meagicano
Contributor
I spent about $2,200 to get started, not including course fees. For me to dive locally it's $10 in quarry fees, $15 in gas, $7.50/tank for nitrox. A two tank quarry dive would put me back $40 in expenses. Driving to the river costs about $20-25 in gas, plus tank fills. Sometimes I have to pay for parking as well. Plus one of the best parts of diving is socializing - so I always include food and/or a drink in my budget when we do a big trip.
I bought almost everything used when I started in 2008 except fins, mask, snorkel and regulator. I bought a new computer the next year (2009) and I bought a new wetsuit last year (2012).
I looked at doing my OW course when I was in university but the expenses of diving and the challenge of transportation (it's fairly uncommon for kids in Canada to have cars at the same rate as American kids) meant that I decided to be financially responsible and put it off. I kind of wish I had started diving earlier but I don't regret the decision I made as I would rather dive when I can commit time, money and energy to the sport. I'm 29 now and started in 2008.
Also - don't forget wear and tear on your car. It adds up quick! I don't drive as much in the winter because I don't ice dive (yet) but I easily throw 200-250km per day of diving on my vehicle's odometer.
I bought almost everything used when I started in 2008 except fins, mask, snorkel and regulator. I bought a new computer the next year (2009) and I bought a new wetsuit last year (2012).
I looked at doing my OW course when I was in university but the expenses of diving and the challenge of transportation (it's fairly uncommon for kids in Canada to have cars at the same rate as American kids) meant that I decided to be financially responsible and put it off. I kind of wish I had started diving earlier but I don't regret the decision I made as I would rather dive when I can commit time, money and energy to the sport. I'm 29 now and started in 2008.
Also - don't forget wear and tear on your car. It adds up quick! I don't drive as much in the winter because I don't ice dive (yet) but I easily throw 200-250km per day of diving on my vehicle's odometer.