New guy from North Carolina

[Djstorm100]

Hey, I'm Dustin and I'm 22. My dad had another mid life crisis and got him and I lesson for open water scuba. At first I just blew it off but did it for him. Well I actually fell in love with it and now I want to climb up the ladder in terms of certifications and experience. Are there any other big scuba forums? I'm looking for reviews and info on equipment and gear, tech. questions to.

My gear :

B.C. - Mares dragon
Wet suit - Henderson
Fins - Mares
Mask - Mares Pure Vision
Snorkel - Cuda Dry
Gloves - Mares 2/3 mil.
Knife - Deep See
Reg- Apeks XTX 100
Octo - I forgot.... I fail!haha

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board. Honestly you might want to slow down a little and get some diving under you weightbelt before buying too much equipment. There is a lot of good equipment on the market and a lot of differnet styles to chose from, knowing what you really want/like/need is not easy when you are first starting out. Trying different types of gear and differnet brands will help you decide what is best for you. For example, the Dragonfly is a jacket style BC, nothing wrong with them but I much prefer a back inflate. They dive a little different and take some getting use to when changing over but I like them better. You may or maynot feel the same way but the only way to know for sure is to try both. That said, certainly nothing wrong with the Apeks reg, good piece of equipment that will serve you well for many years.
As for climbing up the ladder, the best thing you can do now is find some good buddies and dive. There is an active bunch of us in Raleigh and another in the Charlotte area. I won't speak for the Charlotte chapter (altough I know they feel the same ) but you are always welcome to dive with us in Raleigh. Check my signature for our web site.
Again, welcome to the board and to diving from Raleigh.

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks for the advice Herman. I went up to gypsy and dived in their pool with a alot of b.c.'s before I got the dragon. I remember reading reviews and renting equipment before buying it. When spending that much $$$ I can't just walk in to a store and buy gear lol.

I have 35 dives so far under my belt from 15' to 65', I'm still green as they come though. I'm excited for the "season" to start by up. I had my frist dive this year at the Quarry this past weekend, I got the gf cert. for Open waters as well. I want to get my advance here in a few weeks and go just go dive.

 

[herman]

Well, we may have passed each other. I was there just up the hill from Gypsy on sunday. Did you happen to see some guy go by with an old style double hose reg with bright yellow hoses and yellow fins? If so, I just pasted you. The NC group dives up there a lot, please come join us, both of you.

 

[Djstorm100]

I was a cross form the camper that was setup by the dock/changing room. The Red GMC 4 door truck. I was with Jon with Carolina Divers. The gf was getting her cert. dives done and I was along for the ride to help Jon out with her and the other students he had. I joined NC Divers.

I want to say I remember seeing someone with yellow fins and the bright hoses but having to help everyone get their gear right and with all that was going on. Can't say for 100% sure.

Are you going up to Yankysville with Down Under Scuba this Sunday? I'm going to try to go back up the quarry in Rolesville Friday to get the gf m ore comfortable with taken her mask off and clearing it. Then probably go up to Yankysville on Sunday. I really like it up there, I need a 7mm suit though.

 

[herman]

Not going to make the quarrys this weekend, holiday plans but will be at Rolesville the next weekend (June5/6) with a new batch of OW students. I DM for Down Under, drop by and say hello if you are around. I will not be in the old gear with the class however.....well maybe on their last dive to show them what real scuba gear looks like.

By the way, ScottyD is also a local so you will see him there a lot as well.