SCUBA

[MDamman003]

So I finished my online classes and I am about to head over and do my first pool class. At first I wasn't sure I would like it but the closer the time comes, the more excited I get.

I can not wait to get out into the open water and dive. Taking my open dive tests down in the keys I believe.

Anybody here dive? Share some stories if you have some

[ragingclue]

Nice.

I did a lot of diving in Okinawa when I was there. I hear the Keys are a good place for that too, but Oki was incredible. It's unlike anything else I've ever done.

[The Ghost of Tom Joad]

advanced open water nitrox diver here. i would start budgeting or planning a dive trip now. it's no use in doing all that stuff and sitting on it like i did for the first 9 months or so after i got my open water. fly somewhere warm and dive! key west has some great domestic diving and pretty accessible from anywhere. costa rica and mexico can be had pretty cheaply and offers great diving this time of year.

[abisson]

Originally Posted by The Ghost of Tom Joad

advanced open water nitrox diver here. i would start budgeting or planning a dive trip now. it's no use in doing all that stuff and sitting on it like i did for the first 9 months or so after i got my open water. fly somewhere warm and dive! key west has some great domestic diving and pretty accessible from anywhere. costa rica and mexico can be had pretty cheaply and offers great diving this time of year.

+1. go ASAP! Just make sure that whatever equipment you get (if you don't have your own) is not sketchy or looks poorly maintained. That is my number 1 rule.

I dived in Thailand, Malaysia and The Bahamas... such a good feeling and so peaceful.

[Bimmer84]

My first dive was in Kassandra, Greece. It was a great experience, I just haven't had any time to go back recently...

[matthewk]

I dive. If you plan on diving more than 8 days a year, buy your own gear.

Like the others have said you need to start planing trips. You should check out Cozumel, it's cheap and despite being beaten to hell from careless divers, it's still at the top of my list for value on a quick trip. I typically stay here www.scubaclubcozumel.com It's a very no frills place, all meals included, and their dive operation is really good.

[Mahmood07]

I'm Advanced Open Water, and I've dived in Bahrain, Bahamas, Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican, and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. My egypt trip was by far the best diving experience I've had. The Red Sea should be on everyone's list to dive. You're gonna love diving!

Here's my video from Sharm with a very bad camera:

[abisson]

Originally Posted by Mahmood07

I'm Advanced Open Water, and I've dived in Bahrain, Bahamas, Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican, and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. My egypt trip was by far the best diving experience I've had. The Red Sea should be on everyone's list to dive. You're gonna love diving!

Here's my video from Sharm with a very bad camera:

If you don't mind... I'll wait 2-3 years before going to Egypt

[Mahmood07]

Originally Posted by abisson

If you don't mind... I'll wait 2-3 years before going to Egypt

Haha i'm pretty sure Sharm is very calm since it's mostly tourists and away from the whole mess.

[slalomfever]

I learned in Cozumel, Mexico and did a trip in the Philippines. One of the BEST experiences you will ever have. Its a totally different world down there. As a beginner, I advice to get your own mask. Most of the rentals are worn out. Enjoy.

[3lusive]

Originally Posted by slalomfever

I learned in Cozumel, Mexico and did a trip in the Philippines. One of the BEST experiences you will ever have. Its a totally different world down there. As a beginner, I advice to get your own mask. Most of the rentals are worn out. Enjoy.

I'm going to finish my open water certification in Cozumel over the Christmas holiday! I'm super excited. It'll definitely be an experience to remember.

[UncleWede]

I was going to get my cert then found out I needed surgery on my ear. BUMMER!!!!!

[The Ghost of Tom Joad]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

I was going to get my cert then found out I needed surgery on my ear. BUMMER!!!!!

ear problems are nothing to mess with. my cousin dove despite the advice of her doctor (she's deaf in one ear from a brain tumor) and fucked up her good ear for months. not only that, but my old skydiving instructor burst his ear drum likely due to the great pressure differentials he was putting his body though every other day. sometimes it's best to not dive if you have any history of ear problems at all.

[MDamman003]

Originally Posted by slalomfever

I learned in Cozumel, Mexico and did a trip in the Philippines. One of the BEST experiences you will ever have. Its a totally different world down there. As a beginner, I advice to get your own mask. Most of the rentals are worn out. Enjoy.

yeah in the class i am in, the package we bought let me choose my own flippers, mask, snorkel, boots, and a dive book

Going to take the exam and the final learning points Thursday and then I will be in Florida finishing the testing up and then I will be good to go. I believe my dad (since he is the one who got me and my brothers into this) is already planning a few trips for us.

I found out about the nassau one where they feed the sharks above you which would be amazing to watch. Also, the one in Epcot (The Living Seas) would be sweet as well

[smgbmw]

Adavnce Open water here as well.

Got certified last year in the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
Amazing dives up and down the Red Sea coast from Duba to Aqaba, Jordan.
I bought my own Mask, Snorkel, and Fins.

[Mahmood07]

Thanks OP for the thread. I just gave my diving gear a good wash for a trip on friday

[Express]

are you for scuba ruben

[Bimmer84]

Along Came Polly was so funny..

[Spoolin335]

I am actually taking my PAL diving course in 2 weeks. Cant will till i get to do some diving in Hawaii.

[E90SoFlo]

Very big into diving, if you enjoy it, take a "cave diving" lessons, even if you're not going to be cave diving, some GREAT stuff to learn that is more advance then the basic open water stuff.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by E90SoFlo

Very big into diving, if you enjoy it, take a "cave diving" lessons, even if you're not going to be cave diving, some GREAT stuff to learn that is more advance then the basic open water stuff.

Yeah emphasis on "lessons".

Don't go out cave diving without a dive master or instructor unless you're incredibly seasoned and know the particular caves and current behaviors in that area. A couple people got killed when they thought it was a good idea to go cave diving just after they got their open water certs in Oki.

I've heard of caves chewing up much more experienced divers too.

[matthewk]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Yeah emphasis on "lessons".

Don't go out cave diving without a dive master or instructor unless you're incredibly seasoned and know the particular caves and current behaviors in that area. A couple people got killed when they thought it was a good idea to go cave diving just after they got their open water certs in Oki.

I've heard of caves chewing up much more experienced divers too.

The Good Divers Are Living