Taking the next step

[Soupy1957]

In my town in CT, there is a Dive Shop on the main drag thru town, that I have passed for many years.

I'm a swimmer, always have been, swim well. I'm a lover of fresh water (oceans are ok, but I'm not keen on the notion of having something much bigger than me, swim up behind me and say "hi").

Now 53, having raised our two kids with my wife, I'm finally thinking about taking my time in the water to the next level. There are lots of neat lakes nearby.

I've often spent time at Lake Winnepesauki in New Hampshire, and have thought of the many wrecks there, and the variety of depths to that lake. I'd like to learn to S.C.U.B.A. dive that lake!!

So, I'm NOT a "diver" yet, but wanna be. I hope my lack of any diving experience or training doesn't disqualify me from participating in this Forum. I figured I could learn a LOT from you experienced divers, and then take the RIGHT plunge. (The "right" training, the "right" gear, etc...).

<Waves from his front porch!

-Soupy1957

 

[scubamarketing]

Welcome! I grew up as a swimmer long before I started diving, I think comfortability in the water will definitely help you with your dive classes. It a completely different world below the surface, you're going to love it! I'm an instructor, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Soupy1957]

Well Nick, for starters...........

A) My local Dive Shop is showing an average of $250.00 for classes. Is that high/low/average?
B) Since I seriously doubt I will ever do any ocean diving (for reasons I've already stated), and all my "diving" experiences will be in fresh water lakes in the warmer months, what is the basic equipment "must have" list?
C) Do casual smokers (raises hand admitting his sin), have a greater risk or difficulty with Scuba Diving?

Those questions are just for starters! (lol)

-Soupy1957

 

[Superlyte27]

Class price is pretty good.
Minimum gear list if you don't ever want to rent... Probably in this order
Mask, Fins (I guess snorkel, although i've never worn one)
B/C, Regulator (Computer maybe)
Wetsuit/Drysuit depending on your tolerance for cold
Tank

If you want to dive alot, get your own gear. Here in florida a full set of rental gear costs 50 per day. 10 days and you are half way to a set of lower end dive gear.

Despite what everyone says, smoking is not going to end a diving hobby. I know lots of smokers that do just fine. But I won't use their regulators.

Just an FYI....
I know a buddy that in his mid 70's last year he had a stroke. He survived it and decided he was going to pursue a life long dream and become a diver. Now less than a year later he's got almost 100 dives. He's Cavern Certified and a rescue diver and is interested in Intro to Cave. What a champion for the sport showing that old age is not a factor.

 

[Moebius]

Well Nick, for starters...........

A) My local Dive Shop is showing an average of $250.00 for classes. Is that high/low/average?
B) Since I seriously doubt I will ever do any ocean diving (for reasons I've already stated), and all my "diving" experiences will be in fresh water lakes in the warmer months, what is the basic equipment "must have" list?
C) Do casual smokers (raises hand admitting his sin), have a greater risk or difficulty with Scuba Diving?

Those questions are just for starters! (lol)

-Soupy1957

I just got NAUI open water certified and I paid $275 for the class. Required items for the class were fins, boots, mask, and snorkel. Because our training dives were in a fresh water spring (constant 72F) fed river and a cavern, we needed wet suits to do those dives. After using one of the shop's wet suits for the first three dives, I decided to buy my own for the last two. I did this simply because I wanted a one piece instead of the farmer john/jane and top they had. I was also told by several people that a wetsuit is the best first purchase after fins, mask, snorkel, boots because fit is so important.

My next purchase will most likely be a dive computer. Next will be a BC, again, since fit is pretty important. If I am diving enough to justify a regulator, then that will be the next purchase.

Hope my limited experience helps some.

Chris

 

[Soupy1957]

Sounds like SOME of the equipment can be cost prohibitive.......I expect some expense, but it's interesting to read which items tend to be slated for "later" purchasing.

I guess I always figured that I'd buy my own gear. What about those Flag Tubes that I've seen some divers use, to identify the fact that they are "in the water?" Is that a requirement these days?

I found it interesting for example that nobody talked about those watches that are depth meters, and weight belts, etc..

-Soupy1957

 

[Moebius]

Sounds like SOME of the equipment can be cost prohibitive.......I expect some expense, but it's interesting to read which items tend to be slated for "later" purchasing.

I guess I always figured that I'd buy my own gear. What about those Flag Tubes that I've seen some divers use, to identify the fact that they are "in the water?" Is that a requirement these days?

I found it interesting for example that nobody talked about those watches that are depth meters, and weight belts, etc..

-Soupy1957

I know what you mean about expense. I paid $275 for the open water class I took. The boots, fins, mask, snorkel, and course materials (had to buy them separately) were about $260. With the wet suit purchase, which I got on sale for $100, gloves, and various small items, I spent about $700 to get open water certified. On the other hand, I have a good amount of equipment already.

As far as the tubes your are talking about, not required, but compact and nice to have if you are in distress away from the boat. As long as you are towing a floating dive flag, you are good. The dive shop I got certified rents the dive flags as well as everything else, including weights. I prefer BCs that have integrated, quick release weight pockets.

 

[oly5050user]

Sounds like SOME of the equipment can be cost prohibitive.......I expect some expense, but it's interesting to read which items tend to be slated for "later" purchasing.

I guess I always figured that I'd buy my own gear. What about those Flag Tubes that I've seen some divers use, to identify the fact that they are "in the water?" Is that a requirement these days?

I found it interesting for example that nobody talked about those watches that are depth meters, and weight belts, etc..

-Soupy1957

Not too far from you ,here in Yonkers,NY our fee ranges from $199.-$239.-$269..Depends on schedule.Open water certification dives are $239. inc's rental gear.Student required to own crewpack(books-learning materials) and dvd,cost $95.Student to pay entry access to Dutch Springs .
Student to own mask,snorkel,boots ,fins(cost can be $200.-$350.).Our pool is onsite so there is no issues with access and no additional driving.
SO once all said and done start to finish you can pay up to $800.- $1,000. for ow certification.
If a facility is telling you differently they are NOT disclosing total true costs.
Also have not heard any positive reviews about the store in Stamford.PM me if you wish details.Nothing to make a big deal of,but customer service there can be better.

 

[Turtlesong]

Soupy1957 go for it. Your rates sound very reasonable but I would classify diving as an expensive sport with gear and trips etc. I too grew up around water. Became interested in diving about five years ago and was OW cert the beginning of this year for my 55th birthday. Have done fresh and salt water dives. Just love the world of water.
Moebius my hat is off to you with 72 degree water, my cert dives were at 40 degrees at surface and less after 25 ft. Brrrrrrr

 

[spectrum]

Well Nick, for starters...........

A) My local Dive Shop is showing an average of $250.00 for classes. Is that high/low/average?
B) Since I seriously doubt I will ever do any ocean diving (for reasons I've already stated), and all my "diving" experiences will be in fresh water lakes in the warmer months, what is the basic equipment "must have" list?
C) Do casual smokers (raises hand admitting his sin), have a greater risk or difficulty with Scuba Diving?

Those questions are just for starters! (lol)

-Soupy1957

Welcome to the board and the world of diving.

$250 is on the low end but they may be making it up with gear requirements, boat fees or other stuff. Ask a lot of questions. You should plan to buy a mask, snorkel, fins and booties. That stuff needs to fit you well.

Fresh water is fun but don't discount the ocean. My wife and I started in 2005 and are your age now. Freshwater is an alternative for the most part. Freshwater will be a lot about what you can find (artifacts) where the ocean can be more about what you see.

Smoking of course does not help. What is most important is good fitness including clear lungs. A good workup by a dive savvy physician is prudent when starting down this road.

Pete