Any Divers Out There?

[Snaggletiger]

After spending the week in the Caribbean and doing a lot of snorkeling in crystal clear water, I got the bug for doing something I've always wanted to do.  My sister went with us and she has over 200 dives under her belt.  (Cue tasteless, but mildly humorous X jokes here)  She did 3 dives on the trip and another friend that went with us joined her for her very first dive after getting certified.  She's always pushed me to get certified and go with her and a big group they have that hit several islands every year for dives. 

I've thought about it many times but when mini-snags said he'd like to learn to dive, the timing seems right.  Great activity to do with my son.  I checked in my area and it looks like only one dive shop in existence that gives lessons.  Have no idea about how reputable they are.  Anyone have some recommendations?  It's worth it to drive a reasonable distance for lessons if anyone can give a thumbs up to a good instructor.

Sani...didn't you post some dive pics?     

[dallaswareagle]

After spending the week in the Caribbean and doing a lot of snorkeling in crystal clear water, I got the bug for doing something I've always wanted to do.  My sister went with us and she has over 200 dives under her belt.  (Cue tasteless, but mildly humorous X jokes here)  She did 3 dives on the trip and another friend that went with us joined her for her very first dive after getting certified.  She's always pushed me to get certified and go with her and a big group they have that hit several islands every year for dives. 

I've thought about it many times but when mini-snags said he'd like to learn to dive, the timing seems right.  Great activity to do with my son.  I checked in my area and it looks like only one dive shop in existence that gives lessons.  Have no idea about how reputable they are.  Anyone have some recommendations?  It's worth it to drive a reasonable distance for lessons if anyone can give a thumbs up to a good instructor.

Sani...didn't you post some dive pics?     

And the pitch is a slow curve ball.

And


Looked into diving once. A lot of start up cost which would be worth it if you plan on diving a lot, but I would say for the novice diver (once or twice a year) not worth it.

[Saniflush]

Was open water 1 certified when I came out of the Corps.  Let my certification drop.  Regret it about once a year but that's about it.  Unless you are really accessible to somewhere to dive in great water on a regular basis it just isn't worth it for folks like the rest of us.

With the money you have from caring though I suspect this is something else you can piss it away on.

[WiregrassTiger]

I can do a jackknife, nuttbuster and a bellyflop, all off of the high dive.

[Snaggletiger]

Was open water 1 certified when I came out of the Corps.  Let my certification drop.  Regret it about once a year but that's about it.  Unless you are really accessible to somewhere to dive in great water on a regular basis it just isn't worth it for folks like the rest of us.

With the money you have from caring though I suspect this is something else you can piss it away on.

Now this is a reasonable response

[Pell City Tiger]

Does muff diving count?

[bottomfeeder]

Does muff diving count?

That's the only kind of diving I do. And do it regularly. Donuts anyone, anyone, anyone????

[DnATL]

That's the only kind of diving I do. And do it regularly. Donuts anyone, anyone, anyone????

Why do I think he prefers yeasty doughy Dunkin to sweet Krispy Kreme?

[GH2001]

That's the only kind of diving I do. And do it regularly. Donuts anyone, anyone, anyone????

That's awesome man. I want to know more details. Can you share them here ? I'm sure it would be something we would love to hear. Looking forward to it.

[Hogwally]

     Most places have a resort dive or discovery dive option (did this in St. Thomas last year).  Basically, you don't have to be certified, you spend the morning watching a film then working for about an hour in a pool.  Then, in the afternoon you go out and dive and the instructor stays with you the whole time.  Good way to see if you like it without all the time and money of getting certified.

[dallaswareagle]

     Most places have a resort dive or discovery dive option (did this in St. Thomas last year).  Basically, you don't have to be certified, you spend the morning watching a film then working for about an hour in a pool.  Then, in the afternoon you go out and dive and the instructor stays with you the whole time.  Good way to see if you like it without all the time and money of getting certified.

And a even lighter version of that is "Snuba"

[Snaggletiger]

     Most places have a resort dive or discovery dive option (did this in St. Thomas last year).  Basically, you don't have to be certified, you spend the morning watching a film then working for about an hour in a pool.  Then, in the afternoon you go out and dive and the instructor stays with you the whole time.  Good way to see if you like it without all the time and money of getting certified.

I saw that going on one morning in the pool.  Thought they were just giving some free lessons.  I would have joined but I was already on my second rum punch and heading back for another.  3 rum punches before 9:00 a.m. is my limit on a cruise.  Unless I start at 6:30.  Then it's 5. 

[chinook]

I saw that going on one morning in the pool.  Thought they were just giving some free lessons.  I would have joined but I was already on my second rum punch and heading back for another.  3 rum punches before 9:00 a.m. is my limit on a cruise.  Unless I start at 6:30.  Then it's 5.

Godfather...you know how I know Snaggle is gay?

[Pell City Tiger]

I saw this today and thought of this thread.