nedirtbikr
New
Name is Mark. I'm in lovely Omaha, NE. Have several hobbies, but motocross and skydiving have been my favorite. MX is my most favorite, but can't afford both right now, so skydiving has taken a back seat. As I am heavy in to forums associated with those activities, and have learned a TON, not to mention met some great people, I knew coming on a site like this one would be my best first step.
Anyway, trying to plan/save for a vacation next year and my wife and I have always wanted to SCUBA. Have been researching local training and am planning on pulling the trigger soon. I see that they recommend having the basics when you come to class (mask, fins, snorkel.) As motocross and skydiving take $$$ to start out and maintain, I have learned on-line stores are where the best prices are. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE supporting local businesses and do so whenever reasonable. However, if the cost savings is significant, I do go on-line (it's a budget thing...no reason to pay $70 for something when I can pay $50 for the same thing.)
So, not only am I saying "Hi!" I'm looking for some advice.
- What are some of the best on-line supply stores you guys have found?
- What are reliable brand names for SCUBA equipment? (mostly the basics right now)
- Any general advice you can offer on the best way to approach the beginners classes?
- What is a reasonable charge for lessons and the OW cert dives? (assuming we can do the OW cert dives locally.)
- Is buying used equipment (other than mask, fins, snorkel) recommended?
I will go on to do some searching here on my questions above, but wanted to at least throw them out there so you guys know what's on my mind. Thanks all and hope to converse with you very often!
Anyway, trying to plan/save for a vacation next year and my wife and I have always wanted to SCUBA. Have been researching local training and am planning on pulling the trigger soon. I see that they recommend having the basics when you come to class (mask, fins, snorkel.) As motocross and skydiving take $$$ to start out and maintain, I have learned on-line stores are where the best prices are. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE supporting local businesses and do so whenever reasonable. However, if the cost savings is significant, I do go on-line (it's a budget thing...no reason to pay $70 for something when I can pay $50 for the same thing.)
So, not only am I saying "Hi!" I'm looking for some advice.
- What are some of the best on-line supply stores you guys have found?
- What are reliable brand names for SCUBA equipment? (mostly the basics right now)
- Any general advice you can offer on the best way to approach the beginners classes?
- What is a reasonable charge for lessons and the OW cert dives? (assuming we can do the OW cert dives locally.)
- Is buying used equipment (other than mask, fins, snorkel) recommended?
I will go on to do some searching here on my questions above, but wanted to at least throw them out there so you guys know what's on my mind. Thanks all and hope to converse with you very often!