Hello from Tampa, FL

[phenom]

Hello guys, I just got certified a month ago. I have purchased nearly all my equipment (besides the tank) from a local store and I am ready to start diving. I am looking on what to do next. Are there any sites near the Tampa area worth looking at? And how can I find new dive buddies? I was thinking about going to the place that I got certified with and just signing up for a trip with a dive master. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[JamesK]

Welcome to the board. Taking trips with the DM is a great idea until you are proficient in the water. Tampa has some spots to dive, but the boat rides are pretty long. What type of diving are you looking for? I am sure some of the locals will chime in. I am only a part timer there.

 

[phenom]

I'm Interested in boat dives, shore dives, fresh water dives, and once I get more experience and take the advanced open water classes I want to eventually get into wreck and cave diving.

 

[JamesFL]

If you're willing to make a bit of a drive, Lake Denton in Avon park is a fun little dive, good for establishing skills, I'm still trying to find decent dives around tampa, let me know if you find anything that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I'm a recent graduate with no money, so I try to do shore dives.

Also, Dan Fisher runs a dive against debris volunteer operation around tampa occasionally, dfisher@us.net, it's a fun way to spend a morning.