>>1755507>>1758305>>1758825>How do I startGet Open Water Certified. You are saying everything is $1k plus in NC. Could get a class for $400ish in Florida and just take a long weekend vacation. West Palm Beach/Jupiter has good diving. Or could learn in the Florida Springs.
>What's scuba culture likeDepends on who you hang out with. Most people are more than willing to help, some people are snobs. For the most part I've liked who I've dove with.
>swimmingIf you can swim 100-200 yards you can get certified.
>GearDepends on mindset and what you plan to do. I dive caves/wrecks so my philosophy is different vs open water. I like back-plate and wings vs jackets/back-inflates. Dive Gear Express has a good singles package. I like Scubapro/Halcyon regulators.Fins are OMS Slipstreams, I would recommend either those or Avanti Quattro +'s. My opinion is to avoid split fins. The list can go on for gear but it depends on what you want or plan to do/spend. If you ever plan on progressing towards technical diving, might as well buy the right stuff from the start. If you are just going to take pictures or dive 60ft reefs you don't need something like a Perdix.
