Walked into the local scuba club meeting (about 8 members) after getting my c card owning only a reg, BCD and drysuit... (ok, I had some sh*tty full foot fins and a mask that did not fit right) When it came time for intro's, I stood up and told them "Hi... I'm a new diver without any experience and not a lot of gear... looking for hints or help." After I sat down, one of the other members stood and said "Hi... I'm an old diver and I'm announcing my retirement from the sport. Young man...Why don't you give me a call?" (BTW... I was 45 at the time... Must be living right, huh?) Frank hooked me up with most of his stuff including fins, tanks, hood, gloves, bags, compass, weights, a mask that actually fits, dive flag, save a dive kit and a whole lot of little stuff that it takes years to accumulate. All for a friendship price that I'm still smiling about.
Believing in "do onto other's", About 2 weeks ago I passed on some gear to a 14 year old diver that just passed her OW class that put a big grin on her face!
Man I love to dive!!!