New member in Illinois

[jbrandon242]

I'm just taking the OW certification course. Have been snorkeling a few times in the Carribean and have always wanted to do scuba diving. Now's the time.

Not that I don't enjoy reading all the posts/threads, but is there a way to filter to see posts in my area (NW suburbs of Chicago)?

Just curious about the reputation of dive shops in the area, thoughts on types of masks, fins (split fin or not), BC's, regulators (mostly cold water), etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lil' Irish Temper]

You are going to have alot of varied opinions on everything you listed. So all I can do is to tell you to hold on to your seat, and welcome to ScubaBoard

 

[Matt the Aquaman]

:sunny Hi jbrandon242, :happywave

I would like to Welcome you to Scuba Board –One of the most informative and dedicated boards on the net. You can meet a lot of helpful people here and it’s an awesome place to get answers to your questions regarding scuba diving. If you ever want to chat feel free to PM me.

Take care and Safe Diving

almtree:
-Matt-

Click here to greet a new member!
No experience needed and it feels great!​

 

[DandyDon]

Hi there and welcome to ScubaBoard.com

I suppose you have already found New Divers & Those Considering Diving but there is a link for you just in case.

For the sort of filtration you seek, I'd try the Search button above, with Chicago once, then Illinois once. And don't miss your local dive club forum: Great Lakes Wrecking Crew

have fun don

 

[Li'l38]

Welcome to SB! As you can see, these folks are really great. I'm fairly new here so I can't help ya with navigating the board. PM those that have offered their help, they can show you around. Good luck with your classes!

 

[SDAnderson]

I'm just taking the OW certification course. Have been snorkeling a few times in the Carribean and have always wanted to do scuba diving. Now's the time.

Not that I don't enjoy reading all the posts/threads, but is there a way to filter to see posts in my area (NW suburbs of Chicago)?

Not that specifically, but the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew covers our neck of the woods.​

Just curious about the reputation of dive shops in the area, thoughts on types of masks, fins (split fin or not), BC's, regulators (mostly cold water), etc.

Heh. Not asking much are you? Rather than browse through endless threads unrelated to your interests, learn to use the search functions on the board. There is a mountain of stuff about almost anything you might want to learn about - and when you find where the good stuff is you'll have an idea where to post any questions you can't find answers to.

Welcome to the Board - and to the rest of the world. Maybe we'll see you out on the lake this summer...
​

 

[Natasha]

I'm just taking the OW certification course. Have been snorkeling a few times in the Carribean and have always wanted to do scuba diving. Now's the time.

Not that I don't enjoy reading all the posts/threads, but is there a way to filter to see posts in my area (NW suburbs of Chicago)?

Just curious about the reputation of dive shops in the area, thoughts on types of masks, fins (split fin or not), BC's, regulators (mostly cold water), etc.

Thanks in advance.

HI jbrandon242:
I've been to Woodfield Mall in your neck of the woods many times.
I can't help with any of your other questions, but it seems others already have.
Just wanted to say Welcome!

 

[Juls64]

I second ReefRaff's suggestion. Check out Great Lakes Wrecking Crew to narrow it down a bit.

Julie

 

[jbrandon242]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I can see there is a wealth of information out there and people willing to help.

I've been in the IT field for over 27 years and this is the first time I've used a message board. What a neat way to explore a new hobby!!

 

[murphdivers286]

Welcome to the board and a new sport. Hey, I have family in Schaumburg. I also have family in Elgin, Rockford, and Belvidere. My Dad is from Belvidere. I loved visiting up there. Here was great and everyone was always nice to me. But hey, I was only 14 years old at the time. Welcome to the sport.....