ex_hydrophob
New
I really enjoyed diving on my last trip and would love to keep the good thing going at home in Los Angeles this time. However, looking back at my meager and spotty diving history, I'm feeling sort of intimidated to take the plunge. I have no cold water experience, and every dive was with a dive master or a guide either privately or in a very small group. I heard that diving here is more difficult than, say in the Caribbean. How much different? I've been reading up on some local boat trips with interest, but I'd hate to end up being nuisance to other divers with my lack of experience and familiarity.
What would be a good way for me to get more gently introduced to the So. Cal. diving scene (and stay)? Start with a specialty course? Ferry over to Catalina for a couple of guided dives? Or would a boat trip be just fine? Any other thought? Long term cost is also a consideration since diving isn't as cheap here.
I have Adv.OW. certification and about 30 logged dives from the Red Sea (needed 5mm shortie) and Caribbean (3mm shortie or no wetsuit). I've done both shore and boat dives. As of my last dive, I felt pretty confident and comfortable as a diver, but I know that underwater is a very unnatural setting for me, and I could easily get startled by the unexpected. I do not have a partner to dive with.
I'd appreciate any insight.
What would be a good way for me to get more gently introduced to the So. Cal. diving scene (and stay)? Start with a specialty course? Ferry over to Catalina for a couple of guided dives? Or would a boat trip be just fine? Any other thought? Long term cost is also a consideration since diving isn't as cheap here.
I have Adv.OW. certification and about 30 logged dives from the Red Sea (needed 5mm shortie) and Caribbean (3mm shortie or no wetsuit). I've done both shore and boat dives. As of my last dive, I felt pretty confident and comfortable as a diver, but I know that underwater is a very unnatural setting for me, and I could easily get startled by the unexpected. I do not have a partner to dive with.
I'd appreciate any insight.