Introduction...and a question

[Scooby64]

Hello everyone,

It was reco’d to me that I introduce myself to the group (Hi group!) as I am living in Southern Ontario (Ajax, to be exact) and definitely what you would call an über-newbie when it comes to Scuba diving. I have no certificate and no equipment! I AM however very keen and am in the process of signing up with Ajax Scuba Club for a Spring/04 basic Scuba course. Apparently I live within a 3-hour drive of the best fresh-water diving in the world.

I’ve always had an interest in Scuba and have finally decided to take the plunge (bad pun, sorry) and have a couple of questions for y’all.

For the course I’m going to need the basic equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt). I’ve been told to wait until the first class before buying anything as the instructor will give his recommendation as to what to look for in purchasing equipment.

For the mask, I can't wait till the first class. I’m going to need prescription lenses, I’m astigmatic and can’t see well without corrective lenses. Given that we are supposed to have all our equipment before the second class I’m in a bit of a bind when it comes to purchasing the mask as there is no way I will be able to get the proper one fast enough (between 1st and 2nd classes).

So….where’s the best place in southern Ontario to get myself fitted for a mask with corrective lenses? Are the Toronto Dive shops better (i.e. more knowledgeable) than the non-GTA shops? Any make/model of masks preferred for attaching corrective lenses? Are there any “lens systems” out there that anyone can recommend?

TIA for the replies!
Daryl S.

 

[bridgediver]

I don't have an answer to your mask question but welcome to the board. It's true, you have the best fresh water diving period - hope you enjoy your class

 

[diverlady]

I'm a member of the ASC too. I'll probably drop by your class sessions to help out in the pool if the instructor needs any more assistants.

There are a number of diveshops within an easy distance for you. I got my mask (okay pretty much all my stuff) from Divesource in Whitby. The first mask I got for my class I couldn't get a good seal with. Brian (owner) said no problem and gave me a different one to try out from his rental section. Since it was fine, he ordered a new one and I kept the rental (no charge of course) until my new one came in.
You might want to ask at the store you finally choose if you can borrow some different masks, fins etc over the course of your pool training to see which works best for you. If you put some $$ down against an actual purchase, I can't see that you would have a problem.

Do you have contact lenses? You could use those in the pool before getting corrective lenses in a mask. You shouldn't have a problem getting a mask with a perscription in it anyway But I see your point.

I know the instructor you will be getting. As far as I recall, he is not associated with any particular store so he will probably go over different styles of gear out there.

As for other shops nearby, there's:
Divesource - Whitby (my fave)
Innerspace Scuba - Liverpool Rd Pickering
Scuba 2000 - hwy 7 & Leslie
Aquarius Scuba - Dundas St. Toronto
WaterLine - Avenue Rd, Toronto- I think!

to name a few.

Diverlady

PS - welcome to the Board and to the ASC

 

[DivingGal]

welcome to the board, and soon to the world of diving!

Diverlady has given you some sound advice regarding your mask and corrective lenses.

I wear contact lens and have yet to have any problems with my mask. (Well I did this past weekend but that had nothing to do with my contacts, all to do with hair)

 

[diverlady]

A thought...

The ASC has a class going on right now. I think their second pool session is next Sunday. You could contact the Training Director and explain your situation to him and ask if you might be able to stop by and try out a couple of masks in the pool so you can get one with corrective lenses before your class starts up.
If you've already signed up for classes, I would be surprised if he has a problem with this but I don't know the training rules or pool rules so I might be missing something. Other than that, the owner of Divesource is an instructor and he might allow you to try out masks when he has pool sessions in Whitby.

Diverlady

 

[boney]

I got my mask at Colt Creek Diving(Newmarket) and I got them with perscription lens, it took a while but I like the lens better than contacts. That's just me though.
How bad is your sight without corrective lens? While I was waiting for mine I was able to do the basics without my lens(like mask clearing) - or you may be able to get a pair of disposable contacts and use them just for class until you do get your mask.
You can check Rodales website for reviews on Scuba gear, www.scubadiving.com, or you can pick up their magazine at your LBS (local book store).
As for stores, Diverlady has provided a good list.
Head out to DiveSource, its worth the drive to Whitby!!!

 

[Axeman]

My personal fav is the Cressi Big Eyes. If you have a simple script then the LDS can get the lenses direct from Cressi.

but since you have a slightly more complicated one then you will need custom lenses.

The Big Eyes is a great fitting mask and the script lenses replace the origional glass instead of being glued in.

anyways check them out @
Big Eyes

the focus is also a great mask focus but is more suited to someone with a smaller face. It is also easy to put scripts into.

Hope that helps.

 

[DiverBuoy]

Can astigmatics use contact lenses? If yes then why spend the money on the mask ... tens of thousands of divers use contact lenses. Instructors are taught exactly what to do to assist you if you need special instructions on how to cope and deal with diving with contact lenses.

 

[Scooby64]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and the advice!

Diverlady, were you the person I was talking to outside the ASC compressor room about 3 weeks ago? I was the guy bicycling with my 3-year old son Max. That chat was the spark that got me thinking to get back into Scuba. I used to Scuba in my university days (mid 80's) but not since. I've forgotten so much I'm claiming ignorance and starting out from scratch again. Over the years (and several moves) ive lost/given away almost everything (no one wanted my old booties!). I think the technology has come a long way since I took my first basic Scuba course.

Boney, with bad astigmatism I can't wear contacts. My eyesight without correction is "OK", I won't walk into walls but I can't read anything near or far, so if I have to read without my glasses it's going to be a problem.

If I have to go with uncorrected vision then I'll just make do, though it would be nice to see everything clearly. I've got oodles of time so I'll check out as many masks as I can before I place the final order. It's likely that since this will be a special-order I won't be able to return the mask - better get it right the first time!

Looks like Divesource is first on the list of places to visit...

Cheers,
Daryl

 

[diverlady]

Hmmm... I don't remember the last time I was at the Back Room but I don't recall speaking to anyone who was riding a bike nor seeing any small children around so as much as I would like to be able to take the credit for talking you into getting wet again, I have to say no, it wasn't me. I have a pic in my profile if that helps rule me out. It could have been someone on the club executive. Check out Our Club I believe there are some photos there.

I'm glad our club (and whichever member you were speaking with) piqued your interest in diving and that you're coming back to the sport. It's best that you've "claimed ignorance" and are starting over again since it's been quite some time since you've been diving. Things have changed greatly over the years.

I don't know if this will make a difference for you, but vision underwater is adjusted. I'm near-sighted and have a perscription that is -1 diopters. Underwater, I'm 20/20 without correction. However, if you have difficulty reading, you might still have trouble seeing your gauges. See what they say at the dive shops but don't let anyone talk you into buying before trying it out without a good exchange policy.

Check out DiveSource for their hours. They've changed just recently due to the season slowing down. Or give them a quick call so you don't make that ooohhhh 5-10min drive when they're closed.

Divesource looks like a barn but hey, whatever keeps the costs down is fine with me. I'd shop in a cave if it meant good quality stuff at a great price!! They're having a big sale Nov 1st if you're interested.

Diverlady