How much to learn to dive?

[Chilidog11]

Mine was $395 for all gear except fins, snorkel and mask. Also included online course, pool dives and ow dives. $20 a day entrance fee for the quarry.

Southwest burbs of Chicago

 

[Mustard Dave]

I don't understand why so many places seem to insist you buy certain bits of kit before an OW course*. Most dive centres have spare masks, fins and those daft tubes that flap about on your head and don't work underwater.

I find it particularly stupid that novices are forced to buy fins. Fins are a very personal thing, and I would always advise somebody to borrow a few pairs before buying to see what works for them. The average price for a set of fins seems to be around £100 ($150), which is not an inconsiderable amount to waste if you find out they give you a cramp or tire you.

* Actually I do - it's $$$!

 

[Octopusprime]

Here is Chicago suburbs it is all over the place. For giggles one day I made a marrix of 7-8 LDS and their fees for OW. It was crazy there was everything from $60 for the instructor + rentals+pool entry+fills+Training materials+++++ to a LDS that was $500 + $75 for crew pack and $200 for OW dives not including entry.

Most are between $350 and $500 to get the cert depending on what they include. None include MFS. Personally I do not like the +++ method. when I got my OW I was told $120 for classroom pool / $60 for OW. but then I was asked for $12 day to get in the pool, 20 day for quarry entry, $30 in air fills along the way.... and on and on... I wanted to know what I needed to plan on spending. I do not carry much cash these days and constantly being asked for $7 was annoying.

 

[TMHeimer]

Air Fills ??!!

 

[flyin01]

Does the $329 include the Crew Pack?

Yes, all books and materials.