Bonairetrip
Contributor
Gonzo
<SNIP> Here is my most important piece of advice:
Do not buy gear yet. Do some research and you will find that for the same amount you'll spend on OW gear you can purchase gear that is just as good for basic open water but will also serve you well later on if you decide to go the "tech" route. Generally speaking if you take a PADI OW class and buy the gear they teach you to be standard and then you want to go into tech diving you'll find yourself rebuying alot of gear.
I cannot agree more with this quote! There is plenty of good gear that is suitable for both Rec and for Tech. If you think tech is likely, choose gear with that in mind. Ther
It might be worth consulting with a dive shop that is more tech oriented when you go to purchase gear. As an example, there are two or three within a 30 or so minute drive of my house (Olympia, Tacoma, Hoodsport).
In the meantime, enjoy rec diving, improve your skills and get at least 100 dives under your belt. Ideally in some more challenging conditions. (Diving in a 7mm with hood and gloves in 50 degree water and 15 ft viz is way different than a swimsuit in 80 degree water with 200 ft viz).