New Diver (well two) in the North East

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knobhdy

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Messages
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Location
Waltham, MA
# of dives
0 - 24
So for my birthday I have put aside the money to take Scuba lessons, and I have found someone who is as interested in learning as I am. I am very excited.

Recomendations of LDS or other lesson locations in the greater Boston area would be greatfully accepted at this time.:)
There is no way I can afford to fly to FL (or some other warm locale) to do my open water dives, so I understand I may have to wait intil spring to take the classes.

Still I am a research before you leap type of person. Wish me luck.
Knobhdy

:mean:
 
I, too am a diver located in the cold weather New England region (as are a fair number of others here). Just remember what everyone from here says: "If you can dive New England, you can dive anywhere." At least you can schedule your classroom/pool times for the winter/early spring, then dive your OW when the weather starts to turn. Enjoy!

BTW, my brother too his scuba class through East Coast Divers. SSI certification, and help seemed to enjoy it.
 
You might wat to consider combining your drysuit cert with your OW cert. My LDS offered me to do the both together for an additional $50. Why? Because with your drysuit you would be able to complete your open water dives this winter and don't have to wait for spring.

There is no reason to not go diving in the winter. It is less crowded and the viz is supposed to be the best during the 'off-season' months anyway. All the shop I know around here are offering the checkout dives year-round.
 
ScoobyPat -- Thanks for the tip about dry suit diving. I hadn't considered it.
Would you mind divulging your LDS's name?

Knobhdy
:mean:
 
I took my courses at "O'Donnel Diving" (www.odonneldiving.com). However, it is here in Philadelphia. I can highly recommend it, along with my LDS (northeastscubasupply.com).

Anyway, take your time to choose the right instructor. Someone you're comfortable with and who doesn't rush you. Also, keep an eye out how much they charge for the OW course. My rule of thumb would be not to spend more than $350 on the course (that is $200 for the confined dives and course and $150 for the checkout dives). Plus, count in another $100 for the basic equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, evtl. boots).

It sounds like a lot of money (and it is), but you'll see that diving is very rewarding and you can easily get hooked. Nothing beats the feeling of hovering in the water and looking at all the great things that you only used to know from the tv ;)
 
buzzed our dive group in Honduras (the bay islands). He was actually a good ways off, but just to see a thing of that size and beauty come gliding into view and off again was incredible. Oh to have millions, so that I would never have to worry about when I can dive next....
 
Dave Odonnel (Oddeneldiving mentioned above) drives a huge trailer up to Dutch Springs quite ofter and has about a bazillion dry suits for rent. He also provides the training. I believe I rented a dry suit from him when I learned to dive drive. Since that time I haven't dove wet again.

Best of success finding your dive time. Keep us posted!
 

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