New (and yet kinda old) guy from Texas

[Just Don]

Hi all. New guy from Texas signing on!

When I say I'm new, I don't just mean I'm new to ScubaBoard (though I am). I mean I'm new to SCUBA entirely. I have wanted to learn to dive for years but never got around to it. I'm now looking to correct that long-time deficiency and begin to learn so I can get certified and be able to start diving.

I don't even know yet where I can dive near me that's worth it - but looking forward to learning. Thanks in advance for any wisdom y'all can provide.

 

[TooCold]

Welcome Don (from the guy who joined a whole 24 hours ago). Hope it all goes smoothly for you. Just remember you're choosing to take on an addiction!
Allan

 

[chillyinCanada]

Welcome to Scubaboard! We're very pleased to have you join us.

Take look through New Divers subforum, just for starters.

I can't advise you with regard to Texas but I'm sure that someone will be along.

 

[formernuke]

Welcome

 

[thbcthomas]

@Just Don, what part of Texas? I am in Fort Worth.

 

[Just Don]

@Just Don, what part of Texas? I am in Fort Worth.

I'm just north of Dallas, in Allen. Not too far from you. Any good dive sites near the metroplex, or would I really need to go to the coast (or somewhere else?)?

Thanks!

 

[thbcthomas]

@Just Don, not much in the area worth diving, at least in my opinion. I hear people talk about Scuba Ranch, but that is about 2 hours east of me. I will drive out there one day and check it out.

 

[driftwood]

Hi Don, your greatest dive friend is DFW. Gets you many places nonstop.

I am in Central Texas, so not familiar with your local scene. By the time you drive to the lakes south of you, you can fly to many places in the Carib.

 

[Scraps]

Welcome!
51 is not "kinda old" for scuba.
Lots of people don't find the time or money for scuba until they're "kinda old," so you'll fit right in.

 

[drrich2]

Hi. For ocean diving, I imagine you'll be flying somewhere. Which means choosing amongst land-based of live-aboard trips. 3 Popular land-based options are Key Largo (Florida), Cozumel and Bonaire. I'll post you some links to reviews.

Some people like live-aboard boats, where you stay on a big boat for a week or so. In fact, there's one that operated out of Texas last I heard, called the Fling. A number of their trips get cancelled due to weather, and I don't think it's diving you're ready for yet, but the time should come.

Key Largo with Rainbow Reef Dive Center 2013 - http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/fl...iving-key-largo-rainbow-reef-dive-center.html

My Research Notes for Bonaire - My Research Note For Bonaire

Tres Pelicanos & Casa Mexicana, Cozumel Sept. 2018 Report - Tres Pelicanos/Casa Mexican Trip Report Sept. 2018
My Research Notes from Planning Cozumel Trip - My Research Notes from Planning Cozumel Trip

And here's a good 'starter' live-aboard option -
Sun Dancer 2 (Belize) May 2015 - http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/li...ving-belize-via-sun-dancer-2-may-2nd-9th.html

There are many other options...Roatan has CocoView Dive Resort (lotta diving) and Turquoise Bay Resort (reputable option for a little tighter budget), for example, but you can drive yourself nuts trying to grasp all the choices.

For a starter trip, if I were in your shoes right now, and considering the pandemic...you might want to read up on Cozumel first.