Hello from GA

[jennysdayoff]

Just completed check out dive in Marathon, FL. Interested in learning more about diving, where to go next, first gear purchase, etc. I have the basic starter kit - fins, booties, weight belt, knife, snorkel, mask. I'm thinking a regulator should be next on the list. Don't like the thought of renting used regs. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[krawlings]

welcome to scuba diving and to SCUBA BOARD
As for a reg there are a lot of good one out there . when selecting one keep in mind what kind if diving you plan on doing. Whether cold water(45* and lower)or just vacation diving in warm water . whether you plan on diving a lot .
good luck

[mala]

you need different kit for different water.
it depends where you are going to be diving.

apex regs are the top of the pile for the uk but it may be a different over there.
din fittings are the best but it seems that the us still use yoke's for begginner divers.

[jennysdayoff]

Thanks for the welcome. I think I'll be in warm water for the most part, diving as often as the $$ and va-cay time will allow!

[mala]

whats a check out dive?

are you qualified or was that a dsd?

[ktomlinson]

Mala, the dives at the end of open water are usually referred to as check out dives.

Jennysdayoff, regs are a good next purchase...then you just need a BCD and you're set. Both are pretty important for comfort. Owning your own BCD means you can adjust it to fit you and keep it there. Living in Warner Robins means you are close enough to dive on weekends if you are up for it. You can come down to North Florida and dive springs, go up to South Carolina and dive rivers (fossils), lakes, or in North GA there are some lakes you can dive. If you don't mind a drive you could even drive down to the Gulf and dive (4-4.5 hours each way).

[Insta-Gator]

Hey

[mala]

Mala, the dives at the end of open water are usually referred to as check out dives.

Jennysdayoff, regs are a good next purchase...then you just need a BCD and you're set. Both are pretty important for comfort. Owning your own BCD means you can adjust it to fit you and keep it there. Living in Warner Robins means you are close enough to dive on weekends if you are up for it. You can come down to North Florida and dive springs, go up to South Carolina and dive rivers (fossils), lakes, or in North GA there are some lakes you can dive. If you don't mind a drive you could even drive down to the Gulf and dive (4-4.5 hours each way).

ok sorry,

in the uk the 4 open water training dives are known as ow training dives.

check out dives are for qualified divers who are doing check out dives.

[JamesK]

welcome to the board. Warner Robbins huh? not a bad place. you are a weekend trip from a lot of nice diving. when I lived in Atlanta we dove a lot at the Alabama quarries for day trips or down to Florida for weekend trips. enjoy diving and dive often.

[krawlings]

welcome to the board. Warner Robbins huh? not a bad place. you are a weekend trip from a lot of nice diving. when I lived in Atlanta we dove a lot at the Alabama quarries for day trips or down to Florida for weekend trips. enjoy diving and dive often.

there is al so some ok diving at Lake Lanier . and 1 1/2 hr. drive North East on Hwy 85 and then north at Lake Hartwell to Lake Jocassee that has some really good diving with vis in the 30'+ and some neat things do dive around. There is an old Chinese Junk . There is an old cemetery in 118'to 135' of water (depending on the water levels. This is the cemetery that ws filmed in the move Deliverance .Graveyard Dive @ Lake Jocassee Bobby and The Boys - YouTube
here is a scene from the movie.Deliverance: graveyard scene - YouTube. You can all so get a charter boat out to the junk, cemetery and many other dive sights .Lake Jocassee Dive Shop, Salem, SC near Greenville if you need more info give me a PM