Getting started costs

[scubaaaronh]

Another option is buying some used equipment from LDS or a local diver. My LDS has some setups for sale and am thinking seriously of starting with that. Some folks run the other way but it is a "in between" of renting vs buying. Used trainning regs scare me less from a LDS because they were used to train students and assuming they were not killed by dropping a tank on them they are probably fine. I do not own any equipment yet have do my checkout dives first. I have to admit when I started down this path I was looking at cool stuff like Regs and Computers.. Now it appears that I am going to spend the upfront money on a drysuit so I can dive more often PA,NJ,NC and try to lowball on the regs for now. I would like to have a computer too so that will be on the top of the list more for saftey, I like beeps to help keep me from doing something stupid. I know it wont replace my brain but it cant hurt.

Another point is that if you dont dive often the yearly maintence (on regs) may exceede renting depending how often you dive.

I dive in MI cold water diving just get a good 7mm wetsuit and you will be fine to start out i have not invested in a dry suit yet and i have been doing ice dive for the last eight years. My 7mm two piece is fine for april through november diving here.

 

[SterlingDiver]

Well I'm just looking for middle ground stuff. No need for the fancy's yet, I haven't even dived yet!!

I guess I will do some diggin first, then see what happens.

....beyond your snorkeling gear until you figure out if this sport is for you.

As others have said for warm water diving you are looking between $1,000-$2,000 depending on your preferences.

rent for awhile and see what YOU like and eventually take the plunge and get your own gear, you will be glad you did.

Welcome to the greatest sport on Earth, the "Blue Planet". I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Dave

 

[gfisher4792]

What would you say is the average amount of $$ for a beginner to start diving?

I'd rather not think about how much I spent when I started to dive. Rent first.

 

[spectrum]

Rent first.

Renting is a wonderful way to try gear if you can rent gear worth trying. Look around and see what's available.

If renting won't let you try what you want then seek out shops that have pools or demo days.

Some shops will have different arrangements, such as having to buy it with the option of returning for a store credit, sounds like the consumer is eating most of the risk on that deal.

Get to know the gang from your certifying shop or whatever one you choose to patronize going forward, borrowing to try may be an option, it's also a great way to establish mentoring relationships.

Make yourself known on your regions forum here on SCUBABOARD. There may well be a generous member who might let you try that special item he happens to own before you buy. You might even stumble on a great piece of gently used gear and save some $$.

Like I said I'm going down the same road (for 2!) and these are some of the things I've come across.

Pete

 

[JustinW]

Open Water = $250
Personal Gear = From $89.00 to $260
Check Out Entrance Fee = $40
Air Fills = $15

...Bottom Time = priceless


ahh I couldn't resist

Lots of good information out here, wait until you start asking specific questions, then the stuff really hits the fan.

 

[--tom--]

There's always the sales pitch answer, $25 a week for 2 years per person
I spent about $2500 in gear over a 4 year period.

 

[Chris Hipp]

Look at the community colleges in your area and see if anyone has a class. That is what I did and saved a bunch.

OW-$60 +$15 for C-Card
$55 for BC, tank and regulator rental for the entire class (including open water check out dives.)


Unfortunately, it is pretty tough to save on your snorkel equipment. All of that has to fit just right. You can order it through catalogs, but how will you know if it fits? You could go into a dive shop and try the stuff on and then buy it elsewhere, but that would be pretty disrespectul if a shop owner spent an hour with you fitting everything and then you just walk out the door.

Example, I paid $80 for my mask but I could have ordered it from Leisurepro.com for $40. You can save that way but it is a big chance.

As for gear, I look for clearence items and close outs. I have a full setup except a computer and I have about $650 in it all.

 

[adurso]

I would suggest you rent first and determine what gear you like prior to jumping in and buying. My wife and two children dive and when they started I bought new regs, wetsuits, masks, fins, BCDs, booties and tanks for them and spent about 1500 per person after negotion, sometimes spirited, with LDS. I have been diving for a looooooong time and have middle five figures worth in the storeroom including camera gear and other goodies

 

[yknot]

What would you say is the average amount of $$ for a beginner to start diving? Can you lay it out in a little table.

Thanks

First thing to do before you decide if costs are prohibitative or not is to find a LDS that will let you "discover scuba" for free. This will involve trying on basic equipment, including a breathing regulator, in a pool, with the intention of finding out if you want to proceed with diving. There is no point in certification classes or gear purchases if you find out scuba isn't for you.

Another free advantage this board affords you is the ability to research not only equipment but also different diving opportunities. To proceed, spend some time deciding, at least initially, what you want to achieve. If, for example, you only want to dive shallow tropical sites you won't need to spend the extra on equipment capable of more extreme conditions. As a fact, without diverging into the nuances of one piece vs another, for the diving most recreational divers do, the least expensive brand new gear will suffice and perform rather well when used within it's limits. Dive gear is somewhat like golf equipment. A particular style or piece MAY be necessary to move to the next level but top end gear alone won't make the difference. Time spent diving will. Divers with their own gear also tend to dive more than renters.

Local conditions will apply as to cost. For example, at one LDS near me, for $800-900, you could get their top of the line mask, fins snorkel and boots plus a perfectly acceptable BC, and regulator with gauges. A gear package purchase of this nature would also include free certification and unlimited use of a tank, with free air and a wet suit for one year. There are other shops that charge near that for basic personal equipment and the class. Some shops charge extra for open water dives and equipment usage. Don't be afraid to ask upfront and negotiate.