Scuba diving...scuba discovery or open water?

Question

I don't have any experiance in this area...I have not even been snorkeling, But I feel the need to experiance as much as life as I can while I can.....Do you think I should just do the scuba discovery course to see if I like it or go straight for the open water course.

Answer 1

I would go for the one which is less expensive if all you want to do initially is try it out.  I assume the discovery course will be cheaper.  The open water course requires that you have your own mask/fins/snorkle.  I don't know if the discovery course will require that or not.  Make sure you take this into consideration when you are making your decision.

Answer 2

Obviously it depends on whether you think this is something you're going to want to do more than once-

discovery is going to let you get into the water with very limited training to get the diving experience.  Limited time, limited expense and move on to your next challenge

Open water is going to require a more extensive & expensive course.  One that can take a few days, at least, requiring a significant portion of a vacation (if thats where you're doing your diving).  But after completion you are good to go anywhere you might travel.

Answer 3

Around here, Discover SCUBA is free.  

Some dive shops have to charge for it if they don't have easy access to the water.

And, even if it costs some money it'd be worth it to be sure you're comfortable under the water with a mask.  Most folks I know love it (my wife and I do!).  But we have one or two friends who are claustrophobic or afraid of falling, and they don't do well in deep water or with a mask.

Go for it!

Answer 4

try both

scuba diving is fun and actually is excercise

Answer 5

Do you like being in the water?  Do you mind being under the water?  Have you ever wanted to experience weightlessness like they do in space?  Have you ever wondered "what's down there"?  Have you ever wondered what it is like to cruise underwater at 4 knots? If you answer yes to all of those, I would suggest just going for the open water course.  As other posters have said, it is more commitment and money but I would venture to guess that you'll love it and then you might as well be certified.  Do this at a dive shop not at a resort...you'll get the full cert and not a "resort cert".