The initial costs of diving

[Polarorbit]

As an instructor, I won't teach parents with kids in the same class. The kids pay way too much attention to their parents, and it's a safety issue.

I absolutely agree. Parents and children should not be in the same class. Parents interfere with the instructor’s control and management of the class.

 

[Marie13]

A decent rough estimate for a local OW class is $1K per person. That includes the class plus mask, snorkel, fins, and booties.

 

[Rob9876]

Dive shops around here (Washington) require you to buy at least $350-$700 mask snorkel fin sets before you can take the class. most will not allow outside gear. Maybe it's different in FL, but I wouldn't say you can get into this sport for under $2000 per person.

That's absolutely crazy! Use of all gear was included in my OW course in Cozumel. I realize other places can be different, but $350-$700 for a starter mask/fin/snorkel package is insane. I know some places want you to have your "personal items" (mask/fin/snorkel) but you should be able to buy what you want.

It's one thing to give a discount on the OW class if you buy gear from them, but another completely to require such a marked-up purchase. My first diving mask/fin/snorkel set can still be found for $60, and it was great: Value Mask Fin and Snorkel Package

 

[Marie13]

That's absolutely crazy! Use of all gear was included in my OW course in Cozumel. I realize other places can be different, but $350-$700 for a starter mask/fin/snorkel package is insane. I know some places want you to have your "personal items" (mask/fin/snorkel) but you should be able to buy what you want.

It's one thing to give a discount on the OW class if you buy gear from them, but another completely to require such a marked-up purchase. My first diving mask/fin/snorkel set can still be found for $60, and it was great: Value Mask Fin and Snorkel Package

Ah, now we have the difference between those who get certified at home and those who go somewhere tropical on vacation.

It’s required to supply your own mask/snorkel/booties/fins when you’re getting certified at home. I suppose you didn’t even have your own mask?

Masks really need to be tried on.

 

[Martijn]

Ah, now we have the difference between those who get certified at home and those who go somewhere tropical on vacation.

It’s required to supply your own mask/snorkel/booties/fins when you’re getting certified at home. I suppose you didn’t even have your own mask?

Masks really need to be tried on.

What is the difference? What makes it required?

Why is "masks really need to be tried on" the same as having to buy a mask? Im honestly curious.

The phrase. Scuba Diving is an Equipment Intensive Sport. Is very accurate. You don’t even want to guess the cost outlay for mixed gas staged decompression cave diving that i participate in 2-3 times a week.

"New Divers & Those Considering Diving"

 

[Rob9876]

Ah, now we have the difference between those who get certified at home and those who go somewhere tropical on vacation.

It’s required to supply your own mask/snorkel/booties/fins when you’re getting certified at home. I suppose you didn’t even have your own mask?

Masks really need to be tried on.

I did not have my own mask for the OW course, but it worked fine for my son & I (and I'm guessing thousands of others) for our OW course.

I definitely do agree that trying on masks at a store can be helpful, although now I dive with a cheap Amazon mask that I originally bought (without trying on) to have as a back-up mask (my first dive mask is now my back-up).

 

[Cthippo]

My mask fins snorkel gloves boots (and a few other expensive "included" items) came to $774.62, plus another $250 for the prescription lenses in the mask.

I also had to buy my BCD and wetsuit up front because I'm too big to fit any of their rentals.

Plus the $125 for the online learning code.

 

[Rob9876]

My mask fins snorkel gloves boots (and a few other expensive "included" items) came to $774.62,

Wait a minute, what other expensive "included" items?

 

[Cthippo]

Wait a minute, what other expensive "included" items?

$25 dive socks (which are honestly nice, but I think $1 pantyhose would accomplish the same thing)
A mesh duffel bag for my loot
A mask strap with the shop's logo on it
a mask bag
Little bottles of defog
a heavy duty hanger (the kind ( make out of PVC for $3)

 

[Rob9876]

$25 dive socks (which are honestly nice, but I think $1 pantyhose would accomplish the same thing)
A mesh duffel bag for my loot
A mask strap with the shop's logo on it
a mask bag
Little bottles of defog
a heavy duty hanger (the kind ( make out of PVC for $3)

Oh man, they still stuck it to you pretty badly.