AZGATOR,
Welcome to the world of scuba. by the way I'm always posting looking for dive buddies. I agree not much happens in the Az group unfortunately- but it doesn't mean there aren't a lot of passionate AZ divers here. Better yet- scubaboard is *THE* best place for knowledge. No one here is soliciting anything unlike local dive shops. There is a lot to learn, much more then you got in your open water course. I'm still a newbie and I'm not sure I'll ever stop saying I'm a newbie. The important part is to be safe, don't exceed your limits and have fun. I try to dive the lakes as much as possible just for the skills review, nothing is better than time underwater for sure. I too was certified through SSI and have to say I was lucky in that I got great instruction there. PM if you have questions about buying gear (locally) and I'll tell you some of my other thoughts that I won't share in the public forum! I'm always willing to hit the lakes. I'm taking off Thursday the 16th for three days of California diving (on a budget) with two others. talk to you later,
Tony.