Any good priced places where I can get SCUBA certified?

[richardhmc]

Looking to get SCUBA PADI certified, and the places around the city are pretty expensive. I just don't want to get ripped off, forced to buy unneeded equipment and materials. Any recommendations? Would it be cheaper to buy my own equipment? (snorkel, goggles, fins)

 

[SIReefer]

PanAqua in manhattan has been around for a long time. I'd suggest that you take your pool/classroom instruction here and then complete your open water certification while in the Caribbean. Most places (I think) require that you purchase your own mask, snorkel & fins. The other equipment (bc, reg, computer etc.) you can rent. Since youre in SI you might want to check out some places in NJ, just for convenience. Just as in any other sport - dont buy stuff right away - you may not like diving. If you do then purchasing your own gear is the way to go.

 

[al0ha]

+1 i need info too! thanks for creating this thread n reminding me

 

[CoralMeister]

ALWAYS buy your own Scuba gear. Never rent.

 

[richardhmc]

PanAqua in manhattan has been around for a long time. I'd suggest that you take your pool/classroom instruction here and then complete your open water certification while in the Caribbean. Most places (I think) require that you purchase your own mask, snorkel & fins. The other equipment (bc, reg, computer etc.) you can rent. Since youre in SI you might want to check out some places in NJ, just for convenience. Just as in any other sport - dont buy stuff right away - you may not like diving. If you do then purchasing your own gear is the way to go.

hey why do you say to do it in the caribbean? the 4 open water dives can be anywhere right?

 

[KuyaMark]

hey why do you say to do it in the caribbean? the 4 open water dives can be anywhere right?

He said that because its better there you see the actual reefs as compared here u only get to see freshwater like the quarry in dutch springs thats where I did my 4 open water dives it was ok but nothing beats warmer water and you get to see things that really interest you and its much cheaper lol

 

[Zimon]

Hey guys,
I have a lot of scuba gear that I will be selling soon.. wife is pregnant and doesn't look like we will be diving soon.
We are both avid divers, with over 200 dives logged all over the world since '07.

I have matching high end Mares sets, his and hers both recently maintained at LeisurePro and less than 2 years old.
Reg, Octo, BCD, Computer, Several Fins, Mask, and wet suits. Travel bags and cases.
Also I have lots of underwater photography equipment canon 60D wide angle / ikelite/ dual strobes equipment that I would rent out to one going on a dive trip.

PM me if you are interested.

 

[richardhmc]

I added up the costs for panaqua and it estimates to about 600 dollars, give or take.

I'll take a look around for cheaper equipment.

 

[SIReefer]

Rich - head down to Roatan & get fully certified there. For $600-$900 land you can have a weeklong vacation and get certified - all in the warm waters of the Caribbean. There is also a "Beneath the Sea" scuba show at the Meadowlands Expo Center 3/22-25. Everything SCUBA is there. Maybe Ill see you there.