Calling all Scuba Divers!

[absolutbill]

Hello all! My husband and I are starting a new hobby, and I was wondering if anyone on here could give us any pointers. We're beginning scuba diving classes on the 29th, with certification on St. Patrick's Day weekend. We've bought fins, masks, snorkels, booties, and wetsuits, but would like some help with other aspects of the gear. While I really like our dive shop, at the end of the day, they stand to make money if we buy from them, so it stands to reason that they'll point us towards brands that they stock. We are not afraid to buy things used, however we are looking for quality products.

*We will be recreationally diving, probably a few times a year with at least 1 solid week of diving. Since we're in South Florida it's easy to just drive to the other coast for the day.
*We will be interested in some point in night diving, wreck diving, lionfish hunting, lobster hunting (yum!), photography, etc.

1. What are some good quality name brands that we should look for when purchasing BCs and regulators?

2. If we do buy things used, what are things to look for? Obviously we'll have all items tested by the dive shop to certify that they are working correctly, but are there any tell-tale signs that might not be obvious to newbies such as ourselves?

3. Are there any other major points that we should think about that wouldn't be covered in our classes?

Thanks in advance for all advice that you can provide, and if there are any other divers in South Florida we'd love to get together to dive after we're certified!

Michelle

 

[SageTheVeiled]

I live in Miami Florida....I'm a licensed diver since the age of twelve...What dive shop do you go to? Is it Austin's?

 

[absolutbill]

We live in Naples so we go to Scuba Adventures. They are great guys but we were looking for unbiased reviews of equipment as well as advice. What brands have you used and how well have they worked for you?

Michelle

 

[ChamomilleCame]

I scuba, but I'm not close to you
They gave me weights so I could dive easier, but I don't know if people heavier than me (that's not an insult, I'm small ) use weights.
At first it's kinda weird and claustrophobic being underwater, but you'll get use to it. Don't freak out, trust me!

 

[laurie]

My hubby is a dive Master, I will see if he will offer pointers. Too bad you bought gear. Due to my asthma I can no longer dive and have a full set of gear.

 

[absolutbill]

Thanks Laurie, I'd appreciate hearing what your husband had to say. As for equipment - do you have a BC, and regulator, and if so, what size? PM me on that if you feel more comfortable. We're just really excited about learning something new, and we spend a lot of time in the Caribbean, so this is a way to take snorkeling one step further.

Michelle

 

[Reptar jr]

I have my advanced certification with specialties in nitrox, night diving, deep diving, limited visibility, underwater navigation, equipment techniques and underwater photography. All the gear that I own is made by Mares. It was all top of the line stuff when I bought it. Many sites sell great packages with many different options of bc and regulator combos. I would also recommend buying your own air tanks. Do a google search and research the internet for gear reviews. Also since you are in florida some equiment companies offer demo days where you can test their equipment for free. This would give you an idea of what setups you like best. There are different types of bc's some with weight integration, some without, some jacket style and some backpack style. It is all up to personal preference. Scubapro is a good brand from what I've heard. Just look around and research before you purchase. Good luck with your certification and have a great time learning and amazing hobby.

 

[absolutbill]

Also since you are in florida some equiment companies offer demo days where you can test their equipment for free. This would give you an idea of what setups you like best.

Thanks for that idea - I know that my dive shop will take back a mask that we bought from them if it doesn't work out for us, but have never heard of demo days. Sounds like something to look into - and thanks for that! Your certifications sound like what we want to do as well. A question - and sorry that I'm such a newbie on this - you suggest buying our own air tanks - we can't fly with them, correct, so if we bought them it would only be for dives we drive to? Not a big deal, but we're going to Bonaire in July with the dive shop for a week of diving, so we're looking to figure out what to buy and take with us.

Also, did you buy scuba luggage, or do you just use a regular suitcase when flying with equipment (or do you not fly with your equipment?) The reason I ask is that at the dive shop they suggested it to me, but I don't see any benefit over just using a suitcase when we travel.

Last question for now - I know that you can either wear a wrist computer, which would have to have a sensor to show air levels, or the computer can be attached right to the BC. Any pros or cons to each? We're definitely reading reviews online, but I always like to have feedback from regular users, and people who have no financial gain, to get the most honest responses. Thanks everyone for your input!

Michelle

 

[Reptar jr]

Tanks- The reason I say that you should buy your own tanks is that by the time you rent tanks multiple times you could have just purchased your own. Also I personally feel more comfortable using a tank I am familiar with and positive about the contents and the integrity of the cylinder. As far as traveling it would be up to your discretion whether to take tanks with you or rent them on your trip. I have however heard some horror stories of oily air or rust in tanks in certain areas of the world, namely Mexico. I make sure to do a sniff test for any tank that I rent to make sure the air is clean and pure, and also verify the nitrox level of any nitrox fill.

Luggage- I have a specific scuba designed suitcase with wheels, removable zipper compartments, a very solid structure and plenty of room for every scuba item I have. It is definitely helpful to have a convenient way to tote your gear, especially in a protective way. I would recommend looking around for one when you purchase gear and possibly trying to bargain and get it thrown in with your gear purchases.

Computers- Once again it is all up to personal preference, I prefer the wrist computers. They are more easily accessible, wireless, easy to use and easier to log and record dives from. The other is not as readily available to you. My personal recommendation would be an air integrated wrist computer. If money isnt an option then some of the new color screen computers are amazing, I would recommend shopping around and checking reviews before buying a computer as it as an extremely important dive tool.

 

[PACIFICACC]

Have FUN!!! Be Comfortable enjoy the view! A great set of Fins and Mask that fits for your face and snorkel is all you need, rent the rest until you dive to much and makes more sense to buy....

 

[absolutbill]

Thanks again for all the info! I like the idea of our own tanks, but think we'll focus on the BCs and the computers first. Wouldn't be nearly so bad, however our a/c just died in the house so there's a surprise 4K that we've got to spend. First class is on Wednesday night, and it's a 3 hour classroom class, but I still can't wait! I really appreciate everyone's insight, and am besides myself waiting to get into the water.

Michelle

 

[chameleongirl2]

I scuba, but I'm not close to you
They gave me weights so I could dive easier, but I don't know if people heavier than me (that's not an insult, I'm small ) use weights.
At first it's kinda weird and claustrophobic being underwater, but you'll get use to it. Don't freak out, trust me!

i do to, im still junior though because im to younge, but advanced for my age...i dont scuba where you are, but ill just say some people have trouble breathing underwater, and need training (which you should get) but some people (like my mum) just cant, they panic and hav a literal asma attack underwater. i have asma, so i need to take my pump everytime right before the water. slowly go down, and back up, u wouldent want your veins to explode inside of you!! and all a bunch of other things u should learn in classes

 

[chameleongirl2]

and yes i recommend getting your own tank..i dont trust rentalls, ive heard hat they are sometimes not full with oxygen

 

[Reptar jr]

and yes i recommend getting your own tank..i dont trust rentalls, ive heard hat they are sometimes not full with oxygen

Sorry to be rude but scuba cylinders are not filled with oxygen, it is compressed air. It matches the natural air mixture we breath outside on an everyday basis. Oxygen would be toxic when scuba diving after relatively shallow depths.

Also, back to the OP, your instructor should be a great source of info as well. Be sure to build a good relationship with them and ask a lot of questions. Also be sure to memorize all knowledge from your open water instruction as it will be very important to know. Have a great time, and just stay relaxed. Your instructor will keep you safe, the most important thing is to stay calm underwater and be comfortable underwater. Anyways, good luck with your course and have a great time learning the wonderful ways of scuba.

BTW, what agency are you getting certified through? SSI, PADI, etc.?

 

[absolutbill]

We're getting certified through SSI. We've met the instructor - this whole thing started when I bought a 2 hour intro course for my husband and I through Living Social (such an awesome site, but I don't want to get off topic!). We happened to be the only 2 in this intro course so we put on the gear and swam with it in the 4' lane in the YMCA pool. Just enough to learn a bit about breathing, and the instructor was there with us.

After that, we decided to sign up to get certified, so I called and scheduled the classes, and my hubby went in to pick up our class materials and met the instructor. Then, about a few days later I went in with him and met the instructor (super nice guy and extremely informative) when we purchased the masks, fins, wetsuits, etc. We went in about 2 hours prior to closing when I got off work, and stayed there 'til after closing. The instructor went over our options, and made sure everything fit perfectly, and just chatted about his experiences and what to expect.

I feel really good about this - they limit their class size to 6 or 8 people, I'm guessing this is standard, but it also shows me that they care about teaching, not just piling on students to make a quick buck. We've watched the 2 hour video they provided (and I may watch it again, 'cause that's just who I am), and we've read the book and done the worksheets.

Michelle