Newbie Diver and to Board

[murphdivers286]

Welcome Aboard!!!

It's addictive, but who cares?!?!?

Good friends and good info. What could be better???

P.S. - If you have not already done so, please fill out your profile.

Even though there are a lot of "holes" in the world, I believe you will find a lot of good info in this board.

 

[icyman]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Scott Riemer]

Welcome to Scubaboard!

As advised above, don't be in too much of a hurry. With the amount you're going to spend, you need to make sure you are buying exactly what you want. There are equipment forums where you can research what people have said in the past about their likes and dislikes. You already said it, remember an opinion is just that.

I would slightly disagree that you need to run out and buy a computer. My personal thought is that you should practice more with the dive tables. All you need for that is a timer and depth gauge. Again, just my opinion.

 

[headhunter]

Welcome to ScubaBoard!

I agree with Scott. Wait on a computer. You should become proficient with dive tables first. A computer is a spendy item. You may find later that you don't really need one and are happy working with the tables. If you decide to get one later, then at least you know how to use the tables. They will become a reality check that will help you detect a computer malfunction.

As the BC goes, I cast a vote for the backplate and wing. You can find lots of info on that debate in a number of forums here on ScubaBoard.

For regs, decide what kind of diving you will be doing in the future and use that as a filter for information you get about regs. For instance, if you think you will dive deep in the future, you may want to get a reg that breathes easily at depth. If you will be ice diving, then you will want a reg that will not freeze as easily. If you will be diving miles into a cave system then you may want something that is based on a simple design that is easy to disassemble and fix underwater if necessary. If you will always dive recreationally at shallower depths, maybe you can save a bunch of money and get something less expensive, since I believe that all regs manufactured today are quite safe.

Hope that helps.

Dive safe!

Christian

 

[baltimoron]

hi there and welcome to the board.

i dont think you will have much trouble with the certification part- that is pretty easy. make sure you understand everything and WHY everything is. Read the manual front to back and just chill out and have fun at the pool classes. the certification part is really easy if you have the right attitude.

as for the gear buying, i say hold off on all the really expensive stuff and start off with a mask, snorkel, and a pair of fins.

make sure the mask fits your face really well (VERY WELL, you dont want a leak.) do this at the shop by putting the mask on your face and takking a big sniff in with your nose. see if it holds suction. if you are going to use it for your pool classes, make sure you scrub off all the silicone film that's on the glass. make sure you get it ALL. use toothpaste- its a generally gentle cleaner and it will do the job. the silicone film and the cold water make the mask fog up VERY quickly, and it won't be fun.

i got a pair of open heel fins, which i really like since i think they give me more control of my fins. you can also get full foot fins, which i think they happen to have most in those rental places in the carribean and FL. with open heel you must also buy a pair of boots- also a plus if you are going to do some cold diving. make sure everything fits you feet snugly, and they are not too tight lest your feet cramp up when you try to use them. the boots- i usually wear a size thirteen shoe, and i got a size 12 boot simply beacuse i thought they were more snug. i would reccomend personally getting a size smaller- whatever rubbs your buddha.

snorkels- make sure they dont hang in your face and get in the way. some of them have wierd little tops on them that prevent water from splashing in- a plus if you are going to do some ocean diving. nobody likes a mouthful of salty water. i went without- again whatever rubbs your buddha.

i would say holding off on everything else and renting until you find whats most comfortable for you. as applies to everything, there is nothing worse than being cold, wet and uncomfortable so wait and test out all that you can to see what is best for you.

hope i am helpful.

 

[verona]

Welcome. Go to dive stores and try out gear as much as you can. Get the stuff that suits you best. YOu will find different preferences on this board and will only know what you like with experiment and experience. For what it's worth, I started off with Scubapro R380 and octo 190. Did me fine. Enjoy researching on the board

 

[drezabek]

Welcome to the Board.

A couple of things. First, I too am a relative newbie. I was certified in May and just completed Nitrox certification today. I also went on a trip to Bimini about a month ago and was referred to as "Funewgy" all weekend. For the record, that's a compound word made of three...the last two are "new guy". The first word would get me kicked off the Board.

As for you equipment question, I cannot comment on what equipment that would be best for you, but I will say that I have done a lot of online research, tested some different configurations in the water, and finally filled out my dive bag. Here's what I have:

- Aqualung Legend regulator (they were having a $100 off deal over the summer)
- Aqualung Blade 2 fins
- Suunto Gekko console computer
- Henderson wetsuit
- Zeagle Brigade BC

I took out the Zeagle BC for the first time today. Sweeet. I really like this BC. It fits me very well and packs up nice and compact. Are these choices right for you? Maybe. Maybe not. But it gives you an idea of where another newbie put his $$...and I have no buyers remorse at all to this point.

Take care. Good luck and enjoy the buying process...it is a lot of fun (and a lot of money).

 

[desksgt]

Welcome to SB! I have an Apex 200 reg. and just love it!