Scuba Diving Resources – The Dive Shop
Whether you’re in search of scuba diving equipment, repairs, maintenance or diving certification, the dive shop is the place to begin your adventure! Here you can also meet with other divers, find information about a diving vacation or perhaps learn about all of the educational aspects of scubadiving.
The most obvious reason to visit the dive shop is to purchase scuba diving equipment. While the initial investment can set you back anywhere from $1500 to $3000, beginner rentals can be as little as $40, with additional air tanks for just $10. You can ask a certified instructor which supplies are essential, what kind of dive lights work best, or where to go scuba diving. Advanced divers can stop in to ensure their scuba gear is properly maintained. For instance, regulators and BCDs should be inspected annually and tanks should also be inspected for corrosion on a regular basis. Lights and dive computers, which are extremely sensitive to light, dirt and water, should be routinely checked by a technician as well. However, the most frequent reason to visit the dive shop is usually just to grab an extra tank of air or Nitorx for the next big trip.
For curious newcomers, the dive shop features a plethora of educational and certification courses. At The Great American Diving Company in St Louis Missouri, beginners can even try scuba diving free in the pools. At Island Divers Hawaii, $139 will get beginners transportation to and from Wakiki and Honolulu, use of scuba gear, a pool session, boat dives on two separate Oahu reefs and $100 off a certification course. For those looking to turn their hobby into a lifelong passion, $200 – $450 will give you a Professional Association of Diving Instructors certification. After 60 logged dives and a $480 course, an advanced diver may go on to become a divemaster, where he or she can lead expeditions and instruct. First aid certification is offered at many dive shops too. The educational extras are seemingly limitless!
One of the best things about the dive shop is the opportunity to join a divers club and partake in a fun community of adventurous go-getters. While some of the activities center around diving in caves or wrecks, there are also pasta, karaoke and movie nights to help build long-lasting friendships and give solo divers someone with whom they can share their hobby. Some divers need that extra push to keep them routinely diving, since we often lose sight of our pleasures in the hustle and bustle of a busy day, unless we set aside appropriate time and make scuba diving part of our schedule. The divers club usually offers weekly or biweekly events, taking beginners and advanced divers to new places that they may not find on their own.
Sometimes the dive shop sets up travel expeditions for the more advanced diver in search of adventure in the Bahamas, on Blackbeard’s Ship or off the coast of North Carolina. You’ll feel grateful to have plans made for you, so all you have to do is show up and get started! Generally, you can get the best deals on all-inclusive diving trips through a shop because they book using group discounts. Trip prices vary but Weaver’s Dive & Travel in Colorado offers a five day excursion (including airfare, hotel, meals and boat fees) in La Paz, Mexico for $1299.
To find the dive shop nearest you, try checking http://www.divecenters.info/phpyellow/ for a massive international list.
By Sports Info Editor
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