Question: Be honest, how expensive is it to get into scuba?

( Back )

Answer #1:

-The Costs could put your Credit Cards "Under Water"- for MONTHS !! :o

Answer #2:

For a lot of people they get certified while on vacation and use rental equipment. Scuba certification will run you a few hundred dollars. Most people don't live near dive spots so they have to travel to get there. If you don't travel a lot and wont be diving a lot then it doesn't make sense to buy a lot of your own equipment.

If you are going to travel around a lot then consider getting your own equipment which should run you at least a few thousand dollars. Having your own is good peace of mind. You want to be certain that the equipment you use has been properly checked and is fully functional. I would never rely solely on a dive shop's equipment for that.

Answer #3:

Being certified for over 10 years, and working for a dive pro for a couple of summers, I have to agree with the person above me. I spent about 2 grand on equipment a decade ago (and that was with a nice discount) and sold it for much less when I moved from the lake I dove at. Rent your equipment at your destination it is much cheaper.

Only thing you should own is your mask, snorkel, fins, and I prefer to own my own regulator, all that should be less than 500-600. If you live in a cold weather climate, a dry suit would be recommended and they will run a couple grand just by themselves. You really have to use the stuff to get your money's worth it will get outdated fast.

Another thing to consider is that when you own you must pay for the maintenance on your equipment. Your tank has to be tested yearly or you won't be able to fill it. Another thing is that there is alot of rubber o-rings that can go bad, that is why I kept my regulator. I don't regret not owning anymore other than it would be nice to go get all the golf balls from the ponds on the local courses. Start by getting certified and see if it is something you will really do before spending that kind of money.

Answer #4:

It will be about $350-$400 for your open water certification
if you buy all your equipment new from the dive shop it will run you about $1000 (cheaper) - $2500(top of the line)
and if you buy off of Ebay or can find good used equipment you might find a deal at about $400-$600 for a complete set, but most of the time with used equipment something doesnt fit just right, but you can still afford to upgrade. Thats it basicly in a nut shell.

Answer #5:

Here in Austin, TX, certification cost $150 plus the cost of mask, snorkel and fins. These items can cost $100 and up.

About the gear. Rental is one way to go, but depends on how often you plan on diving. Renting is a good way to start out in this sport. But, if you really get into it, you will want your own gear. Having what works very well for you and your diving skill becomes important when diving often.

You can get a good set of gear for $1400. $2000 will buy you a pretty nice set of gear. The costs go up from there.

Another option is to buy used gear. I've bought some nice gear off Craigslist. You really need to know what your looking at when doing this! I bought a full set of gear for $250, just to get the $800 computer. I tossed the stuff I didn't want!

The best way to buy used gear, and save about 50%, is to buy from a local dive shop. They will have serviced the gear and will give you a guaranty. That's what I did when I first started out.





** Powered by Yahoo Answers