How much should I be prepared to start SCUBA diving?

Question

What is it going to cost me to start SCUBA diving. What equipment should I buy, or which certifications should I get first and what will all this cost me?

Answer 1

1. Costs?

The cost varies by region and country.  For example, in the Bay Area, Open Water (OW) certification averages $200.  In Hawaii, it's $475.  In Mexico, it's $350.

When looking at courses, you have to calculate the entire cost of the course.  Some Local Dive Shops (LDS) offer a lower price to get you through the door, but there are add'l costs that are not advertised.  The lower prices will just be the tuition.

Full Costs include

1. Tuition

2. Books and materials

3. Gear/tank rental

4. Gear purchase

5. Boat fees/park fees

2. What equipment should you buy?

You should buy as little as possible.  A lot of LDS require you to buy "personal gear" which is masks, snorkel, boots, fins, and gloves (if you are in cold water).  However, some LDS will rent you all the above too.

The only equipment that I believe will truly make OW certification easier is a proper fitting mask.  A leaking or fogging mask will decrease enjoyment and increase stress levels significantly.  Think of driving in the rain without your windshield wiper - no easy.

Everything else you should try to hold off until 1) you know you like diving  and 2) you are more familiar with diving.   First off, you don't even know if you will enjoy diving and are able to do it.  Perhaps you have equalization issues and cannot actually dive.  If you had bought all your gear, that'll be thousands of dollars wasted.  Second, your diving will change over time.  What looks good now will not be the same after you have 10 dives or 20 dives or 100 dives.  In addition, what fits or looks good on land may not perform to your preference in the water.  

Rent as much as possible.

3. What certification?

You will want Open Water certification (OW).  You will hear PADI or NAUI or SSI, but these are just agencies.  They all provide OW certification.

Answer 2

As much as possible!!

Answer 3

I think you'll find that out in the class that you need to take before you can dive.  I think it's a 1-2 hundred dollars for the course.  The equipment is expensive; if you plan on going a lot, it's probably ok to invest in your own wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and gloves (optional).

But you need the course to get scuba certified.

Answer 4

Yeah; what they said. The course you should get is the "open water certification." It's actually an entry level course geared to a total beginner and will address all your concerns. In the meantime, you might want to get the "basic gear package" of mask, snorkel, booties, and fins and start snorkeling or play around with the stuff in the deep end of a swimming pool; that will get your lower body used to handling fins.

Answer 5

Make sure you can swim in a pool for a long time, make sure that you are calm for long periods under water, that your not scared of tight/enclosed spaces, and that you are calm arounf nature.  Other then that just try it you will know instantly!

Answer 6

Talk to your instructor about prices and requirements.  You will probably only need to buy a mask, snorkel, and fins, but ask what types they recommend.  It's been 35 years since I was was certified, so, sorry, I do not know what it will cost you now.  Just contact a couple local dive shops...they will be happy to tell you.

Answer 7

Beginning Scuba lessons should cost $150-200 for a basic open water certification. Two certifying agencies are NAUI and PADI and both are good certificates recognized world wide. Take your classes with rented equipment to find out what you like and more about what is out there before buying.

Answer 8

SCUBA is the best regulated sport in the US. with good reason. They will tell your which courses to take and what equipment you need.