From: peterson@hpl.hp.com (Chris Peterson)
Subject: Re: novice diving questions
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 21:06:30 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto, California

In article <Bt6JFt.64u@gator.rn.com> larry@gator.rn.com (Larry Snyder) writes:
>
>I want to get my PADI C-card.  Currently I'm in northern Indiana -- but next
>April I'll be moving to Florida.  I thought about taking a PADI class here in
>[Indiana] -- but I question that since I don't have any interest in diving in
>[Indiana].  I am considering taking my class after I move to FL.  Dixie Divers
>is a [5 star] PADI site, and they told me all of their grads receive a "gold
>PADI card".

	"5 stars" and a "gold card" do not a great diver make.
	Great divers are taught by great instructors.  Find the
	best instructor available; you'll probably have a lot more
	fun too.

>The class at Dixie is $195 (it's $200 here) - and (both places) included 
>everything except mask, fins and snorkle (Dixie includes a night a motel since
>they do their open water dives in Pompano).
>
>Does my theory above [make sense] (wait and take the class in FL where I plan
>to dive verses taking the class now and not diving until moving?)

	Yes, your thinking is sound.

	You actually have a couple of choices.  All the *good* choices
	include some class work in Florida to acquaint yourself
	with the area in which you will be diving.

	1) Complete OW1 pool and classroom work in Indiana then
	   complete your open water dives in Florida (this is called
	   a "referral")

	2) Take the OW1 course in Florida
 
	Costs for the two courses you mention are comparable, so go
	for the *best* instructor available.
>
>Next - mask fins and snorkle -
>
>I would just assume buy mail order to save $$$.  The local dive shop
>for example wants $139 for Apollo fins (which I like, but then I don't
>have any knowledge to drawn other than reviews in Skin Diver).  I know
>I want the best mask, fins and snorkle -- but I want to save $$$.  Can
>I assume since I wear a size 9 1/5 show - I'll need a size 10 fin?

	Be sure that wherever you buy your mask, fins, and snorkel (MFS)
	has a generous exhange or return policy that will allow you to 
	exchange or return gear that doesn't work for you (30 days return,
	60 days exchange, for example).
	
	It is usually more convenient to exchange gear purchased from a local 
	shop than from a mail-order company.  You will find that scuba gear is
	best tried out in the pool and the ocean, not just in the store.  For
	example, fins vary greatly in stiffness and masks don't fit the same
	when you have a snorkel or regulator in your mouth.
>
>I would like to get my mask, fins and snorkel (maybe even a bc and reg)
>before moving...

	If you can wait to purchase more than MFS, do so.  You will learn
	in a scuba class not only how the gear works but how you work with
	the gear.  With some experience, you will develop preferences and
	learn what works best for you.  You should be able to find a source
	of high-quality rental gear that will allow you to try different BCs,
	regulators, guages, tanks, and wet suits before you buy.
-- 
Chris Peterson                                     Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
                                                    Research Computing Services
                                                              Palo Alto, CA USA 
(415) 857-6432                                              peterson@hpl.hp.com
From: leonglaw@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com (Lawrence Leong)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 12:52:21 GMT
Subject: Re: DIVING LIGHTS
Organization: HP Singapore