Belzelbub
Contributor
It’s certainly not a cheap hobby, but some of the expenses seem out of line for initial certification.
When I was first certified, the only gear I needed to supply was mask, fins, snorkel, and weight belt. That was pre weight integrated BCs being the norm. Tanks, regulator, BC, and wetsuit were supplied by the shop, and included in the costs for the course. I could see that being extra if course is Not conducted by a shop.
When my kids got certified, the gear needed was the same, with the exception of the weight belt.
Requiring the student to buy their own full gear just seems unusual to me. Perhaps that’s the norm in your location, but I doubt it.
When I was first certified, the only gear I needed to supply was mask, fins, snorkel, and weight belt. That was pre weight integrated BCs being the norm. Tanks, regulator, BC, and wetsuit were supplied by the shop, and included in the costs for the course. I could see that being extra if course is Not conducted by a shop.
When my kids got certified, the gear needed was the same, with the exception of the weight belt.
Requiring the student to buy their own full gear just seems unusual to me. Perhaps that’s the norm in your location, but I doubt it.