Posted by Walt on July 06, 2004 at 22:21:23:
In Reply to: best first scuba site posted by Stephanie Yang on July 06, 2004 at 11:06:49:
Find an established dive shop near where you live - you have about 4 to 6 weeks of training before your beginner dive (assuming you want to really learn this sport). Then take an advanced course. Rent your gear until you know what you really want and are comfortable with (my suggestion is after about 30 dives) - it'll save you $'s in the long run.
If you want to have fun and see some marine life, I'd recommend Lover's Cove on Catalina Island - its for snorkeling, but its a great exposure tothe ocean here plus you'll get comfortable in the water. You'll see many of the fish we typically see on scuba, but in 15 feet or less water. Its also really inexpensive - just take the Catalina Express over.