So, you are officially a certified diver. Congratulations, but now what? Good question. I guess that depends on you though. If you live near a lake or ocean then you can do a quick google search to find a location near you that rents gear or offers trips. Most dive shops can organize a trip with several other divers so that the price stays relatively low for each person diving.
Getting started as a new diver can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many destinations and adventures to go on. There are a few things to consider as a beginner that will save you lots of time and money. Renting equipment as a beginner is the most common thing to do. Find dive sites that are local and team up with a knowledgable dive buddy.
Equipment
To be completely honest, you do not need to buy ANY equipment. Yes, it’s true. Everything you need can be rented from the dive shop that is organizing your trip. Especially at the beginning, make sure you really enjoy diving and plan to go on a regular basis before you think about buying equipment. Below are a few of the best pieces of equipment to buy as a beginner.
Mask and Snorkel
The best thing for beginners to purchase first is a mask and snorkel. Masks take the shape of the users so you might find rentals aren’t the most secure fitting. Having your own mask that fits perfectly will help to ensure your dives are comfortable and worry-free. It’s also relatively lightweight so bringing it on vacation is easy. Masks are relatively inexpensive with prices starting under $20. Higher-end masks top $200 and it’s important to research and read reviews. Snorkels can be found for $5 and up. You will want to keep the mask protected in a case to prevent the lens from getting scratched.
Fins
A good pair of fins can be found for as little as $40. The higher-end ones usually start around $150. Fins come in several different styles so you can easily find a pair that are perfect for you. There are a few factors to consider when buying a pair of fins. If you only plan to dive a few times a year then spending $30 on fins is reasonable. However, if you plan to dive more then you should consider ones that are moderately priced. Higher-end fins are great for frequent divers and anyone who plans on advancing their diving career. Remember that fins can be rented so as a beginner they aren’t always a necessary purchase.
Underwater Camera
The world discovered while scuba diving is sometimes hard to describe to non-divers. The vibrant colors, magical creatures, and majestic atmosphere all seem unreal. Purchasing an underwater camera not only captures all the magical scenery but it also captures the amazing people and experiences that come along with diving. Underwater cameras start around $200 and roar well past $1,500. Another option is to get a waterproof case and use a camera that you already own. Some dive shops have cameras for rent and dives are sometimes filmed for websites and social media. Don’t be afraid to ask if they can take a few photos of you while diving.
Cost
This is obviously an important factor to consider. Diving is amazing but it’s also an investment. If you live near the ocean and there are some good spots to dive nearby then you can easily do shore dives. You can rent your equipment, gear up, and then walk into the water and start your dive. In this case, expect to pay about $35-$60 for gear rental.
However, if you aren’t near the ocean or a lake then you will need to travel. This increases cost and even more so if the dive sites require a boat trip. A dive trip that requires gear rentals and a boat ride usually costs around $100-140. Don’t ever feel like you are restricted to local dives only though. Since PADI certifications are recognized worldwide you can travel to the Caribbean or Australia or even Egypt to dive world-renowned sites.
Dive Clubs
You might even be lucky enough to live in an area that has scuba clubs. These clubs usually meet 2-3 times a month for dives and you only need to pay a monthly rate. It actually works out to be a great deal if you go regularly. Dive clubs are great ways to network and meet divers of all skill levels. The cost for dive clubs ranges but they usually start around $70 a month.
Locations
As mentioned before, this really depends on where you are located or where you are willing to travel. As a beginner it’s best to gain as much experience as possible. You might consider longer trips like overnight boat excursions or vacation near dive locations. This will allow for lots of diving in a short period of time. If you are near an ocean or lake then you can easily do shore dives.
There are amazing dive sites all over the world that have something to offer everyone. Some of the most famous include The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, The Blue Hole in Belize, Molokini Crater Wall in Hawaii, Straits of Tiran in Egypt, SS Yongala in Australia, and Devil’s Throat in Mexico. Be adventurous and try different types of dives like night diving, cave diving, shipwreck diving, drift diving, and boat or shore diving. The more of a diverse diver you are the better skilled you will become.
Dive Buddy
Having a regular dive buddy is a huge asset for all divers but especially beginners. Dive buddies are people who you can dive with on a regular basis. The great thing is that you don’t even have to be the same skill level. There are websites and Facebook pages dedicated to connecting people who are looking for a dive buddy. Having a buddy is ideal for people who live close to shore dive sites. This way you won’t need to organize a trip with the local dive shop and can go whenever you like. Technically speaking you can dive alone but it’s always best to dive with someone. The PADI dive organization that certifies divers pretty much tells you to never dive alone. It’s a matter of safety and all beginners should adhere to this rule.