diving trip

[thebrain]

Hey, everyone, I'm new here and to diving. I am going on a Spring Break Hawaii diving trip with a small group and Im going to get certified to scuba dive. All of the main stuff I need (tanks, regulators, etc) will be provided, but I need fins and such. So much question to you guys is what equipment (please be specific, brands, models, etc) that I need. I know I need a pair of fins (split or not?, do I need booties?) a mask (snorkel, too?), and maybe a rashguard (tight or loose kind). I have been looking here http://shop.divebooty.com/
for scuba stuff, but feel free to suggest other online places.

thanks for your time and effort

P.S. I dont want to break the bank but I dont want crap either.

 

[Don Wray]

Give Larry a call at Scubatoys.com....he's a regular here, great prices and knowledgeable about what you might want. Stick with name brands but I also suggest giving your local LDS the first shot at fitting you. You will need booties if you use open heel fins. You really need to try different mask and fins for fit.

 

[DuckyDiver]

Definitely pay a visit to your local dive shop (LDS). They should be able give some info on which gear is best for your needs. At least get your mask from them so you can try different ones on to ensure a proper fit. Online shopping is also good, especially from www.scubatoys.com (remember to tell them you saw them on scuba board) I don;t have much info on brand names other than I have Mares fins and I like them.
Keep in mind, you get what you pay for, usually. I went middle of the road for most of my personal gear and have no regrets.

 

[GA Under Water]

If you are on Oahu (West Side) near Wianinae try http://www.captainbruce.com

They suposidly provide all your gear.

Also, I found a shop called TommyDSports http://www.tommydsports.com Try it out for gear if you don't want to break the bank.

 

[thebrain]

thanks everybody for the replies, thanks GA Under Water, but I dont have control over what outfit we are going to use for the trip, and I take your guys' suggestions, since I live on the coast and have two surf shops in town I should probably check them out

 

[sEANx32]

Where exactly on the coast do you live? and Why not get certed before you go?

I'd also suggest doing a LOT more reading and researching that just this one thread. If we ALL gave you our gear configuration (even just for mask, fins, snorkel, booties, etc) your heard would be spinning more than it is now. There are hours and hours of reading in the gear forums. Fins, Masks, and Snorkels = http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31

I know this is not what you want, but if you haven't even stoppped in at a Local Dive Shop to ask questions, the answeres here are probably going to confuse you more than help you.

Not trying to be a butt head, :shakehead
-Sean