Wet Behind The Fins here...

[Wetbehindthefins]

I am bascially a noob. I have done the resort course three times and figured I need to finally get in gear and certify. I am taking a trip to Jamaica for a wedding and it's high time I get class instruction from PADI out in NY where I live and then get the OW certification in Jamaica?

Any suggestions?

I live in the Bronx technically, but work in midtown. Any ideas for a SCUBA program in Bronx or NY that is CHEAP? I am technically still a student, so money is always tight... Also, how can I get gear also fairly cheap and what would most people say is the average amount to spend on things, and total package prices for PADI certification and equipment?

Any good company suggestions? Any good equipment suggestions for a newbie?

THAAAANKS!

 

[bamamedic]

Hi! Welcome to :sblogo:

For regional specific questions (such where to take classes in NYC), you might try posting in the regional specific part of the 'board. For you, I think it would be: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/new-england-lobsta-divahs/

As far as equipment, you'll need to buy your own mask, fins, and snorkel for the class (if you haven't already done so). Everything else can be rented at your destination, if you like...some people really like buying their own wetsuits, though (for fit and sanitary reasons). If you want to buy your own gear (such as buoyancy compensator vest, regulator and gauges, computer, etc), you'll find yourself spending anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to thousands. If you're careful about shopping (and you don't mind purchasing used gear or shopping for sales), you can get by relatively cheaply.

Hope this helps!

 

[kathydee]

Hi there! Welcome aboard! I did 7 DSD's before I finally got certified OW course is tons of fun!

So im a student too and understand your financial plight ;-)! Scuba is not cheap! These websites might help you find inexpensive gear, but I am NOT recommending them, so please take the time to search for information on scuba board (SB) about them all & read the comments.

Ok, now that the disclaimer is out of the way-- here you go: if you do a search on SB you'll find lots of pro's & cons written about the gear discounter leisurepro.com, but I found general consensus to be not to buy life support stuff (eg: regs). Personally I picked up wetsuits, fins and stuff like that for a steal. Also, scubatoys.com has a much better reputation and will match any price, you can also try scuba.com.

Do a search about buying used gear on ebay or somewhere and youll find plenty of advice ;-). Make sure to compare prices with your local dive shop (LDS) because often they will match the internet prices & it can be useful to develop a relationship!

I found it's good to rent gear till you get a sense of what you actually want/need. To start with, it's really nice to have a good mask at a minimum (you can rent the rest). A good fitting wet suit and fins are a plus!

Good luck & have fun!