Just certified Open Water!

[lespaulsf]

HI Everyone

My wife and I just got open water certified a couple of weekends ago. We are knew to the sport and don't have a clue how to find out where to rent equipment, dive, or find friends. Where do we start?

 

[Abidon]

You've started in the right place. :wavey: There's a regional section for the Central United States on this forum: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/central-united-states/. Give them a shout-out, and they'll be happy to give information on local dive sites, dive shops, clubs, etc.

 

[Teamcasa]

Like Abidon said, This is a great place to start.
Try here as well.
Western United States

 

[lespaulsf]

Thanks alot Abidon I appreciate it. These forums are pretty big so any direction to look is very helpful thanks.

 

[lespaulsf]

Hi Teamcasa thanks for the link I appreciate it. Is this the best place for newbies to post in general about anything diving?

 

[Teamcasa]

Hi Teamcasa thanks for the link I appreciate it. Is this the best place for newbies to post in general about anything diving?

This New Divers and Those Considering Diving forum is a great place to ask basic new diver questions. The regional forums are the best place to find instructors, dive shops and meet other divers in your area.

In addition here is another forum for you basic questions Basic Scuba Discussions

ScubaBoard is very large and diverse. Read, learn, ask questions but most of all - have fun!

Ignore the, if you use <insert gear name> you are going to die or waste your money crowd. They tend to drive off some of the new folks. As you progress in your diving, you will soon discover the best gear for your diving style.

 

[h2odragon1]

Congratulations!!
To both you, and your wife.
My wife is my dive partner also.
what you should do is to dive locally and get you diving skills refined, and then plan a trip!!
My wife and I go to the Philippines every three years, and have a great time! You and your wife may want to stay in this hemisphere and dive the Caribbean, or got to the Bahamas, or the Florida keys.
Most of the world is underwater, and you just opened that up.
GO FOR IT!!!

 

[lespaulsf]

Congratulations!!
To both you, and your wife.
My wife is my dive partner also.
what you should do is to dive locally and get you diving skills refined, and then plan a trip!!
My wife and I go to the Philippines every three years, and have a great time! You and your wife may want to stay in this hemisphere and dive the Caribbean, or got to the Bahamas, or the Florida keys.
Most of the world is underwater, and you just opened that up.
GO FOR IT!!!

Hi h2odragon1

Thats exactly what we want to do is get some experience under our belt by diving locally. We just have to find out where and how. Although we just found out my wife is pregnant (funny how that works without trying). We also already booked a trip to Cozumel at the Fiesta Americana.
Anyway now I have to find a buddy to dive with.

 

[Spg01]

I would suggest you start looking at the local shops and see which ones have dive clubs. Then go to a few meetings and see if you like them. Have you check with the shop where you got certified?

 

[Riger]

Hi there and welcome to this community...

Backing up what was said, after about 15 dives (and maybe an advanced course), do a Liveaboard in the Red Sea (or other place you may like) and get about 20 dives done over 6 days. This is an amazing experience and opportunity to get really comfortable with your equipment and underwater.

IF the Red Sea is something you might consider, send me a PM, I have some recommendations for you. My wife and I have been there 3 times in 18 months (we live in Dubai so it is nice and close).

Best Regards

Richard