SCUBA and PADI certification WEEEE !!!!

[Dave ESPI]

Well, my woman and I leave for Floridauh and the Caribbean for 2 glorious weeks in the sun and surf the first 2 weeks of June. I'm going for my PADI Open Water dive cert. I hope the weather is good for it.

Anyone here a diver also ?

We picked up the Workbook and am doing all the preliminary studies here at home so we can do an "express" timeframe for diving certification and hopefully Lydia will be able to do it fully also. Got a sweet mask also at Diving Discovery up on Central Ave. It was a bit pricey, but I figure if I'm in their store "trying it on" the least I can do is show some respect and purchase the damn thing ( unlike some cheap effers who run to e-bay) .

We are going to definately do the "DISCOVER DIVING" program. 99.00 included instruction, training, and a shallow reef dive all in one day ! all equipment included. Hell of a deal !

Padi cert is 250.00 more and I'll need to do a few more open water dives the next day or so.

I'm not looking forward to diving in Lake George to get my certification, Much rather be on a reef in the keys or caribbean.

Off to be a Beach:bum: next thursday.

WEEEE !!!

First real vacation in like 10 years.

Starts with clubbing in Miami, staying on SouthBeach in a posh Hotel , then a cruise to the Gran Bahamma Island, and hen Xanadu Dive tour, and back to Ft. Lauderdale for a night then to Orlando to Seaworld and a nice relaxing end to the week at the "big rat" Howard Johnsons Maingate West. THey have the biggest damn swimming pool(s) in Florida !

 

[PowderBlue518]

WEll Dave you both have a good time and when you get back let us know how it went?LOL Good luck and enjoy the weather....
jill

 

[partagas]

Dave I my Open Water Cert. I completed my 12 dives in Cuba. Plus did two night dives and got my deep water their also. I could not tell you what is better, diving at night of hitting the 133 plus mark.

Where are you going. Dom. Repbulic has great diving so does Bahammas. But the Diving in Aruba was boring.

 

[michaelg]

Did you do any pool training locally? Curious as it is on my high list of to do's. PADI cert is the way to go. get an oceanmaster dry-snorkel. I got pummelled by waves is Costa Rica and didn't swallow a drop of saltwater. Was easy to dive 10ft and come up and breath without having to blow out. Learned the hard way as a kid- but these things are well worth the $25, and come second on the list to having a mask that fits well.

South Beach has some very tasty eats. Though very Miami nouveau riche.

 

[Dave ESPI]

Yeah Miami is Sexpensive !

* I say Sex-pensive cause it almost is like looking for a "happy ending" or a 8===> + ( ; ) ******job from the waitress when they hand you the bill for a cheese burger in a restaurant due to the sticker price shock!

LOL.

The place we are staying in I got a "kitchenette" so it has a small stove and sink... I just hope ther are some pots and pans also !

Will be nice to get tasty food, and prepare it myself in hotell and save a few bux for the EIGHTEEN DOLLAR DRINKS later in the evening at some of the clubs.
We plan on getting buzzed int eh hotell/ next to the pool or somewhere cheap, then going out si it doesn't cost a billion dollars to "club" and maintain the buz.



This is the place we will be diving with.

http://www.xanadudive.com/

 

[reefD]

i was open water certified by my cousin in st thomas. he is a scuba instructor there. he works here it s an awsome facility! they have an indoor aquarium that has fresh seawater pumped through at all times.

http://www.coralworldvi.com/

this place is great you really dont need to dive to see the corals. they are abundant at about three feet deep this picture sums it up. thats coralworld headquarters in the background

 

[sbertomen]

Dave,

I was certified years ago in Lake George, then spent five years diving like crazy - believe it or not when I lived in Cincy! There was a very active Dive Club there. Most memorable - live aboards in the Red Sea and Solomon Islands - six dives a day! I am happiest underwater.

Hence my passion for reef keeping - believe it or not - cheaper than the dive bug.

sara

 

[Dave ESPI]

yeah, a longtime ago I discovered how "expensive" dive trips are, but reefing is still a kick A$$ hobby !

Occasionaly you could put on your gear, and "swim" by your tank... ya know... just for chits and giggles if ya feel teh itch and need to get that kind of experience in your own home............

* I will never admit to doing this, but .....um.... you should try it.....


** heavy drinking prompts lots of bizare activities with new "toys"

 

[reefD]

lmao

 

[xian]

Dave here are some of my favorite haunts.
Check out San Loco Mexico for a decent lunch on south beach, be sure to try the serious sauce try the stupid sauce at your own risk. My favorite bar was The Abbey 15th and Alton I belive but don't quote me on that. Chicken kitchen (local chain multiple locations) is also worth checking out.

 

[Dave ESPI]

thanks Matt,

We made reservations for Fi night at OLA. Really wanted to go to "Flirt Sushi" but they closed