Newbie to SCUBA and Philippines

[chip104]

top of mind brands that have good service centers and/or distributors here

scubapro
mares
apeks
aqualung

good list. Cressi can also be serviced here. Suunto dive comps are popular here.


Welcome to the PPD April! All the best in your stint here!

 

[manhattandiver]

You may want to check out a trip report that I recently wrote on the Philippines. It gives a quick survey on divesites in the country and goes into more detail about those around Moalboal, Cabilao, Malapascua and Southern Leyte. The link is below.

http://dive.scubadiving.com/members/tripreports.php?s=3243

 

[paolov]

You may want to check out a trip report that I recently wrote on the Philippines. It gives a quick survey on divesites in the country and goes into more detail about those around Moalboal, Cabilao, Malapascua and Southern Leyte. The link is below.

http://dive.scubadiving.com/members/tripreports.php?s=3243

when will you be joining the PPD for dives?

.

 

[aprils0909]

Sadly it will be a little while before I am actually living in Manila. I still have to do training and language. It'll be summer 2007. In the meantime, I'm here in the US of A and will be getting lots of practice dives in the Caribbean. I want to get a bunch of hours down before I head east.

In the meantime, I can get to know everyone electronically and get my gear in check. I will probably buy the necessities here and do the rest in-country.

 

[Ben_ca]

top of mind brands that have good service centers and/or distributors here

scubapro
mares
apeks
aqualung

OT does the Scuba pro parts for life work over there?

 

[clgsamson]

I don't think so. Some of the Dive shops here only give a one-year warranty, after that you are on your own.

 

[aprils0909]

I did buy the stuff here in the US. $$$$$$$$ I wanted to learn on my own stuff. I bought the Aqualung BC, the LX regulator, the Gekko computer, and a few other things. I basically have everything but the wetsuit.

I can't recall if I asked this yet: What mm dive suit do you use there in the Philippines? I was told it's better to wear one, no matter where you are. More as protection from brushing up against defensive sea life.

 

[jonix]

3mm is the norm...good enough for the water temp all year round. i personally use a 0.5mm, good enough for me

 

[pakman]

I did buy the stuff here in the US. $$$$$$$$ I wanted to learn on my own stuff. I bought the Aqualung BC, the LX regulator, the Gekko computer, and a few other things. I basically have everything but the wetsuit.

I can't recall if I asked this yet: What mm dive suit do you use there in the Philippines? I was told it's better to wear one, no matter where you are. More as protection from brushing up against defensive sea life.

lucky you, moving out to the Philippines. I would suggest a 3mm full suit. Don't think the water really drops below 75f, probably more around 80f or higher... Given you dive in VA in spring (brrrr...)!! I think you'll find it like bathwater out here initially... and you can always just get a hooded vest if you chill easily...

edit: dooh! jonix beat me to it...

 

[chip104]

0.5mm - 5mm depending on how cold tolerant you are. Sometimes I'll just go in my shorts. I'm trying to go in just my tacky neon blue speedos but my dive buddies won't let me...



btw, April I'll be moving to the DC area soon. I might hit you up for some info.