Hi:
As indicated in my previous post, I'm 4 open water dives away from my OW certification. Based on the fun I had, I imagine that I'll dive somewhat often, sometimes on vacation and sometimes here.
As part of the class, of course, I bought the basic gear (mask, fins, etc.). During the class, I had the opportunity to try different kinds of other gear (wetsuits, BCs, regulators).
Here's what I'm curious about. What would the logical next equipment purchase be. Opinions I've heard include:
--Wetsuit, to ensure fit. (Problem is, I won't be diving in the same area all the time.)
--A computer, to simplify recordkeeping, dive management and promote safety and simplicity. (The instructor advocated getting a wristwatch-type computer.)
--A BC or BC/regulator combination. This was another issue of fit, as I had several BCs in class...some fit well and were totally functional, and others, well, didn't really work for me.
My dive shop would love to sell me thousands of dollars worth of equipment, I'm sure, but I'd rather take things a bit slower until I've done some diving. Price isn't a huge object, although I'd rather not break the bank until the economy comes back a bit.
What do all of you recommend? And what did you do when you were in this situation?
As indicated in my previous post, I'm 4 open water dives away from my OW certification. Based on the fun I had, I imagine that I'll dive somewhat often, sometimes on vacation and sometimes here.
As part of the class, of course, I bought the basic gear (mask, fins, etc.). During the class, I had the opportunity to try different kinds of other gear (wetsuits, BCs, regulators).
Here's what I'm curious about. What would the logical next equipment purchase be. Opinions I've heard include:
--Wetsuit, to ensure fit. (Problem is, I won't be diving in the same area all the time.)
--A computer, to simplify recordkeeping, dive management and promote safety and simplicity. (The instructor advocated getting a wristwatch-type computer.)
--A BC or BC/regulator combination. This was another issue of fit, as I had several BCs in class...some fit well and were totally functional, and others, well, didn't really work for me.
My dive shop would love to sell me thousands of dollars worth of equipment, I'm sure, but I'd rather take things a bit slower until I've done some diving. Price isn't a huge object, although I'd rather not break the bank until the economy comes back a bit.
What do all of you recommend? And what did you do when you were in this situation?