Scuba Show--Toronto

[Limestone Diver]

Outdoor Adventure Show--Scuba World

For those looking to get wet or see some new toys and old friends, try the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto ( www.outdooradventureshow.ca/toronto ) it runs from the 25-27Feb. Lots of Scuba stuff and other outdoor sports and recreation.

Cliff

 

[Groundhog246]

I've been the last 2 years and will be attending again. However, it's heavy on pushing scuba to new divers, not a lot for those already certified. I found many of the LDS there completely lost interest in talking to me as soon as they learned I was certified. There were some interesting travel booths and a lot of interesting non dive (camping, canoe, kayak, bike, climbing, etc) stuff.

 

[waterdaughter]

However, it's heavy on pushing scuba to new divers, not a lot for those already certified. I found many of the LDS there completely lost interest in talking to me as soon as they learned I was certified.

Hmmm, so, would you say it is worth a 3 hour drive...or time and money better spent at a LDS?

W/D

 

[Groundhog246]

3 hours each way, or round trip. Personally, I wouldn't drive 3 hours each way to attend it, unless you were interested in all types of outdoor activites (camping, canoe/kayak, etc), I might at 1.5 hours. I'm about an hour away.

 

[cobaltbabe]

I've been the last 2 years and will be attending again. However, it's heavy on pushing scuba to new divers, not a lot for those already certified. I found many of the LDS there completely lost interest in talking to me as soon as they learned I was certified. There were some interesting travel booths and a lot of interesting non dive (camping, canoe, kayak, bike, climbing, etc) stuff.

Most shops are looking for new divers to sell to. Lets face it, the experienced divers know how much to pay for something and where to get it at a good price. The shop that I worked for last year had a good variety of things for both advanced and beginner divers. Because of my dive status last year, I spoke mainly to new up and comers but if I am invited back to assist with this shops kias again, I will have more experience and knowledge so that I can discuss issues with the more seasoned diver. Matt and I both hope to attend but we have all the kids and that in it self can be like a sport.

 

[waterdaughter]

3 hours each way, unfortunately...and the trip would be primarily for diving interests. We have plenty of outdoor stores here around London, but dive shops are limited.
Thanks for the info.
W/D

 

[Groundhog246]

Hi Marie. Hope you and Matt make it. Have seen you folks in ages. I don't wish to discourage any from attending and would say that last years had more dive related than the previous year, so this years might be even better. But I wouldn't want someone to drive 3 hours to the show with unrealistic expectations either. I wish there was more manufacturer involvement, with them showing new products, that the LDS might not stock/display. For example, I'd like to see one of these new masks with integrated computer (HUD).

 

[Elevatorguy2]

Save the drive for the swap meet in Etobicoke in April. Only about 5 or six dive shops and as was stated they bring limited equipment for display. Last year I went purely for the diving aspect and was out of there in less than an hour. Would have been sooner if I hadn’t decided to stick around for the film on sharks which decided to break after numerous technical difficulties.

 

[cobaltbabe]

Hi Marie. Hope you and Matt make it. Have seen you folks in ages. I don't wish to discourage any from attending and would say that last years had more dive related than the previous year, so this years might be even better. But I wouldn't want someone to drive 3 hours to the show with unrealistic expectations either. I wish there was more manufacturer involvement, with them showing new products, that the LDS might not stock/display. For example, I'd like to see one of these new masks with integrated computer (HUD).

We will be there on Sunday. We only have 3 out of the five children and the ones who we have are old enough to enjoy a little freedom. Both Matt and I will be at the same Kias as last year. It's fun to meet everyone. Obviously I am not going to promote one shop over another so I will refrain from telling you which shop I will be working for. If anyone is at the show, stop in and say hello. All of the dive shops that participated last year were very friendly and lets face it, if you have a LDS you spend hours BSing with the best of them. And yes I am included in that statement. Can't wait to see everyone. Groundhog, we really need to get out and dive this coming year. See you at the show folks.

 

[Groundhog246]

Hadn't decided on which day we were going. Will aim for Sunday and hope to see you there. Boat should be back in the water this summer. Perhaps you guys could travel up for a sail and dive? Last summer was just frantic. Oldest daughter got married, dad spent 5 weeks in ICU, did major overhaul of the boat, youngest did his OW cert, went to PEI for a nephews wedding and somewhere in there did manage a few dives.

The OUE Scuba Swap is great, but it's very buyer beware. The newer, less experienced diver could end up buying some real junk or get a great deal. IMHO, not for those who don't know their equipment well.