Thinking about diving

[SuperMiguel]

So i have a boat, and a jetski, i love going to the beach.. Im in tampa and well im thinking about diving, im not a big fish person kinda scared of them but i think it would be good to go underwater and see reefs and probably do some harpoon fishing... Whats my first step to get stared?

I guess by reading a bit more on the forums i need to get a open water certification..

Also i dont know anyone that dives and i think it will get boring doing it alone, are there any clubs or something like it that go out every weekend around the tampa area?

edit again: How pricey is it? like to get the equipment and after you get it how expensive is it to go every week?

 

[smokin3000gt]

Price is about $80-90 plus tip for a two tank dive. Gear can be rented from dive ops and local dive shops until you know that you like it and know what it cost. I think I've seen full gear rentals for around $35 but if you like the sport , is nice to have your own gear that fits well and you know it's been taken care of.

There are dive clubs and also the dreaded insta buddy. If you are on the fence check out a 'discover scuba' class or go out and try sNuba. My first time under water was during a weekend getaway and was going to snorkel but then discovered sNuba. After that I got my cert and have loved it since.

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[SuperMiguel]

Price is about $80-90 plus tip for a two tank dive.

gotcha So most clubs will pay a company to take them out? Also when you say 2 tank dive how long does each tank last?

 

[iluvtheocean]

charter service yes and quite often the clubs get a better rate than just diving on your own.. how long the tank lasts depends on several factors, tank size, depth, your rate of breathing, etc.
shallower you are, the longer it lasts.. how long you are at a particular depth depends on the no decompression limits for that depth.

try discover scuba from a reputable shop and see if you like it. Big Fish etc are usually more scared of you than anything else. it's the little clown fish and stuff that are aggressive

 

[nimoh]

if you have a good sized boat, you will be very welcome in any local scuba club. They are likely to make you president

 

[SuperMiguel]

try discover scuba from a reputable shop and see if you like it. Big Fish etc are usually more scared of you than anything else. it's the little clown fish and stuff that are aggressive

Pardon my ignorance but what is this discover scuba you talk about?

---------- Post added September 23rd, 2013 at 03:26 PM ----------

if you have a good sized boat, you will be very welcome in any local scuba club. They are likely to make you president

hahaha its a 28 ft buts is a cabin cruise maybe its a good time to trade it and get a bigger fishing boat

 

[Adventure-Ocean]

You might try snorkeling first. It's not expensive and gives you an introduction to the new envirnoment you are hoping to experience. Most of the cool stuff is relatively shallow anyway. When you are comfortable snorkeling you can sign up for classes and certification for scuba from a local dive shop. Your idea is good. Go learn to scuba dive and get certified. You will not regret it. Adventure-Ocean

 

[boulderjohn]

Pardon my ignorance but what is this discover scuba you talk about?

Local dive shops will give you a little instruction, a little time in the pool, and then let you do a shallow dive to see if you like it. It can also be done 100% in a pool. It is usually very cheap because they are sure you will like it and then go ahead for full certification.

 

[iluvtheocean]

cabin cruzers are great just make sure has a good dive platform or a very good ladder..

the only equipment you need to buy unless you already own it -- mask, fins, snorkel. if you have them but not sure if they are up to snuff for scuba - take them to your local shop and ask them. a good shop will tell you yes or no.

there is a lot of great diving all over florida on both sides. only suggestion when actually certified and diving from your own boat -- have a non-diver along for safety.

 

[SuperMiguel]

I did snorkeling once in mexico and i loved it, so im sure ill like diving

Can you guys recommend a place to do the training around tampa FL?

There are few places i found in google like: Tampa Scuba Diving - THE Place for the best scuba diving in Tampa Bay! or Tampa Scuba Diver Classes, Scuba Equipment Tampa FL but not sure if one is better than the other one...