Any other scuba divers around? I got my PADI open-water cert about 3 weeks ago and have logged 12 dives so far.
Any other scuba divers around? I got my PADI open-water cert about 3 weeks ago and have logged 12 dives so far.
I free drive mainly, but am hoping to get my open water cert this year. I did an intro to scuba dive while in Hawaii and LOVED it. Cant wait to test out my gopro on my next trip.
Rescue Diver here too!!
I have my own fins/mask/snorkel, but if I were to start scuba diving a couple times a year, is it generally worth investing in my own gear or just rent?
From a financial perspective, rent for the love of god. Owning is painfully expensive. If you want nicer/better gear, owning is the way to go, but you pay dearly for the privilege. You have yearly gear checks, tank visuals, tank hydros every 5 years, if you change size your wetsuit no longer fits etc. Even if you buy most gear, renting tanks makes sense. The cost to fill vs the rental cost takes a while to pay off tanks (especially considering the yearly testing required). I love diving with steel tanks, but if I was doing it again, I would probably put up with Al's so I wouldn't have the hassle and expense.
If you are doing any questionable diving, owning is the only way to go as I don't trust rental gear as much as my own gear (and you shouldn't be doing questionable diving with gear you are not 100% familiar with).
Unless I am going on a dive vacation down south (which I have never done), I don't bother travelling with my gear. It takes up so much space and normally I just get in a couple dives.