Best way to certify to save $

[rndn]

Hi guys, I'm a long time swimmer and love to snorkel. I checked at a dive training center nearby and was quoted a little over $2,500 for a diver certification. I really can't justify spending that kind of money for the relatively few times per year I would plan to dive. I remember some of the cash was for needed equipment and the rest was for the instruction. I've even considered the gasoline powered float that I understand does not require a diver certification. Any suggestions or was I about to get ripped off by the dive shop. I know diving can be dangerous and requires training, so I'm open to suggestions and comments.
Thanks in advance,
Randy

 

[millwood]

Re: Best way to certify to save $

I don't know exactly what class you are looking for, but around here you can get certified for $199 for the class plus about $600 for the manuals and equipment if you decide to purchase all of it. I also think that they rent the equipment. This is for a basic scuba course that is a group course. If you want a private course it is $450 instead of the $199.

 

[Grunt_Sculpin]

Re: Best way to certify to save $

My first dive cert was just $99 plus the books (about $50). The real money the are hoping to make is off of the equipment. I bought my drysuit off of Ebay with some other items for $500. Then I rented the rest of my gear from my dive shop for no charge for about 6 months until I purchased the other gear. I think even for my advanced cert and my rescue I never paid more than $200 for the cert itself. Just be careful when buying stuff from Ebay...I would not recommend regs, tanks, etc. Things like drysuits can be fairly easy to determine what kind of shape they are in, but beware of custom sizes.

Good Luck!

 

[rndn]

Re: Best way to certify to save $

Thank you both for your input. I'll try to find a different dive shop as it sounds like they were trying to rip me off.

 

[Stuff4Toys]

Re: Best way to certify to save $

They might have been including equipment or possibly a trip to Cozumel for Open Water Cert.

JOhn ><>

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Best way to certify to save $

Flea-bay to buy equipment.Most people take care of their diving equipment, then sell it when they upgrade.Jerry

 

[jollymon]

Re: Best way to certify to save $

Ouch!!! I work for the wrong dive shop. Currently our Open Water diver course is $569.00 That covers almost everything that you need. What you have to purchase is Mask, Fins Snorkle and Booties. You also have to pay for your entrance fees to Dutch Springs, where we do the check out dives.

What is included with your cost is:
Confined Water Training materials (crew pack, books Log Book, Dive tables)
Confined water training (five modules), to include classroom & in pool instruction
Scuba Gear rental during the Confined water course (Regulator, Bouyance Control Device & Weight Belt)
Scuba Gear Rental for Open Water Check Out Dives Regulator, Bouyance Control Device, Weight Belt, Wet Suit)

For the amount you were qouted, it better include buying the scuba equipment!!!! But I would not purchase anything other then Mask Fins and Snorkle, until I had a few dives, so I know I like it, and have some experince with the gear before I buy it.