New diver from Dallas, Tx

[Firebird2XC]

Hey all,

Charlie here.

Brand new diver.. finishing up my NAUI Open Water next weekend. Already done with Nitrox. Got a good set of gear and a great Dive/Shop Instructor to help me learn how to use and maintain it all so I don't kill myself.

Now.. how and where to dive so I don't go broke doing it? I'm from Dallas so I'm thinking my first saltwater stint might be the Flower Gardens off the Texas coast. I'm looking at the Keys for the week after Labor Day... Maybe Cozumel or the like.

Thoughts? Also- advice on how to sniff out a reputable boat/dive shop operator would be helpful.

 

[DiverGirl931]

Welcome Firebird,

Im also a newbie, freshly certified in May 2012. My first ocean open water dives were done in Belize. I chose this destination because of my husbands experience with the diving there. My husband is AOW and makes a great dive buddy however is also somewhat fresh in regards to number of overall dives. My diving in Belize was done with a wonderful DM who helped me with those initial jitters and problems which can occur during the first time in the ocean. I have considered the Flower Gardens but after a little research discovered that all dives are done without a DM.....also if you read into their rules, there is specific dive rules you must follow or you could end up sitting out for a dive or more. By no means am I saying these rules not necessary being 100+ miles from shore...but as a new diver it is something to consider when choosing a dive location. On my first ocean dive my husband and buddy had a equipment malfunction a freeflow and obviously needed to surface way before me....I personally needed the extra support from a dm during my first few dives in ocean. To find reputable dive shops I think Scuba board forums will help provide a valuable resource of fellow diver recommendations.

I had several issues during my first true ow dives, but it has not steered me from diving....I love it! Im considering the flower gardens next summer after I have a few more dives under my belt. For now I prefer lead dives that include a dm.

 

[Cyprian]

Welcome to both of you.

We are happy to have you here and don't forget to visit us in the regional forum, link below:

Texas Swamp Divers

 

[chrpai]

Welcome. As for the Flower Gardens, you need to be aware that it's not for beginners. That's some serious advanced diving. If you have the time and the money, I'd get some Keys trip(s) in first. Cozumel is very nice also.

 

[electrix]

Flower Gardens is a bit much for newbies.

 

[Firebird2XC]

Thanks for the welcomes and replies, all. I'll definitely take that under advisement- rushing off into water unforgiving of noob mistakes is not really my idea of fun. I'd just heard of the Gardens and thought it'd be a convenient place to start. I'll wait for those.

Key West might be where I start after all. We'll see. I'll poke around the forums and see what else I can find.

 

[coglesby]

Welcome! +1 on the FG "warnings." Get some salt water divers under your belt first, as the gulf can be a beast at times. The old saying goes, if you don't like the conditions at the flower gardens, wait a second. The FG dives are not guided dives....I would postpone the FG experience until you have some dives under your belt and you AOW cert. Happy diving!

 

[Firebird2XC]

Welcome! +1 on the FG "warnings." Get some salt water divers under your belt first, as the gulf can be a beast at times. The old saying goes, if you don't like the conditions at the flower gardens, wait a second. The FG dives are not guided dives....I would postpone the FG experience until you have some dives under your belt and you AOW cert. Happy diving!

Will do. Thanks!

 

[coglesby]

Will do. Thanks!

Keep the FG high on your to-do list though, as its a great time, good diving, good experience and good value!

 

[Firebird2XC]

Keep the FG high on your to-do list though, as its a great time, good diving, good experience and good value!

Will do also. Just getting started and want to do it right..