Only recently decided to learn Scuba Diving

[DownsideWave]

Hey everyone. I've actually only known for about a week that I want to learn how to scuba dive, after learning more about it and realizing that it sounds awesome. Unfortunately, I am nowhere near an ocean, and if I did learn to scuba dive I would primarily be lake diving until I graduate high school, with the exception of possible summer vacations to the beach before then. However, I am going on a trip to Europe with my family this summer for two weeks, and I have learned that there are some amazing dive opportunities over there. I am considering becoming certified before going to Europe so that I can go scuba diving, but I don't know if it would be possible to spend a day diving with the prearranged schedule, or if we would be anywhere near the water. Also, going to Europe is already expensive, and scuba diving lessons and equipment aren't cheap. I just don't know if I should pursue scuba diving if ocean diving isn't possible for at least another year, and probably more than. I'll talk to my family about it and see if it is a possibility, but if it isn't, should I still become certified?

 

[MrChen]

If you want to get certified, then get certified. It doesn't expire. If you are out of the water for a long time, you'll want to do a refresher.

You didn't say where you live. I've seen a lot of people post saying they aren't near water and then someone reply with a great place to go for certification and dives. Start by stating where you in the US you are.

Good luck.

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy and welcome to Scubaboard. :admingreet:

Put your location in your profile, ok? Hope you have a great trip abroad.

 

[EdwardMH]

Hope you decide to go ahead with your dream, and as stated above let us know your location maybe someone will surprise you with a great place to dive and get experience while you dream of your first Ocean Dive.

 

[icechip]

Welcome! My first dives were in southern Illinois and I had lots of good dive times in the local lakes and reservoirs. You don't have to just focus on ocean. Now I live here in Maine, even though I'm near the ocean there are still a lot of good lake dives too. Make use of it all and enjoy!

 

[Imla]

Where in Europe are you going?

 

[gypsyjim]

I can not tell another person what to do.

I certified as a teenager, and did not get much chance to dive, and almost never got chance to do any ocean diving for a pretty long time. I did some diving, but for years it looked like I had wasted time and money learning a sport I seldom got the chance to enjoy.

Still, I never regretted certifying even when there were few opportunities to use the training, but later as I found I had more money, time and opportunities, I "rediscovered" my love for scuba. Now, I can travel, and diving is the primary focus of any vacation I take.

I say got for it, if/whenever you can, and you will probably find you are hooked for life.