Easy Dives for Beginners?

[3-Ring Octopus]

Why are you diving wet in New England or PA? lol Is it just up here in the PNW where we have enough sense to dive dry?

Cheers,
Austin

 

[fisherdvm]

If you can swing it, go to Cozumel. Try to book a three or four day package. Being a new diver, Cozy has many dive sites that you can gain much needed experience and it's mostly all easy diving. Just practice your bouancy control, it's all drift diving. Hope that you enjoy your trip!

I don't know enough about all the dive sites in cozumel, but you should read this thread before you book cozumel: http://scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=179960.

If coz is the place, make sure that they assure you they have a boat dedicated to beginners.

 

[lmorin]

I would go with the Keys idea. Most of the dives are relatively shallow (<40 fsw) and many are only 25-30 ft. This is ideal for becoming familiar with a new environment, equipment, orientation, etc. without too many worries about currents, depth, exhausting your air too rapidly, etc. There is also lots to see in the marine park. My wife and I have been to Key Largo multiple times, but really liked our 4 dives at Looe Key and Sombrero Light where the dives were only about 25 ft, but the reefs were in great shape.

Personally, I'd recommend Bonaire way before Cozumel for someone just getting started. And, I'd recommend the Keys, although great for other reasons, also great for establishing a nice comfort level. The only problem in the fall is the possibility of a hurricane. So far, we've dodged that bullet.

 

[shotthebreeze]

Why are you diving wet in New England or PA? lol Is it just up here in the PNW where we have enough sense to dive dry?

On a 19 year old's budget diving dry isn't really an option no matter how nonsensical it is...viva warm water!

 

[3-Ring Octopus]

But in your original post you said all your gear will be purchased for/by your birthday? If the majority is going to be purchased for you...why not save up and cash in for a drysuit so you can actually dive locally?

Just seems to make sense...if you dive more (and having the ability to dive locally usually means you dive MORE), you become a better diver. And besides...nothing beats coming up from a dive with dinner! (for us out here it's Dungeness crab...for you, it'll be lobster! )

Ah well...just some thoughts...

Cheers,
Austin

 

[shotthebreeze]

But in your original post you said all your gear will be purchased for/by your birthday? If the majority is going to be purchased for you...why not save up and cash in for a drysuit so you can actually dive locally?

Just seems to make sense...if you dive more (and having the ability to dive locally usually means you dive MORE), you become a better diver. And besides...nothing beats coming up from a dive with dinner! (for us out here it's Dungeness crab...for you, it'll be lobster! )

Ah well...just some thoughts...

Cheers,
Austin

Very true...makes a lot of sense. I should try thinking some time...lol

 

[Diveral]

I'd say the Keys would be a good choice for you. Good and easy diving just stay away from the Speigel Grove until you have more experience. Another choice that would be a lot of fun is a Blackbeards cruise.

AL

 

[Texasdivechick]

Why not try Bonaire? It has excellent shore diving and great dive package rates. The reefs are all very close to shore and fairly shallow- perfect for beginners. You should go online and do some research about diving on Bonaire. Besides, plane tickets are outrageously cheap at the moment (around $450 rt). Have fun!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Why are you diving wet in New England or PA? lol Is it just up here in the PNW where we have enough sense to dive dry?

Cheers,
Austin

Nah! I never even bothered with a 7 mil. In fact I got my drysuit before buying a 5! Best 1600 bucks I ever spent.

 

[Buoyant1]

It isn't that bad...lol...I love diving PA and 3 mil hood and gloves are fine after march til May then October til November between that just a 3 mil FS unless going deep then a 7 mill with the 3 mil hood and gloves

Where you diving a 3? I can usually get away with my full 3 to about 30 ft at Bainbridge (July through September) Anything below that get's a little frigid, anything below 60 the 7 starts to get a little frigid.