Things to Consider When Choosing a Shop and Instructor

First Employee   Jan 04, 2025

So you’ve decided to become a scuba diver! You will not regret it. Now it’s time to look for a place for instruction and gear needs. This is going to be important for your introduction to scuba diving. This business will be the one you start off with, and whether you stay with them or not, it will be an indelible part of your life. As previously written, you will meet many people and some of those in your first shop will be your new buddies.

First, scuba shops sell many different brands of gear Dive Rite, Scuba Pro, Shearwater, Mares, Tusa, the list is endless. Some shops will sell multiple brands in hopes of getting your dollar. All gear costs money. Remember that you are purchasing life support equipment so do you really want the Dollar Tree variety? Let’s face it, they are a business, so they need to make money to function.

Next explore different shops in your area, you will meet potential instructors, the fun ones, the quiet ones, the in between ones. Ask questions about their diving experience, favorite sites, fun stories, interesting experiences, etc. . Consider what you want from the person teaching you. Do you want a person who barks orders in the water while you are trying to take your first steps in an alien world, or do you  want someone who takes a breath and waits for you? An instructor you can connect with can take you further on your quest to become a scuba diver than one who is disinterested or otherwise engaged.

Don’t be blown away by gear information like sales, or prices starting out, you could end with a major credit card bill. You can always rent your gear until you are ready. Remember choose someone who is going to work together with you to help you unlock the underwater world.

 

 

Yours in Diving,

Robert Veitch Ed.D.

SDI Divemaster #39873