PADI OW Certified (my experiences) - Catalina Island - Scubaluv

[Shark Bait!]

Congrats on the OW cert. and thanks for the write up. I will be headed over there in a couple months to do some diving.

 

[ligersandtions]

Congrats on the certification! Diving in Catalina is quite the treat....and you got to experience it for your certification!! Your recap was so much fun to read....thanks! I hope you continue to dive and love diving - welcome to your new addiction

 

[Ashmai]

Thanks for the reply's, and the advice on my gear rentals. I was wondering how the heck you decide what to finally purchase. I guess renting and evaluating a wide range of gear would be the solution. I'll def keep better track in the future

 

[Teamcasa]

Thanks for the reply's, and the advice on my gear rentals. I was wondering how the heck you decide what to finally purchase. I guess renting and evaluating a wide range of gear would be the solution. I'll def keep better track in the future

The "what gear to buy" question will soon begin to haunt you but rest assured, ScubaBoard members will be on-hand to assist in your confusion.

Basic questions:
Where do you plan to dive most often? Cold or tropical water.
If cold is the choice, look at getting or at least saving for a drysuit. If warmer seas are in your future, then start down the regulators, BC and computer paths.

Just a few notes:
Most new divers end up selling their first and second gear purchases before they settle into the gear they end up using all the time.

A vocal few here on SB will always recommend the same gear to everyone, no matter what. BP/W, no split fins, and turttles. They may be right for their diving but tens of thousands of others are happy with coventional BC's, split fins and other gear. So be ready, and take all gear advice (including mine) as just that, advice - not fact.

 

[drbill]

Congrats on your certification. Scuba Luv is definitely awesome... I'm heading out on the King Neptune tomorrow for a few dives with them.

 

[on_two_wheels]

I don't have a place on the island but I can be on the boat that takes me to it in about 45 min!! I don't need to stay there to dive there!!

 

[fnfalman]

Congrats on the OW certs. Catalina Casino Point is just about perfect for doing OW dive certs there. Eagle Reef and the Quarry are also great dive spots.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

Congratulations, and welcome to the wonderful world of diving. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your report and it reminded me of the wonder I felt during my checkout dives many many years ago. Thanks for sharing!

Doug

 

[Ashmai]

Here are a couple pictures of us gearing up

Getting ready to hop in at Casino Point

GOD these things are hot

 

[boulderjohn]

Congratulations!

Now that you are part of the dive community, I suggest you scroll down the the regional travel section of ScubaBoard and become involved with your fellow local divers.