SCUBA divers! Some questions

[Tarmac]

I remember a scuba thread a while ago, so I figured I'd ask some questions here.  

I was swimming some laps at the pool yesterday, and ran into the MSU Scuba Club giving free introductory lessons.  I had a great time swimming around for about an hour.

So now I'm thinking about getting certified.  The scuba club offers PADI certification at what I understand to be a great deal.  The instructor (an officer in the club) says he does it for fun, and the club doesn't turn a profit on it.  There would only be 6 people in the class.  Two instructors, as I understand it.  

Here's the deal:

$195: instructor fees for class+pool, gear rental for pool, course pack, dive table, log book, pool fees, one year MSU SCUBA club membership.  And a club t-shirt.  

$15: rental mask, fins, snorkel, booties.  I could also buy this stuff, although I'd most likely rent for a while.  

$ 85: Four open Water Certification dives.  

Total: $295

Good deal?  Any hints or tips?  

Also, I'm thinking about heading to Ginnie Springs, FL for my certification dives, followed by a week of open-water diving in West Palm Beach FL.  Any opinions on that?

[AKS\/\/ulfe]

I know people that have done scuba classes - but why bother with certifications unless you intend to become a professional diver or an instructor? Afterall, you're in Michigain - the good diving is closer to the equator. Clear(er) water and all.
-SW

[JB73]

great deal.

i went through it in college (EEEEAAASSSSYYY credits lol) for $100 student discount + $50 equipment rental.

unfortunatly it was winter... when summer came around they forgot to call me for the open water dive.

never got the cert.




if you do get certed PADI the way to go. there are other certicicating authorities but PADI the biggest IIRC.

you have to do at least 1-2 dives a year to keep cert active. meaning you need a SCUBA buddy (illegal to dive alone).

if you do let it expire most offer a "refresher" for cheap to get you back. espically in the carribean. go there and SCUBA with a group for all day maybe $75 including equpiment.

IMHO breathing underwater is the most surreal experiance i have ever had. SOOO relaxing and the WOW factor was out of this world. but i am easily entertained.

good luck bud have fun.

[Tarmac]

Originally posted by AKS\/\/ulfe
I know people that have done scuba classes - but why bother with certifications unless you intend to become a professional diver or an instructor? Afterall, you're in Michigain - the good diving is closer to the equator. Clear(er) water and all.
-SW

Great Lakes = shipwrecks.  Only in summer, but still lots of dive shops around here.

[Tarmac]

Yeah, hoping to stay somewhat active, or at least current, through the club.  Plus, lots of prospective diving buddies already there - including one or two hotties.    

[AKS\/\/ulfe]

If you intend on diving for shipwrecks, then it is a really good deal. The people I know wanted to be able to dive without instruction (a couple $50 cheaper, but not really worth it since they didn't do it more than once every few years).
-SW

[mrblack]

Well I just happend to be a PADI divemaster
Yea thats a ok deal.
But you will want to buy your own mask at least.
Fit Is very important in a mask.

Get one that dont fit and your dive is screwed.

Pay close attention to the instructors.
Scuba can be very safe... but It Is not for those people who like to bend the rules.
Been Diving for 10 years and have about 1.800 dives and Not one accident.

But I have seen a dude die in a advanced class I was assisting in.
He freeked at 100ft spit out his Regulator and bolted for the surface.

I was unable to grab him and slow him down.
He died Of a pulmonary imbolisiom.

And sharks dont worry bout them.
Keep your eye on the dam barracudas and sea urchins.


BTW i will let you guess wich one I am.
The other fellow is my best friend chuck.

[mrblack]

Originally posted by AKS\/\/ulfe
If you intend on diving for shipwrecks, then it is a really good deal. The people I know wanted to be able to dive without instruction (a couple $50 cheaper, but not really worth it since they didn't do it more than once every few years).
-SW

LOL you dive on wrecks and caves with out the propper training and you will DIE.

Trust me seen It too many times.
It takes years to get the propper certs to be a wreck diver.

[AKS\/\/ulfe]

No, trust me because the only thing I know about diving is that my friends took classes so they would get cheaper costs on diving in the caribbean, which they don't do more than once every few years.
-SW

[mrblack]

They more than likely either took a resort course.
Or they did they pool and book work in the states and there open water check oout dives in the carribean.

[Tarmac]

Originally posted by mrblack
LOL you dive on wrecks and caves with out the propper training and you will DIE.

Trust me seen It too many times.
It takes years to get the propper certs to be a wreck diver.

Someday.  I'm not wreck diving on my certification dives or anything.  Not that dumb.  

[mrblack]

LOL no your instructors will be watching you like a hawk.
Feel safe and comfortable and you will be fine.

If you only remember one thing NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH;)

[Tarmac]

Originally posted by mrblack
LOL no your instructors will be watching you like a hawk.
Feel safe and comfortable and you will be fine.

If you only remember one thing NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH;)

You think it's a good deal?

[mrblack]

Originally posted by Tarmac


Also, I'm thinking about heading to Ginnie Springs, FL for my certification dives, followed by a week of open-water diving in West Palm Beach FL.  Any opinions on that?

At ginnie springs Please stay out of the CAVES.
The entraces have signes with skull and cross bones on them for a reason.

[mrblack]

Originally posted by Tarmac
You think it's a good deal?

Yeah thats about what I paid for mine 10 years ago.
I did my open water In the British Virgin Islands.