Many a times I've been Instant Messaged about taking up Scuba Diving. Or asked by friends. So, I thought I'd come out with this to give those that were curious or thinking about taking up Scuba Diving.
So you want to take up scuba diving! Good for you! It's not really as hard as it seems or that complicated. Personally, I found most people fears stem from, "not knowing". The fear of the unknown is overwhelming, not knowing where to start or what to do. It really isn't that that hard. Just start with the first step and all things fall in place.
*really!*
1 - Find A Dive Shop
Fist things first...you will want to find a dive shop to associate yourself with. Closer to home means more convenient. Go through the phone book and write down the address and phone numbers of dive shops nearest to you. Make a list and start calling. I recommend going to a shop associated with PADI, Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Simply because I'm PADI certified. There are many other types of certifying agencies out there that you may also want to explore.
2 - Ask Questions
Tell them your interested in taking a Open Water Scuba Course. Most if not all dive shops will have someone more than willing to tell you about the O/W Course available. Have a look at the shop and the people in the store. Do you feel comfortable with them? Remember, you'll be spending a good deal of time with them diving! Take note of the cost of the course. Each shop may have its own deal to attract new divers. Ask about the different dive trips they offer and where they go. Ask a lot of questions!
If you feel unsure if Scuba Diving is your cup of tea, you might want to try asking about the Discover Scuba, Discover Scuba Diving or PADI Scuba Diver. The first two will get you in the water the same day just to experience what it feels like to breath on Scuba equipment and swim with it underwater. From there you can decide what to do next.
3 - The Classes
The PADI Open Water Course. They are quite flexible. Consisting of 6 modules of class, 6 modules of pool, and four ocean dives. These can be done in a span of a few days or spread out even more, depending what your schedule is like. You will be learning through a book, video and, hands on in a pool. So somewhere along the line you are bound to pick up and catch on. If you feel unsure about something or some part of the course, let your Instructor know and maybe ask for a repeat. Remember this is suppose to be 'recreational' not 'stressful'! Take your time, relax and seriously, have some fun!
4 - Buying Equipment
Don't go crazy by buying all your equipment at one go. The most you should get at first is your personal gear: the mask, snorkel, fins, booties, and gloves. Ask the sales person for suggestions about proper fit for these items and choices. I won't get into detail since this can get very long winded and personal taste comes into play here. The big ticket items such as bouyancy compensator (BC), regulators, computers, gauges, wetsuit or drysuit, I would wait on. These items can be rented for the class and your open water dives. This also gives you time to get familiar with the scuba equipment. Try out different types of equipment and get an idea of your needs, likes and dislikes. Don't forget to visit other dive shops to see what sort of equipment they carry. Different dive shops carry different brands and types of equipment with varying costs. Scuba equipment will last you a long time as long as you take care of it. Look at it as an investment. Your life will be depending on this equipment. Talk to other divers about their personal choices in equipment. Why they prefer this over that. You will hear many ideas, thoughts and reasons.
I will also mention scuba tanks and weight belts Buy these items last if you buy them at all. Personally I don't own scuba tanks. Rent them wherever you go; they are very heavy and hard to transport. Most places, resorts will more than likely have them for rent at a decent price.
PADI Frequently Asked Questions