Officially a certified diver as of the weekend...Sub along for the ride!

[azguy]

Congratulations, now you need to plan a trip to Bealize

[Ebruner]

Congrats!! You will be salty before you know it if you just get out there and dive.

IMHO Buy all you're own gear. My wife and I make ~120 dives a year, and I would never trust my life to some wornout rental gear in some far flung corner of the world.

As far as specialty certs, some are useful, most are just a piece of plastic. Most important is to get out there and DIVE, DIVE, DIVE.

Enjoy!!!!

-Eddie

[Zed Homme]

Originally Posted by Ebruner

Congrats!! You will be salty before you know it if you just get out there and dive.

IMHO Buy all you're own gear. My wife and I make ~120 dives a year, and I would never trust my life to some wornout rental gear in some far flung corner of the world.

As far as specialty certs, some are useful, most are just a piece of plastic. Most important is to get out there and DIVE, DIVE, DIVE.

Enjoy!!!!

-Eddie

Agreed, after I got the joy of practicing what to do when a high pressure line burst valve fails in 80 feet of water, I got all my own gear and have it tested annually.

[raiderceb]

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

What's the most important rule in diving?!

actually...the number one rule in diving is...YOU GOTTA LOOK GOOD!!! lol

That's what the sub is for!

In all seriousness, I've been certified since 1997, but grew up on every family vacation going on dive trips with my folks, just didn't actually get certified til I was in college. It is a sport I love and still enjoy with my folks.

Your plan to dive the quarry some and get experience is a great way to go, then furthering your dive education. An experienced and well trained diver makes a safer diver! Don't get caught up in thinking you have to go to the Bahama's or some super tropical destination to dive, anytime you can get wet and breath air underwater is great and provides more experience and comfort level in the water. Seek out more quarry's or if you get to Florida, check out some of the springs and rivers in Florida. Excellent visibility and still a lot of fun!

ETA: To echo what a couple other guys have said, when you can, work on getting your own gear. It makes a huge difference in comfort level mentally and literally since it is your stuff, but mainly because you know how well it has been maintained and are familiar with it and know where all the extras are (which pocket such and such is in). There are a lot of great companies out there, some will tell you a back plate/wing, others say a BC is good. Personally, I still dive a BC just because I like it and it is weight integrated vs. wearing a weight belt. Just all about personal preference, but do try some stuff out and build your gear inventory a little at a time. As you gain experience, you may find your needs or wants change regarding a certain type of gear or piece of gear.

[sea-dweller]

Congrats!

[poppydog]

Congratulations - most relaxing hobby I've ever had, although I rarely get to dive in warm, clear waters.

[gwalker]

Congrats. I see you are in NJ so shoot me a PM if you want to dive any. I dive about 100x a year. Mostly tec diving now but I do some rec every now and then. The NJ coast is the best wreck diving in the world IMHO. I've taken both my SubC and DSSD down 2-3x each but honestly don't like diving with them unless I'm on vacation in the Caribbean.

Most guys I dive with have ditched the BC for a backplate/wings setup. It was mostly used for tec diving but many rec divers have switched to the setup. Much more customization for the individual. I would suggest trying drysuits. I have 2 and diving dry in NJ is the only way. I have a DUI CF450 and a Dive rite 905. Both are great. I would suggest a demo day to try all gear. Most dive shops just push what they sell. You should explore what you like best. In cold water I like my ScubaPro MK17/S600 and my Apeks regs. Would also highly recommend a dive computer. It will really extend your time diving.

[Davidokamoto]

Congrats on the cert

[turbodiver]

Congrats on the certification.
Now you have a great excuse to experience a different Caribbean island every couple months.

[Jason71]

Get a nitrox cert, but then ditch PADI. There are better classes out there for those that want to achieve dive excellence

A big congrats. Above all, be safe

BTW, buy all your own gear. Backplate, harness, and a 7' primary hose is the way to go.

Shoot me a PM if you want to buy the best gear on the market. Once you buy it, you are set for life.

[liptonnr]

Nice work my friend. Sub looks good on the NATO!

[HRV]

Congrats, I am leaving on a diving weekend today, can't wait

[travisb]

Perfect watch companion too.

[tifosi]

Thanks, all! Still waiting on some pics from the dive... hopefully I'll be able to get some.

[cgjane]

Originally Posted by gwalker

In cold water I like my ScubaPro MK17/S600 and my Apeks regs.

I love my MK17/S600T!