 minute ride across the ocean. Surfing and diving are when I feel most at peace....I know this is a morbid thing to say to someone who just got certified but if I died doing either one...it would be a perfectly acceptable end of my life!

Nice gear you got there! If you can, get a tank of spare air...it's cheap, light, attaches to your belt and it's 12 minutes of air if you have any problems with your other gear!

[MercutioATC]

13. Not morbid at all.

I hope I die doing something that I love. I envy your access...I obviously have to fly to warm water :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

14. Well our water isn't exactly warm here compared to Florida

but compared to the Arctic it's quite nice! (And yes i HAVE surfed off the coast of Alaska.....you must relieve yourself in your winter wetsuit to even BEGIN to tolerate the cold even in summer!

[MercutioATC]

16. Yesterday it was 50 degrees below the thermocline at 20'

70 degrees at the surface. Quite a shock at the transition point. Surfing off Alaska! Best I've done is a poor attempt at surfing of the Outer Banks of N.C....

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

19. On the East coast I've only surfed further north or south

Seaside - Jersey Shore and Myrtle beach and on down the coast!

[MercutioATC]

22. My uncle's a DJ in N.C.

...lives in Kill Devil Hills and spends most of the day surfing and fishing (I'm 35 and I'm really envious). I'd love to be able to surf more often.

[suigeneris]

29. Terrific

Don't worry about diving deep. Light doesn't get there and you shouldn't either ;-)

[MercutioATC]

30. Honestly, 58' felt like 30'...no difference...

I'm not apprehensive about diving deep (within limits, of course). I'll go where the interesting things are :)