New Diver from Upstate New York

[elrey72011]

My name is Robert and i'm in the Army. I've always wanted to dive. Ever since my dad came back from the soloman islands scuba certified.

I'm getting out of the army soon and the wife and i have decided to take classes and get some gear for our hawaii trip in july.

I'd like some tips on what to get for her and I. From what i gather the gear will be around 1200 for each of us and about 200 to get certified.

Am i close on those numbers?


thanks,
robert

 

[scubamarketing]

At least in my neck of the woods, a certification at that price would not include use of gear for checkout dives or books, so the total cost may be closer to $300. But if you find an all-inclusive class from a reputable instructor for $200, it sounds like a great deal to me.

$1200 isn't terribly unreasonable for gear packages. If you're planning on sticking to the tropics for your diving, you can probably get by with a less expensive wet suit as opposed to the expensive dry suit you may want if you're going to be in cold water too. It really depends on what kind of diving you think you'll be doing.

Where are you going in Hawaii?

 

[oly5050user]

My name is Robert and i'm in the Army. I've always wanted to dive. Ever since my dad came back from the soloman islands scuba certified.

I'm getting out of the army soon and the wife and i have decided to take classes and get some gear for our hawaii trip in july.

I'd like some tips on what to get for her and I. From what i gather the gear will be around 1200 for each of us and about 200 to get certified.

Am i close on those numbers?


thanks,
robert

OW course can run around $250.-$300. for each of you.That is for the academic and pool work. The 4 ow training dives with rental gear can be about the same amount.Required training materials (text/log book/tables/dvd) can add another $95.,you will need to buy an additional log book @ $16. and share the text/tables/dvd.
Most facilities require you to own personal gear( mask-fins-snorkel-boots),runs $250.$300. for each of you.
So you can be up to $800.+ for your ow certification ..gear-regulator-console-bcd-maybe a 3mm set suit- can be had for as little as $1,200. but count on spending more,closer to $1,600.--$2,000. each.
When someone asks how much it costs to just get certified I usually say around $1,000. after all expenses. The costs involved are not just the ow course fee.Count on ow training dives, possible boat fees, learning materials,rentals, possible hotel fee and entry fee at training site,personal gear required,etc...

 

[marine9]

Ft Drum should have classes that should cut your cost, check
with the post...

Also, check out Alex Bay, several dive shops there - must
have classes as well.

I long drive, but many classes are offered in Syracuse.

Check out Freedom SCUBA USA

Best of luck to you and your wife.

Thanks for your service!!!

 

[elrey72011]

i thought ft drum had classes but i'm not sure where. I'm getting out within the next few months so it's a little late.

i'll be staying at the hale koa in hawaii when we go.

thank you for the help.

 

[marine9]

If you hook-up with a dive shop, or something through special services, you could
get your classes and pool dives in before your enlistment ends.

Then, while in Hawaii, you could do your open water dives and get your
"C" card!

Really a great way to do it!

You sure don't want to do your first open dive in the St. Lawrence
in December!!!

Best of luck.