Posted by Walt on June 29, 2004 at 23:37:23:
In Reply to: Re: Beginner (Scuba) posted by Melvin Pasley on June 25, 2004 at 16:53:07:
Here's an idea since it sounds like you're on a budget (even if you're rolling in dough, this is still good advice)- for a $5 donation (and the cost of a rental wetsuit if you don't already have one), take a Rocks, Reefs, and Rips course to learn how to beach dive, free dive, meet some instructors, and have a BBQ. Go to: http://www.lascuba.com/ and click on 3R's. They offer 3R's once a month and its a fantastic program to introduce you to beach diving before you shell out the bucks for scuba.
There are some great instructors at shops, but also some horror stories. Beware the newly credentialed instructor (who yesterday was a retail clerk in sporting goods) and also the one who wants to sell you the latest gear (or the "next" training course) more than training you. Go to a reputable shop (where the owners dive frequently). Save your money and pay for a quality course (rent the gear until you know what you really want) and you'll enjoy a sport that will last you years. Take a cheap course and you'll be selling your shiney gear in a year or two.