#20460 - 01/23/03 02:53 AM
Newbie divers
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Eva
Junior Member
Registered: 07/28/05
Posts: 0
Loc: Canada
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I have a question regarding beginner diving. I have head some places offer introductory dives for complete novices. Are these dives safe and/or fun? Neither my fiance or I have ever dived before and unfortunately will not have the time to get certified before going. We are both intrigued by the idea of diving but also very nervous about the sport (I personally know 2 people who have died as a result, and this in a country where diving is not common at all, diving being illegal outside designated dive sites in our part of the world.)
Are these dives safe? Would it be worth it doing a few or would it be better just to concentrate on snorkelling and leave the diving to the experienced people?
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#20461 - 01/23/03 04:39 AM
Re: Newbie divers
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ld
Member
Registered: 03/12/04
Posts: 67
Loc: UK
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I am going to FP in a few weeks and will be diving there for the first time after a 12 month gap. Most of the dive operators I have looked at offer try-dives. Most of which should take place on sheltered, shallow reefs with little of no current. My advice would be to type the name of the island you are going too and dive operators into the web and see which are thrown up. Many have websites and emails and most will answer any concerns you have. If you are going to do a try dive, I can't really think of a better place to do it.
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#20462 - 01/23/03 08:19 PM
Re: Newbie divers
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I was certified just prior to leaving. Most dive operators there offered a seperate dive for "fun Dives" (folks who are not certified) The water is warm and clear and divemasters helpful. Try it you will not regret it.
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#20463 - 01/27/03 06:06 AM
Re: Newbie divers
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BarryG
Junior Member
Registered: 02/16/06
Posts: 2
Loc: Colorado
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I would recommend Bora Dive Center. I used them while there. I was already certified but they did offer the "try it" dives. They have a website and I contacted them several times before we went. They answered every email and question. I would recommend trying it as well. It is a whole new world under there. FP was my first true dives outside of my certification dives and if I never do it again it was worth the certification process. Just plain unbelievable underneath.
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#20464 - 01/28/03 11:15 AM
Re: Newbie divers
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GT
Senior Advisor
Registered: 12/18/01
Posts: 768
Loc: Los Angeles, CA 90045
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Most dive centres offer introductory or "bapteme" dives. The dive master gives basic instructions and the dives do not generally go below 20 feet. Have fun - very much like swimming in an aquarium.
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#20465 - 01/28/03 02:01 PM
Re: Newbie divers
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Earthman
Member
Registered: 06/27/03
Posts: 45
Loc: Aliso Visjo, California, USA
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If at all possible it is well worth getting certified before going. Even if you never use it again, you will have gained knowledge and a level of confidence you may not have. It is nice when you already know what to expect from yourself in the water. And the dives are far superior for the certified diver. Check with your local dive shop, there is always a sale. Remember all dive shops make profit from the equipment not the certifications. Certification Builds CONFIDENCE!
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#20466 - 01/28/03 05:00 PM
Re: Newbie divers
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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The most dangerous thing about the sport is being sucked into it at all! I believe it should be regulated by the FDA not PADI. It's highly addictive. I am now the proud owner of my own equipment. No more rentals for me! Unless I blow bubbles on a regular basis I go nuts. (Well OK, nuttier) Get certified if you can. If not GO on a fun dive. Not to dive would be like going to Orlando and not going to a theme park!
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#20467 - 02/18/03 12:26 PM
Re: Newbie divers
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Lumpy
Junior Member
Registered: 02/01/03
Posts: 8
Loc: Granada Hills, Ca
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Since it was my first time diving, I bought a package of 5 dives at "Top dive", I expected the first "lesson" to be in the pool, after filling out the release & putting on the gear I started to walk over to the pool but instead was told to get on the boat  , on the ride out to the dive spot (about 4 minutes) our instructor told us what to do & what to expect, first he took down an older gentlemen who had had been certified but hadn't dived in about 15 years, I went next, the instructor slowly took me down the rope & was very patient with me, checking to make sure I was OK, once on the bottom (about 25 feet) he left the 2 of us there & went up for my father in-law who had some diving experience, once all three of us were down, he guided us along making sure everything was OK.
It was a wonderfully experience, I am glad we didn't waist anytime in the pool or listening to a boring instructor & went straight for the dive, I don't know if this is how they handle everyone or maybe he realized because of my age (36) he figured I can handle it  .
[This message has been edited by Lumpy (edited 02-18-2003).]
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#20468 - 02/18/03 05:59 PM
Re: Newbie divers
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25years
Junior Member
Registered: 03/17/04
Posts: 32
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Had A great experience with Bora Dive Center. Very attentive to experienced and beginner alike. Dove 3 times to different locations and saw unbelievable sights each dive. Best sighting was 9 foot lemon sharks. WOW!
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#20469 - 03/20/03 11:50 AM
Re: Newbie divers
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wildcat
Member
Registered: 03/16/03
Posts: 63
Loc: Elizabethtown, Ky, USA
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How much does it cost for fun or try dives? My soon-to-be wife and I will be in BB in April and would love to do it.
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