newbie terminology questions

[philmayer]

What 2905luvsbubbles said. Dive shops have distinct personalities. Some aren't very friendly, some are. Find the one that melds best with yours.

I couldn't agree more. I was certified 2 years ago, but was too busy to dive until last June when I went on a trip with my LDS.

There are 4 dive shops in town and my LDS is the only one that I remotely liked. The trip leader from last year was in the process of purchasing the shop and completed it when we returned. If he had not obught the shop, I probably wouldn't still be diving. I was very nervous as a new diver. Not about diving, but about people. My LDS owner makes diving and traveling with his groups very fun.

Since that first trip last June, I've been on 5 more trips with them plus two of my own and I've made ~120 dives.

Finding a shop where you can be yourself, not feel pressured to comstantly spend money, and can enjoy yourself will make diving much more enjoyable for you.

 

[David P]

If you want to learn all about the equipment, walk into you "LDS" and ask them to show you goggles, flippers, and an oxygen tank!

 

[Teamcasa]

Originally Posted by MattyB4x4
i know i know....

Use the Search function at the top of the page, and enter the word 'Abbreviations'. There are several good recent threads that may help.And, be sure to do a search on 'Dork Divers' There is a great set of threads on that topic (and that unofficial but rather large group), which are really quite informative, and enjoyable as well. No, you are not a 'dork' for asking. Asking questions and (hopefully) getting helpful responses and useful information is what SB is all about. We all have to start somewhere.

And a friendly group they are. link to forum

Dave

 

[Amadeus023]

Here are some links that were useful to me when I was starting out:

Scuba Knowtes

This site contains notes on a variety of topics. I received this from a diver named Pete here on ScubaBoard.

Scuba Guide

This site is divided into five main sections:

• Introduction to Scuba what is scuba, the history of recreational scuba diving, and an introduction to many different scuba diving types.
• Scuba Diving Certification a primer on the subject of scuba training, scuba programs and scuba certification.
• Scuba Local NEW! A geographic directory of dive shops and dive spots. Find scuba facilities and underwater destinations near you or near your next vacation spot, rated by user reviews.
• Scuba Diving Gear your guide to the world of scuba gear. Choose the best gear for your scuba adventures.
  Featuring: the Scuba Gear Directory. Thousands of products lined up and rated by user reviews.
• Diving Vacations Scuba diving vacations, dive shops and how to plan your trip underwater.

 

[DiverBizz]

I wanted to find out more about diving before I took my classes and found several LDS around and a few were just right for me. I like to go hang out, get information, buy my equipment from them (don't use them for info. and buy on the internet), and make friends with common dive likes.