Excellent answer Luminous Matt!
Look for the course with the most pool dives and the most open water dives for the money. I got PADI in PB with 2 pool dives and 2 (turned out to be 4) open water dives back in the day for $100!
Do you have your own mask fins and snorkel already?
Otherwise DON’T rush into buying equipment! Unless the club starts organizing some dives, I have not used my equipment anywhere near as much here as I did in PB.
I have SCUBA equipment and an 8’ deep pool, you are welcome to try out both anytime.
I also have boat space available at my community (Temple Terrace).
Would love any club dive or boating exclusions.