Newbie Planning To Get Certified Soon

[BeachedBum]

Hi, I am living in Indiana, used to live in Florida and am planning to move back to the Tampa Bay area. I think I want to wait to take my dive training until after I move. That way I can test in The Gulf Of Mexico instead of some cold, murky lake or quarry here in the Midwest. Anybody have dive school recomendations around Tampa Bay?
I think I would rather do actual classroom face to face training rather than online, any opinions?
I've started collecting vintage dive knives any ideas where I should look besides ebay?

 

[Tecomah]

greetings from tampa. I've done the majority of my training through instructors associated with EZ scuba, but theres a bunch of good instructors in the Tampa bay area

 

[Sortsol]

Where specifically will you live? Tampa Bay Area is a big area.

 

[1alexie]

Hey, just like you I am also a newbie looking for some tip from the best scuba divers here.

 

[BeachedBum]

I will be living between Clearwater and St. Pete.

 

[Saniflush]

Welcome and have fun

 

[Sortsol]

I will be living between Clearwater and St. Pete.

I'd check out the PADI website to locate a shop near your new home. I'm about an hour north of there, but there are a lot of good shops in that area. Good luck and welcome!

 

[Kharon]

... That way I can test in The Gulf Of Mexico instead of some cold, murky lake or quarry here in the Midwest. ...

One thing about certifying in cold, murkey water - everywhere else will be so much easier to dive and you will appreciate the warm, high vis conditions so much more.