I'm fairly new to Scuba (got certified about 9 months ago). After my initial certification I did about 4 more local lake dives, then recently took a cruise where I got to do 8 dives in differing conditions (90', wall dive, drift dive, etc). I'm obviously by no means any kind of expert with about 20 dives. I plan over the next 12-18 months to do a SCUBA focused 7 day trip, and complete the AOW and Rescue PADI courses along with possibly a few specialties while on my trip. So my wife and I's thought process is the time to buy our gear (if we buy gear) is before the AOW course since it seems pointless to buy the gear shortly after paying a bunch of rental fees for various classes and the trip. So here's where I'm stuck...
Just to clarify we both already have masks, snorkels, skin suit, wetsuit, booties, and fins. We just need the expensive stuff.
We really enjoy diving, but there is really no local diving so we will dive recreationally primarily in the Caribbean maybe once a year. We'd like to dive more often, but with our work schedules taking a week off for a resort, cruise, or locally organized SCUBA trip would be an annual event at best. Pros and cons as I see them...and I defer to everyone here's vast experience over mine I'm just trying to make a strong decision.
Pros:
-Much more comfortable in own gear allowing for more comfortable dives and faster skill gains
-Save rental costs on each trip
Cons:
-Don't dive that often and airline baggage fees, and regular equipment maintenance can exceed rental cost
-Hassle of lugging around normal luggage along with scuba gear is pretty hefty
-Fear of breaking/losing/theft of expensive gear
-Initial cost outlay is very significant for 2 complete SCUBA kits
I'm not opposed to either option, just would love to hear any thoughts from experts, and what the conventional wisdom is for vacation divers like me!
Thanks so much!!!
Just to clarify we both already have masks, snorkels, skin suit, wetsuit, booties, and fins. We just need the expensive stuff.
We really enjoy diving, but there is really no local diving so we will dive recreationally primarily in the Caribbean maybe once a year. We'd like to dive more often, but with our work schedules taking a week off for a resort, cruise, or locally organized SCUBA trip would be an annual event at best. Pros and cons as I see them...and I defer to everyone here's vast experience over mine I'm just trying to make a strong decision.
Pros:
-Much more comfortable in own gear allowing for more comfortable dives and faster skill gains
-Save rental costs on each trip
Cons:
-Don't dive that often and airline baggage fees, and regular equipment maintenance can exceed rental cost
-Hassle of lugging around normal luggage along with scuba gear is pretty hefty
-Fear of breaking/losing/theft of expensive gear
-Initial cost outlay is very significant for 2 complete SCUBA kits
I'm not opposed to either option, just would love to hear any thoughts from experts, and what the conventional wisdom is for vacation divers like me!
Thanks so much!!!