| Whether you're in search of scuba diving equipment, | | | | advanced diver may go on to become a divemaster, |
| repairs, maintenance or diving certification, the dive | | | | where he or she can lead expeditions and instruct. |
| shop is the place to begin your adventure! Here you | | | | First aid certification is offered at many dive shops |
| can also meet with other divers, find information | | | | too. The educational extras are seemingly limitless! |
| about a diving vacation or perhaps learn about all of | | | | One of the best things about the dive shop is the |
| the educational aspects of scuba diving. | | | | opportunity to join a divers club and partake in a fun |
| The most obvious reason to visit the dive shop is to | | | | community of adventurous go-getters. While some |
| purchase scuba diving equipment. While the initial | | | | of the activities center around diving in caves or |
| investment can set you back anywhere from $1500 | | | | wrecks, there are also pasta, karaoke and movie |
| to $3000, beginner rentals can be as little as $40, | | | | nights to help build long-lasting friendships and give |
| with additional air tanks for just $10. | | | | solo divers someone with whom they can share their |
| You can ask a certified instructor which supplies are | | | | hobby. |
| essential, what kind of dive lights work best, or | | | | Some divers need that extra push to keep them |
| where to go scuba diving. | | | | routinely diving, since we often lose sight of our |
| Advanced divers can stop in to ensure their scuba | | | | pleasures in the hustle and bustle of a busy day, |
| gear is properly maintained. For instance, regulators | | | | unless we set aside appropriate time and make scuba |
| and BCDs should be inspected annually and tanks | | | | diving part of our schedule. |
| should also be inspected for corrosion on a regular | | | | The divers club usually offers weekly or biweekly |
| basis. | | | | events, taking beginners and advanced divers to new |
| Lights and dive computers, which are extremely | | | | places that they may not find on their own. |
| sensitive to light, dirt and water, should be routinely | | | | Sometimes the dive shop sets up travel expeditions |
| checked by a technician as well. However, the most | | | | for the more advanced diver in search of adventure |
| frequent reason to visit the dive shop is usually just | | | | in the Bahamas, on Blackbeard's Ship or off the coast |
| to grab an extra tank of air or Nitorx for the next | | | | of North Carolina. You'll feel grateful to have plans |
| big trip. | | | | made for you, so all you have to do is show up and |
| For curious newcomers, the dive shop features a | | | | get started! |
| plethora of educational and certification courses. At | | | | Generally, you can get the best deals on all-inclusive |
| The Great American Diving Company in St Louis | | | | diving trips through a shop because they book using |
| Missouri, beginners can even try scuba diving free in | | | | group discounts. Trip prices vary but Weaver's Dive |
| the pools. | | | | & Travel in Colorado offers a five day excursion |
| At Island Divers Hawaii, $139 will get beginners | | | | (including airfare, hotel, meals and boat fees) in La |
| transportation to and from Wakiki and Honolulu, use | | | | Paz, Mexico for $1299. |
| of scuba gear, a pool session, boat dives on two | | | | If you have an interest in scuba diving at all, the dive |
| separate Oahu reefs and $100 off a certification | | | | shop should certainly be your first point of reference. |
| course. For those looking to turn their hobby into a | | | | You can start at the level you're most comfortable |
| lifelong passion, $200 - $450 will give you a | | | | with, meet people who will keep you involved and |
| Professional Association of Diving Instructors | | | | maybe even become a divemaster with your own |
| certification. | | | | scuba club! |
| After 60 logged dives and a $480 course, an | | | | |