Where to get scuba certified in GVRD?

[rishu_pepper]

Originally Posted by saltcreep

The cost is a factor and it's something that if you aren't going to commit to diving locally afterwards, don't buy a lot of gear. Stick with a proper fitting mask. There is nothing more frustrating than having your mask leak constantly on a dive. All your other gear is easily rented and most shops keep it in great shape.

Buying my own mask is what my coworker (I think he has the instructor license) suggests also, and my own snorkel. Should I get the items at the shops or find them online?

Originally Posted by neoh

I did mine at ocean pro divers for $280 with a Groupon. I paid an additional $380 for the dry suit certification and a 6 month rental package. Totally worth it.

Ryan, what does a 6 month rental package get you? Seems like Ocean Pro is a good choice with good reviews and a decent price with the Groupon.

Originally Posted by Myka

I don't know much abut the reefs in Japan, but I am SO jealous!!! You're going to see some crazy stuff that can't (legally) be exported from Japan. The only advice I can give is to choose your dive company in Japan carefully, just like anywhere else.

Mindy, I promise to take lots of awesome vids and pics to make you more jealous

Kidding aside, the place we're planning to go is Zamami, an hour's boat ride from Naha, Okinawa. Has anyone dived there or around there?

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and advice!

[Ron99]

I buy lots online (don't tell OPD ). You can save lots of money that way, even with the current exchange rates. Leisure Pro is a very good online dealer and Amazon has some good deals too. And there's lots of great deals on used gear when you'e ready to start getting some. The Facebook BC Divers Buy and Sell group is a good one.

[neoh]

Originally Posted by rishu_pepper

Buying my own mask is what my coworker (I think he has the instructor license) suggests also, and my own snorkel. Should I get the items at the shops or find them online?



Ryan, what does a 6 month rental package get you? Seems like Ocean Pro is a good choice with good reviews and a decent price with the Groupon.



Mindy, I promise to take lots of awesome vids and pics to make you more jealous

Kidding aside, the place we're planning to go is Zamami, an hour's boat ride from Naha, Okinawa. Has anyone dived there or around there?

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and advice!

It gets you everything. Mask, snorkel, weights, weight pack, bcd, regs, fins, smb, computer, compass, drysuit, hood, gloves, boots, and tank(s). Everything you need to safely dive. The only thing it does not include is undergarments.

And I too am all about helping the local dive shops. But the reality is, they have ridiculously high margins on their products because they specialize. I've purchased used and new from every dive shop in the Vancouver area. I've done my part. ;D

[Ron99]

I'm all for supporting the local dive shops and they got a good chunk of my money for the courses (and will get more) and will also get my money for service and air fills etc. But I'm on a single dad budget and can't afford to buy a bunch of new gear at full Canadian retail prices. So I save where I can buying online or getting deals on used gear from other divers so I can enjoy an activity that I love.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Ron99

I'm all for supporting the local dive shops and they got a good chunk of my money for the courses (and will get more) and will also get my money for service and air fills etc. But I'm on a single dad budget and can't afford to buy a bunch of new gear at full Canadian retail prices. So I save where I can buying online or getting deals on used gear from other divers so I can enjoy an activity that I love.

I can appreciate that, and think that buying used is probably your best bet. At least when you buy used equipment you aren't buying from the competition and then asking for help from the local shop. I've bought almost all my reef equipment used because I can't afford the new prices, but I wouldn't even consider buying something new online unless my local shop says they can't get it or don't want to deal with that particular supplier or some such scenario.

[rishu_pepper]

For mask/snorkel, any particular brands/models that you guys would recommend/avoid?

[Myka]

Originally Posted by rishu_pepper

For mask/snorkel, any particular brands/models that you guys would recommend/avoid?

Pick whichever mask fits your face best. I prefer masks with clear sides rather than black because I feel I can see better. I'm not sure if I can.

[Ron99]

Originally Posted by Myka

I can appreciate that, and think that buying used is probably your best bet. At least when you buy used equipment you aren't buying from the competition and then asking for help from the local shop. I've bought almost all my reef equipment used because I can't afford the new prices, but I wouldn't even consider buying something new online unless my local shop says they can't get it or don't want to deal with that particular supplier or some such scenario.

Fair enough However, I got a mask for USD $25 (60% off sale) which would have cost me $80 plus tax here. And a nice set of fins with spring straps for USD $55 on clear out. The same fins were CDN $140 plus tax here. So sometimes you just can't pass up deals like that. How many Canreefers bought Vertex skimmers from Bulk Reef Supply when they had their crazy sale? Same thing

For mask/snorkel, any particular brands/models that you guys would recommend/avoid?

Really it's more about fit and comfort. Pretty much all masks are good whatever the price (except maybe the super cheap consumer ones). Best bet is to go to a couple shops and try some on. If you put it on and breath in through your nose it should stick to your face without the strap on. I had a Mares mask I liked until I lost it. I now have an Oceanic Mako 2 mask and a Bare Duo mask and both are good. I've heard great things about the ScubaPro Spectra Trufit but it's pricey

[Ron99]

Oh, and stick to a good set of regular blade fins. Split fins look cool but aren't very good for our waters and currents.