Doing the right thing?

[bbgunn916]

I have just been certified OW in a local lake. I have only been in the water for my training dives and have no recreational dives. I have a trip to the Florida Springs and a deep dive (100 - 130 ft) on a sunken wreck planned in 5 weeks.

1. Even though I will be with my instructor, should I be taking my Advanced course and diving deep and on wrecks and at night with no experience?

2. I must buy equipment and have decided on a Zeagle Brigade, Mares Dragon AT, or Aeries Atmos XT BC. Any comments?

3. Looking at an Atomic Z2 or B2, Aeries Atmos Pro, or Zeagle Flathead ZX reg. Any comments?

4. Want a good computer with compass.

Please remember I have no experience and I have not had a chance to try any products. Money is a consideration in my purchases, but I do want to insure I have good equipment. It is my life and diving pleasure I'm dealing with. In other words, at this time in my diving career, I see no reason to spend $600 on a reg when I can get one for $300 that will work just fine and I may not be able to tell the difference anyway.

Thanks in advance for all helpful comments.

 

[Daner]

You should rent until you have enough experience to understand what your needs will be for the next couple of years. (provided you have a decent LDS that has well maintained rental equipment) Try a few brands if you can. You will also learn alot from other divers by asking what equipment they are using and what they like/dislike about it. There is no doubt that scuba gear is expensive but it gets even more expensive if you start spending money on things before you know what you want or like. Take your time.

 

[Daner]

As for taking the advanced open water before your trip. Depending on where you dive now, maybe getting a few local dives in may be more cost effective and should get you a little valuable experience. I was certified in Canada in a quarry and dove only fresh water lakes before my first trip to the tropics. A warm water dive to 100' in the tropics with 75 ft vis was much easier (less stressful) than any of the cold fresh water dives to 35' with 10' vis or less.

 

[dkktsunami]

Scuba is a sport best learned with baby steps and experience. Going from zero experience to a 130' wreck dive is not a wise move. Your OW certification, if you are playing by the rules, only allows you to go to 60'. As for the equipment, my last bc before moving on to BP/W was an Aeris Atmos XT. I was very pleased with this and still have the bc. It's simple, solid, open in front, and functionally designed. I also use an Atomic regulator and am happy with it.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
It's my personal opinion but instructor or not I would think deep dives of any sort are not really appropriate at this point in your diving career . The increased task loading you are already taking on (boat/ocean/wildlife/saltwater) is plenty of new stuff to deal with let alone adding depth and current. The fact you are with an instructor adds only a small amount of safety factor on your part and are your ready to deal with an emergency on his/hers? What if your instructor gets involved in an emergency that does not involve you? I got involved in an OOA situation the last time I was on a deep wreck in Fla. It was another diver on our boat and not my buddy. Are you comfortable dealing with depth, free accents from over 100 ft with no line, heavy current, and open water safety stops on your own with no one to assist you? If not, I would suggest you reconsider the deep dives. There are loads of shallow wreck and reef in Fla to choose from and the deep wrecks will still be there years from now.

Renting is a good way to learn which equipment is right for you. Given the choices you posted, Zeagle would be my choice. They make first rate gear and their customer service is second to none. I dive Zeagle for what that's worth.

 

[TheRedHead]

1. Even though I will be with my instructor, should I be taking my Advanced course and diving deep and on wrecks and at night with no experience?

Are you asking if you should take AOW with no experience? If you feel you are not ready, I would say no. Some people take AOW right out of OW with no problem. Talk to your instructor about your concerns.

 

[downdeep]

Dive your butt off for the next 5 weeks and have a good time. Don't push yourself. You need some time to get comfortable in the water without the stress of preparing for a deep dive. Work on bouyancy and trim. Relax! Have fun! The wrecks will be there when you're ready.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Are you asking if you should take AOW with no experience? If you feel you are not ready, I would say no. Some people take AOW right out of OW with no problem. Talk to your instructor about your concerns.

I agree. You obviously have some concerns if you are asking us. You have to know in your own mind that you are ready.

 

[plwtwo]

Make sure your AOW Instructor knows these are your first dives. He'll adjust the dive plans for you. There is nothing wrong with doing your AOW with no experience...I wouldn't advise doing a 130 ft dive first out...but you don't have to either. Just remember if you don't feel comfortable you can ALWAYS call a dive. Never do anything that you feel uncomfortable doing....:14:
Atomic Regs are Awesome...Aeris/Oceanic Computers are good too....

 

[Matteo]

I would agree with all of the above advice....while all the products you mentioned are good, it would be wise to rent for a short while until you know more about your personal likes and dislikes....and as far as the AOW and deep stuff goes, do only what you are comfortable with....have a great trip!!!