Raleigh, NC Newbie

[shesheoneal]

What is the best place in Raleigh to be scuba certified and does anyone know how much certification/lessons costs ? I am trying to buy a pkg for my husband and I for Christmas so we can learn to dive. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

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[RICHinNC]

Welcome to the board.
While I personally think they are a little high compared to Fayetteville, probably the most popular is Gypsies.

 

[BabyDuck]

there are several places nearby - gypsy at the old tower shopping center (exit 13 off the beltline), down under in cary, capital scuba in rolesville, water world in durham off 70.

probably the easiest would be gypsy, like rich said, because they have their own pool. i can't give any price comparisons, because i've never taken classes from any of them. i will say that if it were me, i'd pick other than gypsy - they just rub me wrong, though there are many, many local guys who love them.

come to ncdivers.com & ask again! we are good to newbies & only bite if asked...

 

[herman]

What is the best place in Raleigh to be scuba certified and does anyone know how much certification/lessons costs ? I am trying to buy a pkg for my husband and I for Christmas so we can learn to dive. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome to the board.
There are 2 major shops in Raleigh. Gypsy Divers on the north east side of Raleigh and Down Under Surf and Scuba in southeastern Cary/southwest Raleigh. Both are first rate shops with good staff and instructors. I would suggest you check out both and see which suits you the best. If it were me, I would choose between the shops based my location to them and which shop offers a class that suits my needs. Both have active clubs where you can meet local divers.
When compairing cost, be sure to compair equal packages. Some include almost everything, others will tend to nickle and dime you to death. It's been a long time since I have taken the basic but seems like both of the Raleigh shops offer fairly complete packages. I would suggest you NOT buy any gear. Dive gear is personal and needs to be fitted to each person by someone who knows how. My wife and I both dive and I would not consider buying her fins or a mask, a gift certificate would be a better idea. Most shops require you to buy your personal equipment which are mask, fins and snorkel. You can figure these will run you around $150 to $200.
Both shops have web site, visit both...on line and in person.

 

[herman]

come to ncdivers.com & ask again! we are good to newbies & only bite if asked...

Except for BabyDuck....she bites without asking.

 

[LindaBluedolphin]

You may also want to try Carolina DiveCenter,they are in North Raleigh www.carolinadivecenter.com I took a class from Paul, he is great to work with, small shop very personalized service.

Gypsy Divers as a good shop as well.

 

[RICHinNC]

Except for BabyDuck....she bites without asking.

Dang, I have to start going to meetings.

 

[suthnbelle]

I'm another one all for Gypsy Divers in Raleigh. I was certified there. One thing I like about their facility is that they have a pool on site at the dive shop.

Only gear I had to buy for class was mask, fins, snorkel. I used their gear during Open Water class including wetsuit.