Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
Agree on all points. Well, almost all. I just did a couple of dives today 12' & 10'. I used to do the snorkel thing and dive down. But as a shell collector I can stay down and find more (I found none today). But of course, it's not a good reason to dive any depth uncertified.You are going about this all wrong. If you are only going down 10', then there really is no reason for donning the SCUBA gear. You should snorkel at the surface, and dive down when you want to get a closer look. If you can't do that on a single breath, you really need to evaluate if diving is right for you, as there may be a medical issue that would be contra-indicative to diving.
I appreciate the enthusiasm for diving. Trust me, I understand where it's coming from. However, you need to temper your enthusiasm so that you can enjoy diving. Start with some research into what this is going to cost, and budget accordingly. I understand that you already acquired some gear. Hold off until you've completed your training before getting anything else. Diving is not an inexpensive hobby. Not only in the initial purchase, but in the service and maintenance as well.
While the risks of some diving related conditions are reduced by shallow depths, for others there is no reduction. In fact, the most severe conditions are most likely to occur in relatively shallow conditions.
Slow down, take the class, learn from the instructor and enjoy your dives. Then come back here and look for gear recommendations, or even used gear for sale.
I am in a similar position as the original poster. for the moment i've decided to each myself scuba. Tho someday i might get my certification if I need it.