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Personally I would wait until you get your OW cert and see how you really like it. If you decide this is your thing, I would invest in the following in this order (my 2 cents):
1. Regulator/Gauges - for me there is something about using a reg that other people use. It is also good to know how it is being serviced etc.
2. BCD/BPW - If you have the regulator the next thing for me would be the BCD or BPW. Definately give a Backplate Wing consideration. It is not techie and I wished I had moved to a BPW sooner. Look in the equipment thread for the endless comments about BPWs.
3. Wetsuit - Depending on where you dive this would be in my top 3. Definately for cold water where you have to have one. If you are diving cold water then I would consider this a #2 choice. It is all about fit....
4. Computer - Trust me you won't die if you don't have one.... Not high on the list. Tables are fine to use for all recreational dives. DCs are a convenience in my opinion. Learn the tables and then in a year or so look for a DC.
I would also include a cutting device (Line cutter not a Rambo knife) and whistle etc. initially. This is low cost and for safety. It also depends on where you dive if you need a Surface Marker Bouy (SMB).
Buy good quality so it will last and don't be pushed into a purchase just because you dive shop says its the best. There is a buch of very smart peple here that are more than willing to help you decide.
Thats about it. You will accumulate other stuff as you dive more.
Good luck and have fun!
This is actually the order I bought it in (throw in at least one, probably 2 and later 3 tanks). I bought good used stuff, wash it after every dive and still use most of it after 9 years. Wetsuit..... You're looking at ocean temps. ranging from 40s F in winter (possibly 30s in MD, but unusual, I suspect) to 70s in summer in the mid Atlantic, and further South (SC, GA, N. FL) of usually winter 50s (possibly 40s, but not usual) to maybe 80 in summer. For me, the 7 mil farmer john covers all of this, though if really cold I look at only one dive in a day. Then you can ditch the pants and adjust trim for warmer, and go to a shorty or less for 60s-80s. The only way for you to know is to experiment, as everyone is different re cold. I would imagine you would want a 7 mil anyway if you are diving N. of SC anytime but summer.