Any Divers here?

[mkt]

^^^

That's what I asked... are there any divers here? I've been invited by my family to a divee vacation off the caribbean coast (south coast) of Puerto Rico, and I've never even dived. I've snorkelled, and I grew up surfing, so I'm comfortable in the water. Does anyone have any advice/pointers/suggestions for getting relatively cheap gear?

 

[mkt]

any at all?

 

[Monty]

My only suggestion is find out what you have to supply for your course and get that [some instructors will supply the basics, others may not have enough stock to do so]. Wait and see if your instructor has some connections/suggestions before you buy. Lead, wet suits, dive knives, etc can wait.

 

[artvandelay]

^^^

Does anyone have any advice/pointers/suggestions for getting relatively cheap gear?

Do you really want 'cheap' diving gear? I think I would splurge and go for expensive gear:lol:

I don't dive (or snorkel). My father took me to see Jaws when I was six and I'm scarred for life.

 

[mkt]

well... not cheap, just inexpensive. I'm just starting and don't want to spend a lot on expensive equipment if I end up not liking it

 

[imamouse]

I have my advance open water certification and just went diving last week in Cayman (I'm still in Cayman as I type this). It depends on how long (how many opportunities) you will have to dive. Certification takes weeks and you have no guarantee that you'll enjoy diving. Some people become claustrophobic when they get all geared up and under water.
Although certification is the way to go, most resort locations offer what's called a "Resort Course" where you'll receive a little dry land training, swimming pool training, then an open water dive. All of your gear, including mask, snorkel and fins, will be included. Schedule carefully - you can't dive and then fly home in an airplane the same day.
Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

 

[mkt]

*bump*

I bought my gear today and started class. Bought a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, soft weights, and a weight belt. I'm pondering getting gloves too.

Today was classroom stuff, thursday is 200 meter swim and 10 minutes of treading water. Next thursday we go under with gear.

I'm doing my open water dives at 3 locales... Lake Denton, Blue Grotto, and West Palm Beach.

I'm also pondering signing up for an advanced class in the fall and for Underwater Photography.

 

[lamarvenoy]

I dove when I was 16-22 but I gave it up when my other friends did since it is boring going out alone. I surfed since I was 14 and what I saw under the water really freaked me out once I started diving. We would go out to Keywest and Penny key and it was way more interesting then diving up here on the SW coast. The water down there is so clear and the variety of corral dwelling animals is unforgettable. Once you get certified make your way down there for a weekend.