new to scuba board

[smtp]

hi ! i am new to this board but was wondering which of these courses you guys think has a better deal....

http://www.hollywoodivers.com/courses/index.html

http://www.seadsea.com/main/index.htm

And i've been hearing stories...how scary, safe is scuba diving...is it well worth the $500 dollars i'll probably be spending my first time?

thanks!

 

[Natasha]

HI smtp:
First off welcome to Scubaboard.

I think you have decide for yourself how much you want to be a scubadiver. If it's something you really want to experience, money will not be the issue. Which one is a "better deal" should not be your first concern. Good training, with a great instructor should be your first concern.

If you're concerned about 'how scary' it is you should talk to an instructor and possibly try a Discover Scuba class first.

I personally do not know anyone working at the two links you posted. Maybe someone else can help you out there.

 

[SueMermaid]

Welcome! :wavey:
Assuming that both shops are the same quality, it's a tossup. Both are within $25 of each other, and both include rental equipment for your checkout dives. There are boat fees that are variable.
I'd call the shops if I were you and ask them about how much you'd expect these fees to be.

And is it worth it? Have you SEEN the number of people on this board!?
It's mind-numbingly amazing. Yes, silly! It's worth it if it is something you feel you want to do. How scary or safe it is depends on you.

 

[DandyDon]

And i've been hearing stories...how scary, safe is scuba diving...is it well worth the $500 dollars i'll probably be spending my first time?

We try to keep Scuba as safe as possible, and I think our sport has a better record than many others.

But to a person who asks, "Is it worth it?" - probably not. It's an individual judgement call, and I think you've answered your own question for yourself.

Should you change your mind, though, we're here to help. Please complete your Profile for referencing in future discussions, and PM me direct if I can help further.

don

 

[baitedstorm]

Welcome to the board! Sorry, can't help you out on the shop to use but I will suggest going down and speaking to each intructor that will be working with you. It might make your choice a little easier. Pleas keep us updated on what you decide.
Best wishes!

 

[headhunter]

Welcome to ScubaBoard! :happywave

Is it worth it? You probably won't find anyone on this site that would say, "No" for themselves. You are the only one that can answer that question for yourself. You have to ask yourself why it even occured to you in the first place to get certified. Maybe you should go to Catalina and check out the glass bottom boat or take a trip to the Long Beach Aquarium to help you decide if you really want to be on the other side of the glass.

Hollywood Divers is my Local Dive Shop and I find that everyone who works there is very knowledgeable. That said, I have not actually taken any instruction from them, but have heard their students rave about their experiences.

What I HAVE done is buy a lot of gear from them and they have a nice selection for me. They have given me great deals on everything I've bought from them. More importantly, I've seen them really try to help people coming in with gear that needs to be fixed. If they needed the repair made right away, but for whatever reason the repair was going to take a bit longer, I've seen them just lend someone a piece of gear to go diving with.

I am not familiar with the people at the other shop, so I can't give you a comparision.

Don't forget to fill out your profile, so that we can add context to your future posts. Also, once we know where you are geographically, you may find that you'll have a whole bunch of new dive buddies to choose from locally if you decide to get certified.

Dive safe!

Christian

P.S. Due to the high volume of new posts in the Introductions and Greets forum, it's not always possible to keep up with all the new posts here. So, please help me out and send me a PM if you post anything you want me to read or repsond to in this forum.
almtree: :sunny

 

[Matt the Aquaman]

hi ! i am new to this board but was wondering which of these courses you guys think has a better deal....

http://www.hollywoodivers.com/courses/index.html

http://www.seadsea.com/main/index.htm

And i've been hearing stories...how scary, safe is scuba diving...is it well worth the $500 dollars i'll probably be spending my first time?

thanks!

Hello from Matt,

Welcome to ScubaBoard ! :1poke: I came here to look for help with my scuba diving dream and the response has been fantastic. So, I know you will enjoy being a member here.
There are a lot of nice and informative scuba divers. It's a good place to meet other divers and share experiences and dreams. Take care from Matt.

 

[scuba_chick55]

Welcome to the board and have no fear, that $500 you spent will be one of the best investments for future enjoyment. It's the best thing I've ever done. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[Scott Riemer]

Welcome. You've already received a ton of great advice. Like Natasha said, a good instuctor is essential. Me personally, I'd go ask a bunch of questions and see who I felt the most comfortable with.

As for, "Is it worth it?" Like others said, I can't answer that for you. But, for me, I'm glad I did it!

 

[GrierHPharmD]

As far as safety goes, your best resource (other than Scubaboard!) is Diver's Alert Network. They publish and annual accident and injury report. If you read the report, you'll quickly see that most dive accidents involve people diving in places with inadequate training and experience. Uncertified, intoxicated people increase the fatality numbers every year and make the sport seem much more dangerous than it really is.

Is it worth it? Just wander around the board for a few days. For the ones of us who have been bitten by the Scuba bug, you'll get very similar responses - being able to breathe underwater is a transforming experience. It really makes you feel your place in nature, on intellectual and emotional levels. The science is challenging, and aesthetically, you'll find yourself at a loss for words trying to explain it to folks who haven't been there.

I wish you all the best and hope to cross paths underwater someday.

Welcome to the board,
Grier