New to diving, need some safe/experienced opinions.

[Ttsmith.mb]

Hello all!
My name is Taylor, I'm 23 years old and just experienced my first DSD dive with my girlfriend in Grand Cayman less than a week ago. Now we're hooked! I live in Fl and and have plenty of diving opportunity to take advantage of all around me but was seeking some experienced opinion to shed light on the first steps I need to take to safely begin my underwater adventures.
Also, I am an EMT/Florida Certified Firefighter so out of safety and respect to experienced divers any information regarding diving etiquette, spots or shops to check out as a beginner, or things experienced divers would wish to see from newbies like myself would be HIGHLY appreciated.
Thanks so much for the time,
Taylor

 

[TSandM]

Well, the first step is to sign up for an open water class. There is a stick in the New Divers subforum on how to look for a good one, and it's well worth reading. You want a class that will give you enough time in the pool or confined water to get comfortable -- and an instructor who emphasizes neutral buoyancy and doing skills WHILE SWIMMING.

All I want from a new diver is a respectful attitude toward the water. I love diving with new folks, because they aren't tired of seeing everything that's there every day, so I can point out all the stuff I still think is cool and watch their faces light up.

 

[Ttsmith.mb]

Awesome! I can't wait to check those out. I'm brand new to the site and haven't had a chance to browse the forums so my apologies.
Thanks again1

 

[JamesK]

Welcome to the board. You can learn a lot here, yet you can also come across some hard heads. We try to weed them out. Just keep a good attitude with everything, always be honest to not only your dive buddies, boat crews and instructors, but to yourself as well. Remember this is supposed to be fun, but the best way to have fun at something is to be good at it, so practice practice practice. On top of everything else, always be safe.