70% of scuba diving cost is initial "start up". You do not HAVE to buy any gear but you SHOULD. That way you know who serviced it, when, where, you know that it is maintained and only you are using it. All your gear will not be dropped, hauled through rocks and dirt and it will pay for itself in 20 dives. Purchase of tanks is also not necessary but owning a pair will save you in the long run.
30% of scuba diving cost is attributed to your complete lack of knowledge of where to buy what and when and thus overpay at the dive shop.
Take following scenario for example: When I got certified I purchased 22lbs of soft weights. At $3/lbs + tax I spent something like $80. 3 years later I was garage sale shopping for a coffee table when I stumbled upon 40lbs worth of soft weights (used) for $1/lbs.
Take following scenario for example: When I got dive gloves 4 years ago I paid $13.00. 2 months later I saw same exact pair of garden gloves at home depot for $2.99.
Little things add up really fast. Overall I overpaid probably $300 on my gear than I should have but at the time I was clueless and gullible. After your gear pays for itself you will find that 9/10 dives will be done within 4 hour ride of your house. 1/10 will be reserved for your once per year trips.
Also... BOOK YOUR OWN TRIPS. Dive shops will often overcharge you and others in group so that they could themselves fly/scuba/stay for free. Or at the very least get a credit card... accumulate some points and take care of traveling expenses on your own and book rest with your dive shop. That way you get to save some money while still sticking with your group.
30% of scuba diving cost is attributed to your complete lack of knowledge of where to buy what and when and thus overpay at the dive shop.
Take following scenario for example: When I got certified I purchased 22lbs of soft weights. At $3/lbs + tax I spent something like $80. 3 years later I was garage sale shopping for a coffee table when I stumbled upon 40lbs worth of soft weights (used) for $1/lbs.
Take following scenario for example: When I got dive gloves 4 years ago I paid $13.00. 2 months later I saw same exact pair of garden gloves at home depot for $2.99.
Little things add up really fast. Overall I overpaid probably $300 on my gear than I should have but at the time I was clueless and gullible. After your gear pays for itself you will find that 9/10 dives will be done within 4 hour ride of your house. 1/10 will be reserved for your once per year trips.
Also... BOOK YOUR OWN TRIPS. Dive shops will often overcharge you and others in group so that they could themselves fly/scuba/stay for free. Or at the very least get a credit card... accumulate some points and take care of traveling expenses on your own and book rest with your dive shop. That way you get to save some money while still sticking with your group.