Scuba Diving - Looking to get certified!!!

[pimp4cheddar]

So I have the itch...and there's only one way to scratch it: WITH WATER!!!

I'm looking to get my license...but I'm still unsure as to what I need to do.

I know I need to get my open water certification...but is that all?

I would probably buy the equipment so I can always keep it.


Any thoughts or advise as to where I should get certified at? Also...how much $$$ are we looking at until everything will be complete? I have no idea how much the equipment runs...



Thanks!

 

[lifesworksataol]

300 for the cert
200 for mask snorkel fins and weights (which is needed to take the open water class)
plus you have to pay to get into the parks and open diving training. pool sessions are included in the 300.
1500 for a regulator - bc - octopus - dive computer (unless you find a deal on craigslist but sense you dont know what you are buying sense you are new to the hobby you probably want to stay away from doing). most people just rent the gear (usually 40 to 80 bucks plus 10 or 12 per tank).
as for the place you take the class, i have always went to the same guy in longwood but i wouldnt recommend him anymore as he doesnt like certain types of people plus he talks down to women.
i was checking out dayo scuba as a new place for me to take my next classes as they can actually train you to be a dive master/ instructor. its on lee road.
i like having my own gear because most of the diving i do is off the beach.

 

[pimp4cheddar]

i have always went to the same guy in longwood but i wouldnt recommend him anymore as he doesnt like certain types of people plus he talks down to women.

I appreciate the head's up LOL.

I called Dayo Scuba earlier today and they were extremely nice. I called the Winter Park location...so I'll probably be going there.

I'd prefer to own my own equipment as I plan on going on a pretty regular basis...but $1,500k+ for a computer and regulator is nuts!

I'll guess I'll plan on renting it until I learn more about the hobby.


Thanks!

 

[lifesworksataol]

just my 2 cents. 1500 is on the high side but its not that far off when you add in the smaller things like, dive flag, dive bag, wetsuit, scuba tanks, dive log book, and the tons of other small things i cant think of right now.

 

[jeepinreefer07]

1500 for a regulator - bc - octopus - dive computer (unless you find a deal on craigslist but sense you dont know what you are buying sense you are new to the hobby you probably want to stay away from doing).

Kissimme Dive Shop is a great place to get your open water cert! As far as gear I would recommend getting your mask, fins, snorkel from Divers Direct near International Drive they have great prices and the largest selection of dive gear in Central Fl. Once you figure out what kind of gear you want go to http://www.leisurepro.com They have the best prices online PERIOD! They have amazing prices on packages. I got my package for about 850. If I was to price out everything it would of been around $1450.

 

[lifesworksataol]

i second divers direct for equipment. its where i buy all my stuff. best prices