Dive sites for inexperienced divers

[skybird]

Wondering where are good dive sites for inexperienced divers? Would need to find something reasonably close ( SE USA) that wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg, because it would be hard to dive without them. Also would like to hear about experiences of inexperienced divers who go on dive trips and have to rely on buddies assigned by the DM on a trip. I really am not comfortable with the thought of diving with someone I dont' know.

Sky

 

[mark99]

First time I dove after OW was with more experienced friends who dive. I'd recommend that until you are completely comfortable setting up your gear. You'll definitely feel very out of place on a dive boat if you know no one and aren't too sure of what you're doing. I've had pretty good luck with buddies on open boats, but I feel a lot more comfortable after 3 months of diving than I did then. You should make contact with your local dive shop and they can also hook you up with potential dive buddies, or go on local dive shop sponsored trips, where you'll be associated with the "group" and it's easier to ask for help.
There is a raging controversy on many threads on this board about when to take the AOW course. Most agree that it in no way makes you an "advanced diver". With that in mind, you'll find it informative and helpful if you consider taking it more "early on" rather than waiting until you have 40 or 50 dives. You will have the help of an instructor for a couple of days, and what you'll learn is very useful.

 

[TSandM]

My guess is that most coastal places have easy beginner dives and more challenging dives, and one really good place to find out about them would be the LDS -- wherever they are taking their classes is likely to be a pretty safe dive. That's certainly true where I am.

 

[CAPT HOOK]

Best bet would be to head for the Keys. Good diving for beginners and lodging can be reasonable.

 

[Archer_Pensacola]

Skybird

There are several good springs in the panhandle of Florida that make for great dive spots. Not sure where in AL you are but Vortex Spring (www.vortexspring.com) is about an hour east of Pensacola. We got our OW certs there and it is real easy diving, no currents, and full of fish.

 

[skybird]

Thanks for the suggestions all of you. I am in North Alabama so for a short, less expensive trip, the panhandle would be best. Of course for the time being Im not sure after the storms how good it will be, but by the time I can go, maybe it will be good. Thanks again
Sky

 

[regufool]

I was recently visiting the rents in atlanta, and I made the 4 hour trek to huntsville alabama to dive a quarry it is good for all skill levels maybe geared a little more toward novice divers check out www.rockdivers.com on site LDS and air i reccomend!

 

[kidspot]

I'd recommend a dive site with water ... those dry river beds are a real "drag" and tend to scuff up the gear badly...

that said, contact the guys over in the Deep Dixie Divers part of the forum http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83 and I'm sure you'll find lots of help and new buddies to dive with - I've even had a couple offer to take me diving when I visit your state this coming December!

Aloha, Tim

 

[Steele]

Thanks for the suggestions all of you. I am in North Alabama so for a short, less expensive trip, the panhandle would be best. Of course for the time being Im not sure after the storms how good it will be, but by the time I can go, maybe it will be good. Thanks again
Sky

Like Ian said, Vortex is pretty good if you can get there before the crowd. It's extremely clear and the fish are beautiful. Eels are plentiful down near the cave and are curious but non-threatening.

However, I like the rustic settings of Morrison Springs just down the road from there as well. Some people snub their noses at Morrison, and that's alright by me - Less crowded and no kids being yelled at over the intercom, or canoers trying to ram you in the head.

It's cheaper too. Vortex - 25$. Morrison - 0$. Need tank refills? Take the 10 minute drive over to Vortex and use their facilities.

 

[Florida]

I have been certified since 74, when I tuened 14. I often dive Morrison, Cypress, (need canoe), and Vortex. I have dozens of instructor certs.
I have not been in a dive shop in years. I don't like the modern shops or the way they do things. When I started diving, a club was a place that people that wanted to dive , pooled gear, paid dues to buy gear and support their compressor to dive.

Vortex is always divable, even in huricane, the down side is that it cost $25. Morrison you never know. I will check it in the morning. If it is diveable I will dive it. It is now a free dive, Dennis sold it to the state. Cypress is now a free dive. You have to get to it by water , canoe small boat etc.

Let me know if you want to dive

thanks

Kris