Greetings from the East Coast!

[cmlloyd]

Signing in to say hello!
My first class date will be this Saturday and I am super stoked.
Kids are grown and the hubs and I have some trips planned, well MAMMA wants to go swim with the fish and learn about life under the water that I consider a tranquil escape.

I am starting small getting my PADI cert, then I will eventually progress. There is only so much I can do by snorkeling I am also an avid digital photographer and would like to apply my skills capturing wrecks, and the fish that make you say COOL! in a kid like fashion.

I am in school studying to be a Respiratory Therapist so hopefully this will help with my understanding further pressure, decompression and so forth.

Nice to meet you!

 

[Colliam7]

Signing in to say hello! . . . I am starting small getting my PADI cert, then I will eventually progress. . . . I am also an avid digital photographer and would like to apply my skills capturing wrecks, and the fish that make you say COOL! in a kid like fashion. . . . I am in school studying to be a Respiratory Therapist so hopefully this will help with my understanding further pressure, decompression and so forth.

Welcome to SB, and to the wonderful world of diving! And, yes, your RT training WILL help with your understanding of many aspects of scuba, also including SAC rates, breathing patterns, respiratory drivers, etc. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Texasguy]

This is not a very costly hobby but it will require an initial investment.

PS: Don't buy anything only after 30 dives or so. Rent.

 

[kelemvor]

This is not a very costly hobby but it will require an initial investment.

Kelemvor's wallet disagrees! It's the most expensive hobby I've ever had, including shooting and photography combined.

 

[Texasguy]

Kelemvor's wallet disagrees! It's the most expensive hobby I've ever had, including shooting and photography combined.

I don't think you had "big boy's" hobbies yet like bikes or boats. If a person does not become a tech diver, the equipment is not that expensive. Price for diving excursions depends on where you live.

 

[tdtaylor]

I agree- I find diving cheaper than several other hobbies, one if which is photography. I shoot wildlife, events, sports, landscapes, etc. 14mm to 600mm makes for an expensive hobby. Now add in UW photography- if this goes with Diving, not photography, then diving is catching up ;-)

Good luck with your classes- definitely be a nice respite from your other activities.

Terry

 

[uncfnp]

Kelemvor's wallet disagrees! It's the most expensive hobby I've ever had, including shooting and photography combined.

Especially if you combine diving and photography! Welcome!

 

[TMHeimer]

Welcome. It seems you have a "water" backround, especially a lot of snorkelling (as did I--40 years worth....) and big interest in the underwater. I wish all the students I've seen were in that position. Enjoy.

 

[spectrum]

This is not a very costly hobby but it will require an initial investment.

With boundaries the initial investment is manageable for most. If you have good guidance you can shave a lot with some well made used gear selections. Certainly going tech is a simple way to drive the cost to the moon. Recreational diving can still get pricey as cylinders multiply and some a things like dry suits get added. The key here is that you are usually making these expenditures at your discretion and may limit your self to bargain hunting and bottom feeding.

PS: Don't buy anything only after 30 dives or so. Rent.

After the typical personal purchase gear I agree that most should try as much as they can trough rentals and borrowing. The catch often is that the rental gear and the desirable purchases are 2 different sets of gear so rental has limited value for many unless you are on the fence about staying with the sport.

A quick check tells me that the going rate for a set of cold water gear including wetsuit is about $100. If you average 1-1/2 dives per rental outing that's about $2000. in rental fees based on 30 dives. It makes sense to buy once you know you like diving and have identified gear you like. Getting into your own gear is the next step in furthering your adaptation and learning. If your local rates are notably lower then do the math but once rentals have served their purpose they are lost dollars.

Also, I suggest not even letting cameras enter into diving until your buoyancy control, situational awareness and general skills have plateaued. Adding photography will be a disservice to your diving, photography and gear.

Pete

 

[beaverdivers]

Welcome to SCUBAboard!

Have Fun.