I've done some surfing and searching, yet haven't really found any answers yet.
I apologize if this has been asked a dozen times. I just haven't found it. :/
Starting certification in May/June at Quiescence Diving in Key Largo. Came to us highly recommended and they've been greatly helpful when I've called for class information. Haven't set dates yet since it'll be a surprise birthday present for my partner. Anywho, I'm 28F/5'4"/120lbs and he's 29M/5'10"/160ish lbs, both on the skinny side of athletic, good swimmers (myself a little better as I used to be a swim coach). I'm looking into equipment pricing and bundles/kits/sets and... I'm overwhelmed. The language is all new to me and there isn't a dive shop close enough that I could go get all my questions answered.
I know, from reading through the various forum pages, that equipment we pick is going to be mostly by preference. Seeing how we have zero experience, we also have no preference. So... to begin the onslaught of questions...
1) What's the best route for equipment use during certification? Rent gear for the 5-day course and buy afterwards? Or buy beforehand and hope our purchases work?
2) As of right now, we'd be mostly "vacation" divers. We're in Miami, but more everglades side. Would buying equipment right away be worth the cost? Or would renting be more feasible for the "occasional diver"?
3) Typically, what is the base gear one needs to get started?
Thanks in advance for the advice. Any little bit helps.
I apologize if this has been asked a dozen times. I just haven't found it. :/
Starting certification in May/June at Quiescence Diving in Key Largo. Came to us highly recommended and they've been greatly helpful when I've called for class information. Haven't set dates yet since it'll be a surprise birthday present for my partner. Anywho, I'm 28F/5'4"/120lbs and he's 29M/5'10"/160ish lbs, both on the skinny side of athletic, good swimmers (myself a little better as I used to be a swim coach). I'm looking into equipment pricing and bundles/kits/sets and... I'm overwhelmed. The language is all new to me and there isn't a dive shop close enough that I could go get all my questions answered.
I know, from reading through the various forum pages, that equipment we pick is going to be mostly by preference. Seeing how we have zero experience, we also have no preference. So... to begin the onslaught of questions...
1) What's the best route for equipment use during certification? Rent gear for the 5-day course and buy afterwards? Or buy beforehand and hope our purchases work?
2) As of right now, we'd be mostly "vacation" divers. We're in Miami, but more everglades side. Would buying equipment right away be worth the cost? Or would renting be more feasible for the "occasional diver"?
3) Typically, what is the base gear one needs to get started?
Thanks in advance for the advice. Any little bit helps.
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