Diving Certification?????????

[Rakkasan]

I have been wanting to get certified for the longest time. A couple of guys at work are certified and want me to get mine so we can go dive. I stopped by Aquatic Sports who seem to be pretty good. Can anyone recommend another place and tell me what a reasonable cost is. Aquatic told me I was looking at about $300.00 for the snorkel, fins, booties, and mask.

Thanks,

Dave B.

[wthr4d]

I cant reccomend any places up in PDX area but I know many down here. As for the basic gear (mask, snorkle, fins, boots) you can go economically and get them for $180 or go for the good stuff (like I did) and spend about $310. theres a lot of options so you have a big price range.

As for the class, it should take about 15-20 hours of classroom time and at least as much pool time before your dive. Take your time and meet your instructor before you pay for your class. its a lifetime cetification and you want to do it right.

PM me if you want some tips on how to save money on gear and ways to choose an instructor youll like.

Paul

[Cliff]

If you search around, you can find the right used gear for the right price. It is WAY cheaper than the dive shop prices. I actually got mine here off of ifish!

[FishSniffer]

In the case of SCUBA gear, saving money is good - buying cheap gear is not. I used to teach diving in Monterey, CA and I recovered more crap gear that broke or was so unfunctional that it fell off. Doing so can ruin your day if there's no place around to replace it quickly. Always have spare parts like straps, o-rings, etc.

I agree with buying good used gear (name brand) and you can usually find some good deals, however, avoid online auctions and any deals you can't inpect the gear first. And, I always recommend buying your first and second stage new when you get to that point.

$300 is about the norm for quality new gear.

Good luck.

[Sweet Melissa]

This is a random thought, but I gave some float tube fins to a friend. The fins didn't work great with the tube, but he really liked them for diving. He even used them on a dive trip to Australia. And I got a pretty cool didgeridoo out of the deal.

Got any flyfishing buddies who could help you out?

[wthr4d]

fishsniffer has the right idea, BUT i have been able to find some NEW gear for sale online (auction site) at a good price. DO NOT buy your regulator, BCD or drysuit (life support equipment) online or at an auction site...you want manufacturer warranties to be in full and intact!!!

FYI you arent at this point yet but aqualung has a sale on now where you buy the 1st & 2nd stage regs at regular price and get teh octo free(total for regs, octo and console was $300). I think the deal will last through this summer but your dive shop will give you the details.

[wishin]

Buy the best that you can afford, and buy from a shop that can support you post sale. You DO NOT want to worry about cheap gear and equipment failures. You also should purchase your mask at a shop that can fit test you into a really comfortable set up. I highly recommend Hydrosports in Keizer, but suggest a shop that is local to you because you will be in time, and time again, for tank fills and other sundry items. It is a great sport.

wishin

[Swamp Puppy]

i have some stuff laying around from back when i used to dive in SoCal. i think i may still have a TUSA dive knife with leg strap sheath and an Abalone knife..also some wet suit booties (size 10 1/2) and a good snorkel. i also have some (used to be good) fins. i'm sure the fins are still in great shape, but the straps might need to be replaced. they have a few "storage years" on them.

you can have any of this stuff you want free of charge. shoot me a PM. i doubt i'll ever dive up here...SoCal and Mexico spoiled me. diving is a great sport..it's a whole different world down there.

[Gus Orviston]

Aquatic sports is a good place to get your cert.. it is where I got my second and a g-friend, and my wife got theirs.

What is cool about their site is the indoor pool,, you get more down time during their cert process than in most shops because you aren't driving to another location.

they also have a dive vacations on a regular basis to belize and palau etc... they keep me on their offer list, I have emailed them from China looking for good dive site in the yellow sea. They have been good to work with. Also they have supported my equipement essentially free during the first year and allowed me to try stuff out in the pool.

gus

[Drachir]

PM sent :grin:

[EULACHON]

Thunder Reef in Vancouver is great that's where I go.

Hiway 99 in Hazel Dell they even have a pool.

Paul