Thread: Scuba Diving

Just thought I'd start a thread to see if there are any divers on the forum. I just completed my PADI open-water diver certification this morning. I've been meaning to do it for a while as I was previously just snorkeling on the reefs in Hawaii but now diving has changed things immensely even after just a few dives to get certified seems like the underwater world is much more open now.

Any other divers out there?

Yup... There was another thread on this a bit ago.. but I'm a diver. FWIW I taught scuba diving with my two brothers for years (took a break last year when I moved, but I'll be teaching again in may). Love the water!

Since everyone is posting pictures, Here is a pic of me working on the back of a dive boat in catalina from a while back.,



and a picture of a WWII corsair wreck I dove.

Please visit Scubaboard.com. A very nice community of folk.

yup, padi advanced open water certified.

below are some pics taken with a very crappy disposable camera at cozumel last fall: (who knew disposables were watertight to 100 feet?)

Thanks for the link to the other forum for scuba equipment. Being totally new at this and looking at buying some equipment (BCD, Regulator & Gauges) any recommendations on good equipment that I should go for as a beginner?

Scubaboard will take good care of you.

Originally Posted by bevansmw

Thanks for the link to the other forum for scuba equipment. Being totally new at this and looking at buying some equipment (BCD, Regulator & Gauges) any recommendations on good equipment that I should go for as a beginner?

What is your price range, and what is important to you (features, performance, etc.). I woud give you my honest thoughts on gear... as an instructor and having worked for years in a dive shop selling many brands, I have used almost everything and I can tell you what I like and why.

Originally Posted by bevansmw

Thanks for the link to the other forum for scuba equipment. Being totally new at this and looking at buying some equipment (BCD, Regulator & Gauges) any recommendations on good equipment that I should go for as a beginner?

I've had very good luck with Dacor and US Divers equipment. not to say other stuff isn't any good, that's all I've tried. but 15 years after buying it, it's still all going strong.

Originally Posted by jockeys

I've had very good luck with Dacor and US Divers equipment. not to say other stuff isn't any good, that's all I've tried. but 15 years after buying it, it's still all going strong.

Not bad brands... Dacor is a division of Mares (that has been discontinued since about 1-1.5 years ago... they will offer parts for servicing until the parts run out, but many of these parts are somewhat generic). You can still see their products on their website, and many places still sell stock they have, but they are not manufacturing new products. That said, Dacor can probably be found cheap, but there are likely to be some support issues in the future.

Us Divers is a division of Aqualung (which also owns SeaQuest BC's) and is generally a pretty good brand. Now, unless you were buying the conshelf reg. you'd probably see their gear with the Aqualung name on it (unless you are buying the soft goods such as mask, snorkel and fins).

Also, in most cases (except for a few brands like TUSA) manufacturers do not support any gear that was purchased online. Online sellers will say they offer their own warranty, but you can't expect anything from the manufacturers... I always recommend buying from an authorized retailer, and many of them will let you demo gear in some way before buying (very important to at least try everything on before buying). Just for your consideration

Thanks for the info ... I put a thread on scubaboard asking for some direction also. I'm looking at Zeagle BCs right now and considering the Ranger, Scout or a BP/W. Any of you guys have some spare gear and possibly willing to swap for some straights? Drop me a PM