Dive with a buddy and observe all the safety rules your instructor has pounded into your head. Since 1959 the instructors at the Diving Locker have been teaching the skills of scuba to thousands of would-be divers. Students are required to provide their own mask, snorkel, gloves and booties. You'll learn the basics in pool classes and on an ocean dive. Once certified, the store can fill all your equipment needs at a deep discount.
Rental equipment is available, too.
La Jolla Cove is beautiful and has become a popular beach for swimming and sunning. This isn't full instruction, but you'll get a good taste of what scuba is like. If the time and expense involved in full scuba certification put you off, try snorkeling. With just a mask, snorkel and fins, you can explore the underwater world for as long as you can hold your breath. Or you can float serenely on the surface, eyes downward and breathing easily through your snorkel.