Just another new fish in the tank

[bebo]

Hi to everyone!!

My wife and I were always talking about learning to scuba dive and for one reson or another it was always postponed. Until about two weeks ago when we decided to. As a matter of fact, we're taking the final examination today!

We're a very active couple, doing in a very regular basis hiking, water rafting, spelunking, kiteboarding and the sorts, not to mention we kill ourselves every day in the gym. All quite satisfying, but when we found this.....it was the new breath of air we needd, this was like finding home!

We instantly fell in love with this way of life! That's why I want to thank you for receiving us in this forum. I want to thank you in advance for allowing us to drink from that well of wisdom of you veteran divers.

We decided to gear up inmediately after we complete our first course. Decisions, decisions; it's an ocean out there! To buy or not to buy online....that's one of the questions! Do you have any brand preference? I'm not going to be cheap on a piece of equipment that holds my very life, but also I'm not willing to pay a zillion because of the hype with brand names. Do you recommend to rent for a while? Should I buy in package deals, do I really save money? What about the quality? Plain and square, what are the best deals taking into consideration performance and price?

Again, thanks a million...and take care.

 

[blackice]

Personally I rented for the first year, if you are doing rec type diving then rental gear is fine.

Buying all together? We bought piece by piece, bought a computer first as my friend went back to Europe and I used his. Then we decided to buy BC and Reg around the same time and no they were not the same manufacture or company.

While you are getting used to the whole world of diving I would say rent and then you can understand what you like and don't about each piece of equipment.

For example : With a BC you need to decide between jacket, jacket with back inflation, harnness with back plate, or some where in between likethe Trans PacII. I would sugest that you try each if you can over a few dives, try the normal jacket, then try a jack with back inflate and then maybe a backplate system like a Halcyon.

Main message is try before you buy - and also consider where you may wish to go with your diving , do you intend to dive doubles or deep or decompression or wrecks or caves or scooter dive. As this will enable you to forsee the needs for certian types of set ups.

Good luck and welcome

 

[joele]

hey bebo,

welcome to a new world in diving...
and welcome to the board...
you came to the right site to ask questions regarding the sport you just gotten yourelves in to...

blackice is right...
you need not purchase all the gear at once...
you just need the personal ones...
like the mask, snorkel, booties, swim suits, wtsuits and fins...
all the rest, you may rent them first and try them out...
the more experience you get into diving, the more that you'll know what types of gear you're going to need...
ask around first...
don't get over eager into buying new stuff, or you might end up buying the wrong ones...
like there was this one member of this board who went to an LDS and bought things that the manager told him to buy...
that person ended up buying things he doesn't need untill he gets "deeper" into diving...
so don't commit the same mistake...

good luck on your exams and checkout...
dive safe...

joel e

 

[Kat]

I couldn't agree more about not buying your equipment too soon. You need to dive many different types of equipment to find your own personal nitch. 1000 divers may like a certain BC, reg or whatever, but if it's not right for you than it is the wrong equipment.

 

[bebo]

Thanks guys, all your advice is really appreciated.

By the way, we passed! With flying colors I might add. So it's official, we're certified. Today we were doing the last dive of the course: in a shipwreck!!!. It was awesome!!!!

So, thank you guys......and I'll be in touch.

 

[erwin]

Congratulations and welcome to Scubaboard!!!

 

[LittleFrog]

Congrats, bebo! I finished my certification classes this past July and remember clearly the sense of accomplishment I felt when my instructor showed me the sign "you are now certified" during my last OW class.

I completely agree with all the previous posts regarding your purchase of equipment. Taking your time and trying as many types/brands as you can before you purchase is very sound advice. Having your own mask, fins, and snorkel...great idea. Especially a mask that fits well. There's nothing more annoying that a mask that needs constant clearing.

My first purchase, however, was my exposure protection. I found the rental wetsuits uncomfortable and very constricting. I knew that if I didn't have an option that was more comfortable, I would not be as inclined to get out there. Finding a wetsuit based on fit and comfort made all the difference. I no longer have to dread the process of gearing up. I can just look forward to the dive.

Dive safe and enjoy!

~LittleFrog

 

[flyingcopdiver]

Welcome to the scuba board! You will find very fine people here, knowlegable, helpful and willing to share what they can. I received my PADI Open water certification in September 2002 and my PADI Advance Open Water in August 2003. I agree with the above post, get mask fins wetsuit and the rest when you feel you have enough knowledge to make an informed purchase. Enjoy the ride and stay safe.

 

[jcorreia]

welcome aboard

 

[bebo]

Thank u all!!!!!!!!