$700 still sounds like a lot, but if that's the rate in your area, not much you can do about it. Personally I paid $399 for my whole class, including the textbook, all dives, and all gear.
Do the DSD and see how you like it. I was HOOKED after my first time breathing underwater. Almost three years later I finally got my cert and I wish I hadn't had to wait so long. And listen to what everyone has said about mask fit. I LOVE my mask. It fits me perfectly and never leaks....except when I used the regulator I was given on my first day of my class. I had a constant slowwwww leak that was annoying. I got a different reg the next day and ended up using the same one for the rest of my class and even my boat dives after I got my card. No leaks at all. It was just a different mouthpiece that really made the difference, but definitely choose your mask for fit, not price.
Enjoy!
Do the DSD and see how you like it. I was HOOKED after my first time breathing underwater. Almost three years later I finally got my cert and I wish I hadn't had to wait so long. And listen to what everyone has said about mask fit. I LOVE my mask. It fits me perfectly and never leaks....except when I used the regulator I was given on my first day of my class. I had a constant slowwwww leak that was annoying. I got a different reg the next day and ended up using the same one for the rest of my class and even my boat dives after I got my card. No leaks at all. It was just a different mouthpiece that really made the difference, but definitely choose your mask for fit, not price.
Enjoy!